Your questions, answered
Everything people ask us before they book: payment, delivery and set-up, how long balloons last, outdoor displays, safety and the environment.
Booking and payment
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can, especially for weekend dates.
Can I book at the last minute?
Sometimes. It depends on what is already booked that day and what we can get in time, so the sooner you ask, the better your chances.
How do I book?
Send us the enquiry form or email hello@lulubelleevents.co.uk with your date, venue or postcode, colours and any inspiration photos. Once we have agreed the design and price, we confirm your booking by email.
Is there a minimum spend?
For a set-up at your venue, prices start from £200. Collection orders usually have no minimum, and we look at each one individually.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. We take a £50 deposit when you book, and the rest is paid on completion. Businesses, schools and organisations can pay on an agreed invoice or purchase order.
What if I need to cancel or change my date?
Tell us as soon as you can and we will do our best to move your booking. Changes or cancellations within 48 hours of the event may be charged for anything we have already ordered or made.
Can I change the colours or design after booking?
Usually, yes. Let us know at least two days before the event, as some pieces are made in advance.
Delivery and set-up
Do you deliver and set up?
Yes. Delivery and set-up are part of every venue booking, and we finish before your guests arrive.
How much is delivery?
It depends on your postcode, how easy the venue is to get into and the size of the set-up. We tell you the cost in your quote.
Can I collect my balloons?
For some orders, yes, depending on what you have ordered. We will arrange a time with you.
What areas do you cover?
We are based in Leicestershire and we style events right across the county, plus Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Rutland. If you are a little further out, just ask and we will let you know.
How long does set-up take?
Most set-ups take about an hour. Bigger designs take longer, and we tell you how long when you book.
Do you come back to take it down?
Yes, whenever your design uses our frames, stands or backdrops. Those are ours, so we collect them after the event.
What happens to the balloons when you collect?
We take the display down and keep the frames and stands to use again.
Your design
What types of events do you style?
Baby showers, weddings, children's parties, christenings, gender reveals, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events and Christmas decorations. If you have something else in mind, we style bespoke events too.
Do you make balloon arches and garlands?
Yes. Organic balloon garlands, arches, towers, mosaic number walls and ceiling installations are one of our specialities.
Can you match my colours or theme?
Yes. Send us your colour palette, theme or a few inspiration photos and we will match them as closely as professional balloon colours allow.
Can you add names, ages, messages or logos?
Yes, with printed or vinyl lettering, depending on the design.
Can I send inspiration photos?
Please do. Pinterest and Instagram pictures help us see what you love, and we adapt the idea to your venue, colours and budget.
Will it look exactly like the photo?
It will have the same look and feel, but no two are identical. Organic garlands are built by hand and are not symmetrical, and colours, venue space and materials all make a difference.
Are your flowers fresh or artificial?
Both. We work with fresh and faux florals, styled to your colour palette. We will talk through which suits your event, venue and budget best.
Can I supply my own balloons?
No. We only use professional decor balloons from suppliers we trust, so we can stand behind how they look and last.
Can I keep the display?
The balloons are yours to keep. Frames, stands, props and backdrops are hired, so we collect them or you return them as agreed.
Can I see examples of your previous work?
Yes. There is a gallery on this site, our latest work goes up on Instagram and Facebook at @lulubelleevents, and every completed job is logged with photos on our Traded Proof record.
How long balloons last
How long do helium balloons last?
Latex helium balloons usually float for 12 to 14 hours. Treated with Hi-Float, they often last several days. Foil balloons last around a week or more in the right conditions.
How long will a garland or arch last?
Indoors, several days, and sometimes up to ten days.
How should I keep balloons before the event?
Indoors, out of direct sunlight, and away from heaters, the cold, sharp edges and pets.
Can I leave balloons in the car overnight?
Please don't. A car gets too hot or too cold for balloons.
Can balloons go near radiators or windows?
Keep them away from radiators, heaters, hot lights, fires and strong sun through a window.
Why do the colours look different from the photos?
Lighting, screens and surroundings all change how a colour looks. Latex also loses its shine over time, darker colours most of all. Foil balloons do not change in the same way.
What if a balloon pops while you set up?
We replace it there and then.
Outdoor displays
Can you set up outdoors?
Yes, with a little more planning. Tell us when you enquire so we can design for it.
How does hot weather affect balloons?
Heat and direct sun can make balloons expand, fade or burst. Dark colours fade fastest.
What if it rains?
Light rain is usually fine. Heavy rain can spoil how a display looks and how long it lasts, so moving it under cover is best where you can.
What if it is windy?
We use frames and secure structures where needed. Loose helium balloons on ribbons will always move more in the wind.
Can you guarantee how long an outdoor display lasts?
No. We cannot promise outdoors what we can indoors, but on a suitable day it will look good for your event.
What if the weather makes it unsafe to set up?
We will suggest moving indoors, changing the design or the spot, or setting up later if that is possible.
Balloon safety
Are balloons safe around children?
Yes, with an adult keeping an eye. Uninflated balloons and burst pieces can choke young children, so pick them up straight away.
What should I do if a balloon bursts?
Keep children and pets away, pick up every piece straight away and put it in the bin.
Is it safe to breathe in helium?
No. It pushes oxygen out of your lungs and can be dangerous.
Are balloons safe around pets?
Keep displays away from pets left on their own. Burst balloons, ribbons and small parts can be chewed, swallowed or tangled.
Can I move the display after you set it up?
Ask us first. Some can be moved carefully, but large, framed, wall and ceiling displays should only be moved by us.
Balloons and the environment
Are latex balloons plastic?
No. Latex balloons are made from natural rubber, but they still need to be used and thrown away responsibly.
Where does latex come from?
The sap of rubber trees, which can be tapped again and again without cutting the tree down.
Are latex balloons biodegradable?
Natural latex breaks down over time, but balloons should never be released or left outdoors.
Do you support balloon releases?
No, never.
What else do you do for the environment?
We reuse our frames and equipment, never release balloons, and offer collection where it suits.
Businesses, schools and venues
Do you do corporate events?
Yes: launches, openings, showrooms, brand events and venue displays.
Do you work with schools, nurseries and community groups?
Yes: school events, proms, open days, celebrations and community events.
Can you provide a quote and invoice?
Yes. Businesses and schools get a written quote and invoice, and can pay on an agreed purchase order.
Can you match our brand colours and add our logo?
Yes. We match your brand colours as closely as professional balloon ranges allow, and add your logo in print or vinyl depending on the display.
Can you set up before we open?
Yes. We plan the set-up so it is finished before your guests or customers arrive.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes. We can send the documents on request, along with a risk assessment for your venue.
Can you do regular events or several locations?
Yes, including repeat bookings, seasonal displays and work across more than one site.
Do I need my venue's permission?
Most venues are happy to have balloons, but check with yours before you book.
Will you damage the walls?
No. Most of our displays stand on their own, and we never stick balloons to walls, ceilings or floors. If something needs fixing, we use a method your venue allows, such as clear line.
Is there a deposit for hired equipment?
Usually not, though it can depend on the booking. If hired equipment is damaged or goes missing, replacement charges may apply.
What do you need from me for a quote?
Your date, venue address or postcode, when we can get in to set up, start and finish times, what you are celebrating, your colours and any inspiration photos.
Who will I be dealing with?
Samantha Mansfield, the founder. Every enquiry comes straight to her, so you get a real reply and a proper conversation about your day.
Still have a question?
Ask us anything. Every enquiry comes straight to Samantha.
Or email hello@lulubelleevents.co.uk