HOW TO HIRE · EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
How to hire a balloon decorator in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.
A balloon decoration in Ireland costs €80–€500 per job, typically around €200. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.
- Search and compare — no account needed
- Nearest to you first
- One score from Google, Trustpilot and Locufy reviews
THE 60-SECOND VERSION
Hiring a balloon decorator in five steps
- Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?No register covers balloon decorator work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — themed Events — themed events, such as Halloween or Christmas parties, can benefit from creative balloon designs like pumpkin-shaped balloons or festive wreaths.
- How does complexity of the design change the price?Detail is where the hours disappear on a job like this. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does number of balloons needed change the price?The count is the first question you will be asked. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does duration of the setup change the price?Most of this work is priced by the hour. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- What is not included?Corporate Events — corporate events often utilise balloon decorations for branding purposes, such as logo balloons and colour-coordinated decor — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a balloon decorator job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Check before you book
No register applies
NO REGISTER APPLIES TO DJS, BANDS, MARQUEE HIRERS OR ENTERTAINERS. What exists instead is insurance that venues demand and music licensing that the VENUE normally holds through IMRO and PPI, not the performer.
Look for the trader badge and the ID-checked badge on the Locufy profile — both are checked by us, not claimed by the provider.
What to check instead
Public liability insurance at the level YOUR VENUE requires — ask the venue first, then the supplier, because the venue sets the number; For anything with a structure or a ride, the inspection or test certificate; A written contract with the date, the hours, the set-up time and the overtime rate; What happens if they are ill — a named arrangement, not reassurance; Whether they have played your venue before, and what the power and access are like; PAT testing on their equipment, which many venues ask to see.
Ask for each of these before you agree a price, and get the answers in the same message as the quote.
Insurance
Expect public liability, and employer's liability if they bring crew. From a company, ask for the insurer, the limit and the VAT number, and ask who actually attends: the team that turns up may be employed, subcontracted or both, and only one of those is supervised by the firm you are paying.
Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.
Trader or private seller
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 a trader must tell you they are a trader, and your consumer rights — work carried out with reasonable skill and care, and a cooling-off period on a contract agreed in your home or online — apply to traders and not to private sellers. On Locufy the trader status is shown on the profile.
Look for the trader badge on the Locufy profile, and ask anyone else for it in writing before you agree a price.
VAT
VAT at 13.5%, the reduced rate Revenue publishes for this service. Ask whether the price you were given includes it. A trader under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge it; one over it must, and must show it separately.
Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →
A good answer: No register covers balloon decorator work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — themed Events — themed events, such as Halloween or Christmas parties, can benefit from creative balloon designs like pumpkin-shaped balloons or festive wreaths.
A good answer: Detail is where the hours disappear on a job like this. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: The count is the first question you will be asked. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Most of this work is priced by the hour. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Corporate Events — corporate events often utilise balloon decorations for branding purposes, such as logo balloons and colour-coordinated decor — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a balloon decorator job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
A good answer: Expect public liability, and employer's liability if they bring crew — weddings — for weddings, balloon decorations can enhance the venue with elegant balloon garlands, table centrepieces, and backdrop installations.
A good answer: A written scope and a price before the balloon decorator starts, and an itemised invoice after — birthday Parties — balloon decoration for birthday parties often includes themed balloon arches, centrepieces, and balloon bouquets.
Getting the quote right
- Complexity of the design — detail is where the hours disappear on a job like this.
- Number of balloons needed — the count is the first question you will be asked.
- Duration of the setup — most of this work is priced by the hour.
- Complexity of the arrangements — complicated work is priced with room for the unexpected.
- In writing before anyone starts — a message on Locufy counts
- What is NOT included, named
- Who actually attends, and whether they are employed or subcontracted
- The VAT number, and whether it checks out on the Revenue register
Walk away if
- They will not talk about it: complexity of the design — detail is where the hours disappear on a job like this
- They will not talk about it: number of balloons needed — the count is the first question you will be asked
- They will not talk about it: duration of the setup — most of this work is priced by the hour
- A price for the balloon decorator before anyone has asked the size, the access or the condition of what they are working on
- Cash only, or a large deposit before anything at all has started
- No written quote, or one that moves once the balloon decorator has begun
What a balloon decorator costs: €80–€500 per job
The figures are for the job, per job, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Balloon arches and Balloon bouquets each carry their own band. Balloon Decoration price guide →
Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE
Balloon decorators near you, with the badges that matter shown
ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you.
- Look firstComplexity of the design — detail is where the hours disappear on a job like this — that is what the balloon decorator is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
- Agree what is being doneNumber of balloons needed — the count is the first question you will be asked — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
- The work itselfDuration of the setup — most of this work is priced by the hour — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
- Check it togetherComplexity of the arrangements — complicated work is priced with room for the unexpected — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the balloon decorator is still there.
- What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, materials used — the grade you choose changes the bill more than the labour does.
- Birthday Parties
- Balloon decoration for birthday parties often includes themed balloon arches, centrepieces, and balloon bouquets.
- Weddings
- For weddings, balloon decorations can enhance the venue with elegant balloon garlands, table centrepieces, and backdrop installations.
- Corporate Events
- Corporate events often utilise balloon decorations for branding purposes, such as logo balloons and colour-coordinated decor.
- Themed Events
- Themed events, such as Halloween or Christmas parties, can benefit from creative balloon designs like pumpkin-shaped balloons or festive wreaths.
- Balloon Arches
- Creating stunning balloon arches that serve as entrances or focal points for events.
- Balloon Bouquets
- Arranging clusters of balloons in various sizes and colours to enhance table settings or gift displays.
AFTER
When the job is done
Hiring a balloon decorator: questions people ask
The cost of balloon decoration can vary based on the complexity of the design, the number of balloons needed, and the duration of the setup. Additional factors include travel distance and any specific requests for customised decorations.
The duration for balloon decoration setup can range from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the scale of the project. Smaller jobs may take less time, while larger events with intricate designs will require more time for setup.
Same-day booking for balloon decoration can be challenging due to scheduling constraints, but some providers may accommodate urgent requests. It’s best to contact suppliers directly to check availability for last-minute bookings.
Yes, many event service providers offer package deals for multiple related services, such as balloon decoration and catering. This can often lead to cost savings and a more streamlined planning process.
Out of scope for balloon decoration services generally includes installation of permanent structures or electrical work. Additionally, services like event planning or coordination may not be included unless specified in a package.
NO REGISTER APPLIES TO DJS, BANDS, MARQUEE HIRERS OR ENTERTAINERS. What exists instead is insurance that venues demand and music licensing that the VENUE normally holds through IMRO and PPI, not the performer.
MORE GUIDES
More hiring guides in events & entertainment
Balloon decorators near you
Sources — checked October 2026
- CCPC — your rights when you buy a service
- Consumer Rights Act 2022
- Courts Service — small claims
- Revenue — BUILDING and CONSTRUCTION SERVICES (Private dwellings and Non-residential immovable goods) — Reduced rate
- Revenue — current VAT rates (effective 1 January 2026)
- Revenue — VAT thresholds: €42,500 for a person supplying services only