Marquee numbers and balloon mosaics are both popular ways to make a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or milestone event feel extra special. While are both beautiful to look at and can serve a similar purpose, they create very different looks. Here I will discuss the differences between these two items so that you can decide which option makes the most sense for your event. Obviously, there isn’t a necessarily a “better” choice, it all depends on the look you are going for, the budget that is available, and the overall vibe of the event.

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What Are Marquees?

Marquees are large, freestanding characters with light bulbs built into them. They create a classic, polished look especially for weddings. They are great for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or really any event that has a celebratory number associated with it!

Our specific marquees are

• 3 Feet Tall
• White
• Made of Wood
• Illuminated with Plug-In Bulbs

They can be rented individually or paired together to create double digit ages, grad years, anniversary numbers, and more!!

Why People Love Marquee Numbers

They make a great focal point that not only looks great, but lights up! Marquees look fantastic on their own, or surrounded by balloons for an even grander statement! They can also help fill a larger event space because, especially when spelling out words, they take up a lot of space length wise or can be stacked. Then of course they are reusable rental items, so there is nothing for the client to store or dispose of afterwards!

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What Are Balloon Mosaics?

Balloon mosaics, in our definition, is a number/letter/symbol shaped frame filled with balloons. Instead of lighting up like a marquee, the balloons themselves create the design!! The colors of the balloons can of course be customized to coordinate beautifully with the event and they tend to have a more playful, colorful feel.

Why People Love Balloon Mosaics

Balloon mosaics are much more customizable with color and foil balloon design, which also makes them fantastic for kids’ birthdays and themed parties. They create a cute photo opportunity and have a completely different look than traditional balloon garlands or arches. They are also much lighter than marquees, making them more ideal for parties with rambunctious children!

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Marquee Numbers vs. Balloon Mosaics: What’s the Difference?

1. Overall Look

Marquee Numbers: Clean, polished, bold, illuminated statement piece.

Balloon Mosaics: Colorful, playful, whimsical and balloon-focused.

2. Customization

Marquee Numbers:

• The number itself stays white.
• Customize the display by adding balloon garlands, florals, signage, backdrops, or other decor around it.
• Lastly balloon colors can still coordinate with the party theme.

Balloon Mosaics:

• The balloons inside the number can be customized.
• Multiple colors and balloon sizes can be incorporated.
• Easy to match a very specific party palette.
• Can make unique shapes not available in marquees

3. Lighting

Marquee Numbers:

• Light up.
• Add ambiance to the room.
• They stand out particularly well at evening events or in darker venues.
• Require access to an electrical outlet.

Balloon Mosaics:

• Typically don’t include lighting.
• Depend more on color and balloon placement for visual impact.

4. Durability

Marquee Numbers:

• Sturdy wooden rental pieces.
• Better suited for long events and repeated use.
• Need protection from rain and severe weather.

Balloon Mosaics:

• Primarily made from balloons and a lightweight frame.
• Balloons can pop or deflate.
• Outdoor heat, direct sunlight, wind, and other conditions can affect them.

5. Setup & Cleanup

Marquee Numbers:

• Delivered and set up as rental items.
• Picked up after the event.
• Client doesn’t have to figure out what to do with a giant number afterward.

Balloon Mosaics:

• Depending on how they’re made, they may be disposable or something the client keeps.
• Balloon disposal may be necessary after the event.

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Can You Add Balloons to Marquee Numbers?

Absolutely! We can add balloons in multiple different arrangements/styles around the marquee set up. Here you can see more about our different designs for balloons + marquees. Again, we can match the balloons to the event color palette. Specifically, if you want go big with balloons, we can put balloons around the entire marquee set up for a major statement.

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Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Marquees If…

• You want something bold and polished.
• You love the look of light-up decor.
• You want the marquee to be a major focal point.
• You’re creating a photo opportunity.
• You want to add balloons around the marquees.
• You don’t want to keep or dispose of the decor afterward.

Choose Balloon Mosaics If…

• You want the number itself to incorporate your party colors.
• You’re going for a playful or whimsical look.
• Balloons are the main focus of your event design.
• You love the look of lots of smaller balloons arranged together.

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Renting Marquee Numbers in Lawrence, Kansas

We currently offer marquee rentals in and around Lawrence, Kansas. See our services page here to see updated pricing. After you inquire about renting our marquees, you have the option to schedule a complimentary consultation with our owner to discuss your event needs in depth.

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Final Thoughts: Marquees or Balloon Mosaics?

Wrap up with a simple takeaway:

Both options can make a big impact. Balloon mosaics are perfect for someone who wants a colorful, balloon-filled number, while marquee numbers are ideal for someone who wants a polished, illuminated statement piece.

And if you want the color and fun of balloons plus the impact of a marquee number? Pair them together!

Ready to take the plunge? Inquire through the button below!