How to Choose the Right Setup for the Photos You Want

Balloon decorations are more than just décor. They’re the backdrop of your memories. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, baby shower, or holiday celebration, your balloon display will appear in dozens (sometimes hundreds!) of photos. And one of the most common issues we see is this:

👉 A group wants a big family or friends photo… but the balloon setup they ordered is too small to be seen.

As a result, the beautiful backdrop gets completely hidden behind people. The photos look crowded, the balloons disappear, and the investment in décor doesn’t shine the way it should.

This guide will help you understand how balloon decor size affects your photos and how to choose the right setup based on how many people you want in your pictures.

DON’T: Expect a Small Setup to Fit a Big Group

A one-panel, one-garland setup is adorable, but it’s designed for one or two people at a time, not the entire family.

When groups of 5–8 people try to pose in front of a small panel:

• They completely block the balloons

• The backdrop disappears

• Everyone has to squeeze, creating awkward angles

• The final pictures look cramped instead of magical

If you’re envisioning large family portraits, big friend groups, or multiple siblings together, you’ll need a larger backdrop.

DO: Match Your Balloon Setup to Your Photo Vision

Before choosing your décor size, ask yourself:

✨ How many people will be in the pictures at the same time?
✨ Do I want wide, spacious portraits or tight, close-up shots?
✨ Do I want people standing, sitting, or layered at different heights?

Here’s a simple guide:

1–2 People (Perfect for solo or duo photos)

Recommended setup:

• 1 panel + 1 garland

• Small statement piece

• Mini shimmer wall

• Small circle hoop

Best for:
Close-ups, birthday girl/boy + one guest, influencer content, headshots.

3–4 People (Small groups, couples + kids, siblings)

Recommended setup:

• At least 2 panels + 2 garlands

• Medium backdrop (6+ ft wide)

• Double arch design

Why:
This gives proper width so the balloons still frame the group beautifully instead of disappearing behind them.

5–8 People (Family photos, friend groups, coworkers)

Recommended setup:

• 3+ panels

• Large full-coverage backdrops

• 4x8 or 8x8 walls + balloon garlands

• “Styled Set” or “Tiered” décor designs

Why:
Wider backdrops create clean framing, even with multiple adults standing shoulder-to-shoulder.

8+ People or Photos With Mixed Heights (standing + sitting)

Recommended setup:

• Full set-style décor

• Multi-panel backgrounds

• Large backdrops + platforms

• Props for depth

• Balloon walls 10–16 ft wide

Why:
Platforms and multi-layer setups allow some people to sit while others stand, keeping the balloons visible from top to bottom.

Platforms Make a Huge Difference

Platforms instantly add:

• Height

• Dimension

• Levels for posing

• Space efficiency

With platforms, you can accommodate more people because some can sit while others stand, making the entire setup look intentional and magazine-worthy.

DON’T: Try to Fit Everyone Into a Tight Space

When your venue has only a tiny corner available:

❌ Avoid packing the whole family
❌ Don’t try to replicate large-group photo ideas Pinterest-style with a small setup
❌ Don’t expect a 4–5 ft wide decoration to frame 6–10 people

Small space = small setup = small groups.
In these cases, stick to 1–2 people at a time for the best photos.

DO: Plan Ahead for Photography

If you know you want:

• Family portraits

• Group shots

• Pictures with coworkers

• Sibling photos

• Everyone together around the birthday child

…then your décor needs to be sized accordingly.

A good rule of thumb:

⭐ The more people you want in the picture, the larger your setup must be.

⭐ The smaller the setup, the fewer people you should pose at once.

DO: Ask Your Balloon Stylist for Sizing Advice

At Salem Balloons & Flowers, we always help clients choose the right size based on:

• The number of people

• Venue size

• Photo goals

• Desired aesthetic

• Available space

We can recommend the perfect design so your photos look balanced, spacious, and beautifully framed every time.

Final Thoughts

Your photos should look magical, not cramped. By choosing décor that matches your photography goals, you ensure:

✔ The decoration shows beautifully
✔ Your guests look great
✔ The photos feel intentional and elegant
✔ Every picture becomes a memory worth keeping

Whether you want an intimate shot between two people or a full family portrait, we’re here to guide you to the perfect setup.