At NOW IT'S A PARTY, our balloon shop in Staunton, Virginia, we get a LOT of questions about helium balloons! How long do they last? What size should you get? Can they be used outside? And what type works best for your celebration?
Whether you're looking for helium balloons in Staunton, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg or the surrounding Shenandoah Valley, we're breaking down everything you need to know before ordering — plus sharing some of the helium balloon options available right here at NOW IT'S A PARTY.
💨 What is Helium, and Why Do We Use It?
Helium is a non-toxic, non-flammable gas that’s lighter than air—making it perfect for floating balloons! It's safe, fun, and creates an eye-catching look that instantly adds height and whimsy to your celebration.
🎈 When Should You Use Helium Balloons?
Helium balloons are best when you want to:
- Create eye-level balloon bouquets for tables
- Fill floor-standing bouquets to frame a photo spot or entrance
- Add vertical interest in tight spaces
- Make a statement with floating jumbo numbers or letters
- Surprise someone with a floating delivery or birthday bouquet
They're perfect for birthday parties, graduations, baby showers, pop-by gifts, store openings, and more!
📏 What Sizes of Helium Balloons Do You Offer?
We carry a variety of balloon sizes to suit every need:
- 11” latex balloons – Most commonly used for bouquets and general decor
- 17” latex balloons – Ideal for statement pieces or longer float times
- 24” and jumbo latex balloons – Stunning for bold, oversized looks
- Foil balloons – Numbers, letters, themed shapes, and characters
All are available in table-top or floor height arrangements so we can tailor your design based on your space and setup.
🎈 How Long Do Helium Balloons Last?
Float times vary depending on the balloon type, size, and environment:
- Latex Balloons (Standard Size): Typically float for 8–12 hours.
- Latex Balloons with Hi-Float: Up to 2–3 days indoors!
- Foil (Mylar) Balloons: Usually float 3–5 days or longer.
- Jumbo Latex Balloons: Can last 2–5 days, especially with Hi-Float.
Keep in mind that extreme temperatures, humidity, and exposure to sunlight can reduce float times.
💡 What Impacts Float Time?
Several factors affect how long helium balloons will float:
- Balloon size: Larger balloons float longer
- Material: Foil lasts longer than latex
- Hi-Float: We can treat latex balloons with Hi-Float to extend float time up to 2–3 days
- Environment: Heat, cold, sun, and wind can all affect how long your balloons last
💡 Pro Tip: Always transport and store helium balloons in a cool, dry space. Extreme heat can cause them to expand and pop!
🔥 Heat + Helium = Trouble
Foil balloons may have longer float times, but they’re still sensitive to heat. Heat causes helium to expand and can pop your balloons or reduce float time dramatically. It’s best to keep all helium balloons indoors or in temperature-controlled environments until you're ready to use them.
🌤️ Planning to use your balloons outdoors or in the heat?
We’ve put together a helpful blog full of tips for making your balloons last longer in warm weather. 👉Read: How to Keep Your Balloons Looking Their Best Outside
🎈 Helium Balloon Options Available at Our Staunton Balloon Shop
We’re so excited to now offer a variety of helium balloon designs to fit any style, space, or celebration—big or small! Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting an event, or just want to brighten someone’s day, we’ve got a floating option for you:
🎈 Regular Balloon Bundles
Classic and colorful! Includes a cluster of standard 11" latex balloons – perfect for centerpieces, greetings, or small pops of color. → Shop Helium Balloon Bundles
🎈 17" Balloon Bundles
Want longer float times and more impact? Our 17" latex balloons bring extra height and presence to your decor. → Shop 17" Balloon Bundles
✨ Mixed Latex & Foil Bouquets with Tassels
A fun and festive combo! These bouquets blend the best of both worlds with bright latex balloons, shiny foil accents, and optional tassels for a little extra flair. → Shop Helium Balloon Bundles
🔢 Jumbo Number Balloons (with Deluxe Options!)
Great for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or graduation years. Choose from a basic setup or go deluxe with added latex, foil balloons, and a full base. → Shop Jumbo Number Helium Balloons
🎈 Looking for Helium Balloons in Staunton, VA?
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, graduation, anniversary, baby shower, retirement, grand opening or just want to surprise someone, we'd love to help make it special!
NOW IT'S A PARTY offers helium balloon bouquets, jumbo number balloons, luxury bouquets and custom balloon decor from our balloon and party shop in Staunton, Virginia.
We serve customers throughout Staunton, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley.
🎈 Shop Helium Balloons Online
💐 Shop Luxury Balloon Bouquets
🎉 Explore Balloon Packages
Prefer some help choosing? Stop by the shop or give us a call at 540-569-2119 and we'll help you put something together!