::Disclaimer!  The photos in this post are purely inspirational and not from events that Wish Special Events has planned or coordinated.  We can re-create what you see below for your event but these are not a part of our portfolio::

I. Love. Balloons.  LOVE them.  However, there is a very fine line between high school prom balloons and gorgeous wedding balloons.  I am all for letting you do whatever you want for your wedding, but please…keep it pretty, not prommy.  I will give you an example.

Pretty:

Prommy:

(Okay, that first picture might be balloon overkill…but look how pretty!!!)

This post is, obviously, dedicated to one of the latest trends in weddings and engagements, balloons!  Gone are the days when balloons are only good for 5-year-olds birthday parties (although they’re still good for that too).  Balloons can be quite glamorous, if used in the right context.  I mean, even Pixar Studios is getting in on the action!

I can’t WAIT to see Up! Pixar has never steered me wrong.  They even used a mini version of the Up house, balloons attached, at their Cannes debut:

I can’t even imagine how many balloons that is!  But, wait…we’re supposed to be talking about weddings, not my love of children’s films.

Balloons have been very popular in engagement shoots these days.  I think it’s fun to add props to an engagement shoot, whether it’s balloons, hula hoops, or even your favorite furry animal.  It also helps with a little nervousness in front of the camera, because it gives you something to do with your hands.

Caroline Tran Photography:

Jessica Johnston Photography:

I love this giant balloon from Erin Hearts Court.  Anyone know where to get these great big balloons?

I saw these awesome photos on Green Wedding Shoes, photographed by Simply Bloom.  I love the sassy bride to be and her bubble gum!

Justine Ungaro, one of my favorite photographers, has discovered the joy of my favorite wedding venue, Glen Echo Park!

Max Wanger Photography:

How cute is this couple that I saw on Once Wed, photographed by Jill Thomas Photography:

Sarah Yates Photography:

In addition to just having awesome photos of yourselves with balloons, you can also use your engagement photos for save the dates, like this couple, featured on Green Wedding Shoes, did:

Of course, balloons aren’t just for engagement photos…they also make some AWESOME wedding shots!

(Also?  Her dress?  Perfection.)

Boutwell Studio took so many gorgeous pictures of this bride and her balloons, I couldn’t choose just one!

Caroline Tran:

See?  Another giant balloon, this one right here in DC, courtesy of Matt Mendelsohn.  Where do these giant balloons come from?!  I must know!

Let your bridesmaids get in on the action too, like these girls photographed by Jamie Hammond:

Remember my photography crush, Jake Holt?  In. Love.  Oh, with Jake, yes, but also this balloon chandelier!

I have no idea where that one came from, but apparently you can buy a kit to make your own balloon chandelier or lamp, which I learned on Love Made Visible!  I need one for my house, clearly.

Heh.  This picture from Luna Photo makes me laugh:

I think I might have a little crush on this bride.  Maybe it’s the lipstick she’s rocking?  I mean, in addition to the balloons, obviously  (Photo by Kate Headley):

Hopefully this looks familiar — it’s the same couple as featured on the Washingtonian Bride & Groom magazine!  Congrats Matt Mendelsohn, for making the cover:

Studio This Is:

Of course, if you’re going to have balloons at your wedding, guess who’s going to get ahold of them?

But balloons aren’t just for holding for photo ops…you can use them to decorate!  (Again, remember to repeat to yourself “This is neither a prom nor a child’s birthday party”)

Amelia Lyon:

Amy Atlas, genius of all things dessert table:

I think Hallie, my Glen Echo Bride, was thinking about borrowing this idea for escort cards.  I strongly approve!  (Um…wait, am I going to have to blow up all of those balloons?) From 100 Layer Cake:

Martha Stewart Weddings:

Oh Joy!

Once Wed:

Here’s another cute escort card idea, also from Once Wed:

I love this photo of clear balloons with gold strings.  This would look cute in place of paper lanterns, don’t you think?

The one area of weddings where balloons are slightly controversial is as the send off.  Apparently, balloons could possibly choke animals once they pop?  However, another web site that I read said that latex balloons, which most wedding balloons would be, are biodegradable.  I don’t know who to believe!  I’m not a scientist, so I can’t really comment either way.  I definitely think a balloon release as a send off could be beautiful, but probably not the best idea for Mother Earth:

The Weibners:

Will you be having balloons at your wedding?  Send us your photos!