How to price balloon columns and centerpieces
How much to charge for balloon columns and table centerpieces: what each one really costs, worked examples, pair and volume pricing, and helium.
Columns and centerpieces are the "small" items on a balloon quote, and that's exactly why they get underpriced. One column takes a base, a pole, a few dozen balloons and around an hour of work. Twelve centerpieces take twelve weights, twelve lengths of ribbon and a good share of a helium tank. Price them from what they really cost, and they become some of your most profitable lines.
What a balloon column costs you
A standard column is a weighted base, a pole, stacked clusters of balloons and a topper: a large balloon, a foil number or a small bouquet. The method is the same as for garlands, and the true cost includes:
- Balloons for the clusters and topper, plus 10–15% for pops
- Build time, mostly sizing and tying clusters
- Base and pole wear, or the rental cost if you hire them
- Supplies: ties, tape, sand or water for the base
- A share of the job's travel and setup
See How to price a balloon garland (with a worked example).
Worked example: one 6 ft column
Example figures only — use your own.
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Balloons, including pops | $16 |
| Build time, 1 hour at $15 | $15 |
| Base and pole wear | $3 |
| Supplies | $2 |
| Share of travel and setup | $8 |
| True cost | $44 |
At a 60% margin: $44 ÷ (1 − 0.60) = $110 per column.
Price pairs honestly
Columns usually come in pairs, either side of a door or a stage. It's tempting to knock a big amount off the second column, but it uses the same balloons and the same build time as the first. Only the travel and setup share drops. A fair pair price takes off what you actually save:
Pair cost: $44 + $36 (no extra travel) = $80. At a 60% margin: $80 ÷ 0.4 = $200 for the pair, instead of $220 for two singles.
That's a real saving for the client, and it doesn't come out of your margin.
What a centerpiece costs you
Centerpieces (centrepieces in the UK) come in two main kinds:
- Helium bouquets: three to five balloons on ribbon, tied to a weight
- Air-filled table toppers: small organic clusters or mini garlands on a base, with no helium
Helium centerpieces carry extra costs: the helium itself, a float-time treatment if you use one, and a shorter safe window between inflating and the event. Float times vary by balloon size, brand, treatment and room temperature, so inflate as close to the event as you can and explain this in your terms.
Worked example: a helium centerpiece
Example figures only — use your own.
| Cost | Per centerpiece |
|---|---|
| Balloons, including pops | $3.00 |
| Helium | $2.50 |
| Weight and ribbon | $1.50 |
| Build time, 15 minutes at $15 | $3.75 |
| Share of travel and setup | $1.25 |
| True cost | $12.00 |
At a 60% margin: $12 ÷ 0.4 = $30 per centerpiece, or $360 for 12 tables.
Volume pricing without losing money
Large orders do save some time, because you build in batches. Time yourself building a batch of 20, and use that real per-piece time to price larger orders. Don't take a flat 20% off because an order is big; that discount often comes straight out of your margin. A tiered price list (1–9, 10–24, 25 or more) built from your batch times keeps you profitable at every size.
Minimums and add-ons
Set a minimum order so a single centerpiece doesn't cost you a full trip. Charge separately for foil toppers, custom vinyl, confetti-filled balloons and very early or same-day delivery. For venue jobs, ask how many tables there are and when you can access the room before you quote.
Related: How much to charge for a balloon arch.
Sarvyam keeps columns, centerpieces and arches as costed items you can add to any quote, with your margin shown before you send it. Start free at sarvyam.com.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for balloon columns?
Work out the true cost of one column (balloons, pops, build time, base wear, supplies and a travel share), then divide by one minus your target margin. Rates vary by city and style.
Should I discount a pair of balloon columns?
Only by what you genuinely save, usually the travel and setup share of the second column. The balloons and build time are the same.
How do I price balloon centerpieces for a wedding or party?
Price one centerpiece from its true cost, then use your batch build times to set tiered prices for larger quantities.
Should centerpieces be helium or air-filled?
Air-filled toppers last longer and need no helium; helium bouquets give height. Price them as separate items.
