For a completely modern and not-kitschy approach to balloons at an event, try a look from Geronimo. Creations come in a variety of colors and sizes, and include decorations made from fine ribbon, vintage millinery, and hand-cut paper. Planners can request any color combination for both the balloons and decorative elements. Jihan “Jihanimo” Zencirli founded the company as a way to celebrate the milestones of friends and family in her hometown of Seattle in 2010. She opened the doors to her Los Angeles studio and workshop earlier this month.
Options include the Cadette Balloon Trooper, a 36-inch round latex balloon with 28 inches of hand-cut paper and metallic decoration attached ($75), or the Ambassador Balloon Trooper, a 36-inch round latex balloon with 72 inches of hand-cut paper and metallic decorations, with the option of fine silk ribbon or accordion tissue ($125). For an over-the-top gift or centerpiece, the Certified Balloon Trooper is a 36-round latex 24-karat gold-gilt and diamond-dusted balloon with 144 inches of 18th-century fine French ribbon, hand-marbled and painted Italian tissue paper, New Zealand huia bird feather, and Austrian crystal balloon weight, for $5,000.
Geronimo also offers a recycling program. Return a deflated balloon and fringe in reusable condition, and Geronimo will issue a credit toward a future order and donate the materials to public school classrooms to be reused for art projects. Pickup and shipping is available, as is delivery, depending on order size and location.