(Photo Credit: Yunhee Kim/ marthastewartweddings.com)

We love ideas that are cute, simple and easy to do. We spotted this escort balloon DIY idea and we would be terrible people if we didn’t share it with you! We love this cute idea, especially for outdoor weddings and weddings with children. It also serves as a pretty neat way to break the ice amongst guests sitting at the same table who may not know everyone’s name. Each guest can tie their balloon to the back of their chairs and voilà instant way to make the tension at the table float away (see what we did there?). Alternatively, all your guests can put their balloons together and make a friendly centerpiece at their tables. These float-y seating arrangements can also double as favor boxes; just tie goodie- filled favor boxes to each balloon to act as a weight. Is there anything these lovely balloons can’t do?!

What You’ll Need

5 inch Helium Balloons in the color of your choice (Pantone suggests “Tangerine Tango”); one for each guest

Sharpie oil based paint marker (lighter if balloon color is dark or darker if balloon color is light)

Favor Boxes; one for each guest

One-two spools of embroidered thread or glossy balloon string in color of your choice (You may need less spools depending on your number of guests and how high you tie your balloons.)

Scissors

Helium Tank (These can be rented from local party shops, or you can prepare your balloons and take them to a party shop to be blown up for you and picked up the day of the wedding.)

Your maid-of-honor or all your bridesmaids! The more the merrier and the faster you get through these!

Instructions:

Step 1: Inflate a balloon to the size of your liking.

Step 2:  As you inflate your balloons, have a bride’s maid cut about 24 inches of your thread to tie to your balloons. Tie string to the tag of the balloon and secure firmly to a favor box. *For a more chic look, cut uneven amounts of string so balloons are all sitting at different heights.

Step 3: Holding the balloon, take your sharpie and write (in your best handwriting) the name of your guest and their table number. You may want to leave this to your bridesmaid with impeccable penmanship. Write this on both sides so no matter which way the balloon turns your guest will be able to find their name.

Step 4: Admire!

* If you’re going to prepare the balloons beforehand to be inflated at a party shop, inflate your balloon by mouth and hold the opening of the balloon with your hand to prevent the air from escaping. Do NOT tie the balloon.  Write the name of your guests and their table numbers on the inflated balloon and then release the air from the balloon. Your writing will look small and a little squished but when the balloon is inflated it will expand. Give yourself enough time to pick up balloons to be affixed to your party boxes before your wedding.

Idea courtesy of Martha Stewart weddings.