5 Funny/Random Things People Have Said to Me as a Balloon Decorator

As a balloon decorator, I’ve heard my fair share of funny and unexpected comments over the years. Sometimes it’s a good laugh, sometimes it’s just plain confusion, but all of them remind me that what I do can be pretty quirky to the uninitiated! Here are a few of the funniest things people have said to me in my balloon business:

1. "Oh gosh, it smells like balloons in here. I’m sure you’re used to it though."

This one cracks me up! The smell of latex balloons is pretty distinct, and I guess it’s something you don’t notice once you’re working with them all the time. But to the untrained nose, apparently, it’s a bit overwhelming. I can’t say I’ve ever thought about the "balloon scent" before, but after this comment, I kind of can’t stop noticing it now!

2. "Do you blow those all up with your mouth?"

Ah, the classic question! I can’t count how many times I’ve had people ask this one, and every time, I can’t help but chuckle. As much as I admire a good lung workout, the idea of blowing up hundreds (or even thousands) of balloons with my mouth is honestly a terrible thought. Thankfully, balloon decorators like me have electric pumps to make our lives easier! But it’s always fun to imagine the exhaustion that would come with inflating all those balloons by mouth.

3. "Do you make those balloon animals too?"

This one always gets me. While balloon animals are a big part of some balloon businesses, it's not really what I do. The idea of sculpting balloons into little poodles or giraffes might be fun for some, but I’m over here designing elaborate arches and centerpieces, not twisting balloons into shapes. I guess people just assume that any balloon decorator must be skilled in balloon animal artistry too!

4. "So, do you just throw them up in the air and see where they land?"

Ah, the misconception that balloon décor is somehow effortless! It’s always funny when people assume that creating large balloon installations is as easy as tossing a few balloons around. What they don’t see is the hours of planning, prepping, and assembling that go into making an event look spectacular. Maybe one day I’ll show them my behind-the-scenes process!

5. "Can you make the balloons fly all by themselves?"

The classic “Can you make them float forever?” question. Yes, balloons float, but sadly, they don’t last forever! I’ve had clients ask if I could make their balloon display last for weeks, or even months, without them losing air or floating away. If only it were that simple! Unfortunately, gravity and air pressure don’t cooperate in the way some might hope. But I’m happy to reassure them that with the right materials and maintenance, we can make sure they look great for the duration of the event!