Birthdays are times of celebrations and fun, and balloons are a popular way of commemorating this. Since the 1970's balloons have been a symbolic way to signalling a celebration of some kind, whether it is wedding balloons, birthday balloons, or more general party balloons. There are the common plain balloons, which usually come in multicoloured variety packs, there are special balloons with the celebrated event on it, or there are even balloons that you can buy from card shops already inflated with helium. The latter are made of much stronger plastic than normal balloons, and normally stay inflated for several days.

What kind of birthday balloons you buy depends upon you needs. Helium-inflated birthday balloons make great birthday gifts, and even a balloon covered in childish cartoon characters can touch the heart of a young woman (provided there is also a larger gift, of course). These kinds of birthday balloons can be quite expensive, though, so they are better used as individual presents, rather than as decorations for a party. Getting a large amount of cheaper balloons is more practical for this purpose.

If you are planning a birthday party, birthday balloons are always appropriate. You can tie them to wall fittings in bunches, and hang them from the backs of chairs. Air-inflated balloons will hang downwards from the string, so you must take that into account when arranging them. Balloons also look great just scattered on the floor, and if you are renting a hall, then you should consider inflating a hundred or so, and just letting them bob against the chair and table legs. Be careful not to step on them, as they certainly go off with a bang!

Balloons are very versatile, as you can not only use them as wall decorations, but they can also be filled with helium, and used as centrepieces. A few birthday balloons attached to the table by a weighed object makes an attractive place marker, too. You could also try and find a balloon sculptor, who can make balloons into useful structures, including stands. The latter is relatively uncomplicated, involving tying two balloons together, and then crossing two more tied balloons over the top, and so on until you have the complete structure. A couple of columns (probably of plain, rather than ‘happy birthday' balloons) either side of the door, can provide an attractive entrance to your celebration room. For more complicated structures, such as balloons that form an arch across the ceiling, it is probably better to involve a professional.

Whatever function you want your balloons to serve, they symbolise a light and festive atmosphere. Try and pick light-coloured balloons for your decorations, unless the guest-of-honour prefers black or dark colours; in which case, buy your birthday balloons from a specialist source, and use sparingly in a mix with brighter colours.