Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about our balloons, local pickup, shipping and decorating. Can't find what you need? Contact us.
Ordering, Pickup & Shipping
Where can I buy Tuftex balloons in Houston?
Jolie's Party Shop in Spring, TX (north Houston) stocks genuine Tuftex latex balloons in 5", 11", 17", 24" and 36" sizes across dozens of colors. Order online for shipping, or choose local pickup at checkout — pickup orders are usually ready in about an hour.
Do you offer local pickup near Houston or Spring, TX?
Yes. Pick up at 22131 Rothwood Rd, Suite 302, Spring, TX 77389. Choose local pickup at checkout — orders are usually ready in about an hour.
Store hours: Monday–Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 10am–3pm, closed Sunday. Picking up in person is also a great way to see exact colors before a big install.
How much is shipping? Do you offer free shipping?
We ship nationwide, and orders of $200 or more ship free. Shipping costs for smaller orders are calculated at checkout. Houston-area customers can also choose free local pickup.
How far in advance should I order balloons for my event?
Uninflated latex balloons keep for months in a cool, dark place, so you can order any time. For shipped orders, we recommend ordering at least 1–2 weeks before your event. In the Houston area, local pickup covers last-minute needs.
Do you sell balloons in bulk for professional decorators?
Yes. We stock 100-count bags of 11" latex and other bulk sizes, plus decorator supplies like electric and hand pumps, glue dots, balloon sizers, shine spray, Hi-Float and weights. Wholesale pricing is available for bulk orders — contact us for details.
Do you sell inflated balloons or balloon decorations?
No. We're a balloon supplier: all our balloons come uninflated, and we don't offer decorating or installation services.
Our Balloons
What's the difference between Tuftex, Sempertex and Kalisan balloons?
All three are professional-grade latex brands, and we carry all three. Tuftex (made in the USA) is known for durable, rich color. Sempertex (Colombia) offers a huge color range, including fashion-forward tones. Kalisan (Turkey) is loved for its soft pastels and mirror (chrome) finishes.
How accurate are balloon colors on your website?
Screens show colors differently, so we built a Color Match page with real-life photos of each shade, including side-by-side comparisons across brands. You're also welcome to visit our Spring, TX store to see colors in person.
Can I match balloons to my corporate brand or wedding colors?
Usually, yes. Between the Tuftex, Sempertex and Kalisan color ranges — plus double-stuffing for custom blends — most palettes can be matched closely. Compare shades on our Color Match page or visit us in Spring, TX.
When should I use 5", 11", 17" or 24" balloons?
11" is the standard size for garlands, arches and clusters. 17" and 24" are statement sizes for focal points, photo backdrops and large installations. 5" balloons fill gaps and add texture in organic garlands.
What is double-stuffing balloons?
Double-stuffing means placing one balloon inside another before inflating. It creates custom blended colors and a rich, opaque finish. Tuftex is a decorator favorite for double-stuffing.
Are latex balloons biodegradable?
Our latex balloons are made from natural rubber latex, which breaks down over time — unlike foil (mylar) balloons, which don't. Either way, please never release balloons outdoors: pop them and throw them away after your event.
Planning & Decorating
How many balloons do I need for a balloon garland?
As a rule of thumb, plan on about 10–12 balloons per foot for a full organic-style garland. A 10-foot garland typically needs about 100–120 balloons in mixed sizes (5", 11" and 17").
What accessories do I need to build a balloon garland?
At minimum: balloons in mixed sizes, a pump, and a garland strip or decorating strip to hold them together. Glue dots attach small balloons to fill gaps, a balloon sizer keeps clusters uniform, and shine spray gives a polished finish. We carry pumps, glue dots, sizers and shine spray in our Accessories collection.
Should I fill my balloons with air or helium?
Use helium for anything that needs to float, like bouquets and ceiling designs. Use air for garlands, arches and walls built on frames — air-filled designs last much longer, cost less and can't float away.
How long do helium-filled latex balloons last?
An 11" latex balloon filled with helium usually floats for about half a day to a day. Treating it with Ultra Hi-Float before inflating can extend float time to several days.
What is Hi-Float and do I need it?
Ultra Hi-Float is a liquid coating applied inside a latex balloon before helium inflation. It slows helium loss so balloons float much longer. Use it for helium designs that need to look fresh more than a day after inflating.
Do latex balloons hold up in Texas heat?
Heat and direct sun shorten balloon life by speeding up oxidation (the dull, cloudy look). For outdoor events, inflate the day of, keep displays shaded when possible, and use a shine spray like Hi-Shine to slow oxidation.
Are your balloons safe for outdoor events?
Latex balloons work outdoors but wear faster in sun and heat. Inflate on the day of the event, avoid peak sun, and never release balloons — pop and dispose of them responsibly afterward.
