Rental Setup Guide: Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Event

Whether you're setting up for the first time or just need a quick refresher, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to get your rental pieces looking great and ready for your event. Follow these tips and tricks for a smooth, stress-free setup!

How to Inflate Your Rental Pieces

Before you begin, lay out all your rental pieces on a clean, flat surface. Unroll or unfold each item carefully to avoid creases or damage. Once laid out, locate the inflation valve on each piece — it is typically a small nozzle or opening near the base or side of the item. Make sure the valve is fully open before connecting your pump. Inflate each piece slowly and steadily, pausing periodically to check for even inflation. Avoid over-inflating — pieces should feel firm but not stretched to the point of stress. If you notice any puckering or straining along the seams, release a little air. Once inflated, close the valve tightly to prevent any air from escaping.

Recommended: Inflate the pieces with cool air the day before your event. If you do this in the morning and then connect the pieces in the evening you can re-inflate as needed during the set-up process. This also helps reduce wrinkles from storage.

Special Tip: Most pieces have valves that open when pinched. Pinch the valves when inflating for a much faster fill.

Using the Pump

Your rental includes an electric pump to make inflation quick and easy. To use the pump, plug it into a standard electrical outlet. There is also a car outlet if needed.

Use the medium-sized nozzle. Any pieces that require smaller nozzles will already be inflated for you. Insert the nozzle firmly into the valve before turning the pump on. All pumps have both an inflate and a deflate setting, so confirm you are on the inflate setting before starting.

Hold the nozzle in place while the pump runs and monitor the piece as it fills. Once the desired firmness is reached, remove the nozzle quickly and close the valve immediately to avoid air loss. When deflating at the end of your event, switch to the deflate setting and use the same process in reverse. Keep the pump on a stable surface while in use and never leave it running unattended.

Securing the Rings and Elastics

Rings and elastics are used to keep your decorations securely in place. Start by attaching the elastic loops to the designated anchor points on the rental piece with rings. There are loops on the back of the arches and several places on the balloons themselves. Place a ring on the backdrop, connect the elastic, and then place a ring on the other side of the elastic to connect to the balloon pieces.

Recommendation: Don't overload the rings. You're better off to simply use another ring if you're straining to connect things. Overloaded rings will pop open and undo all your hard work.

Special Tip: Start by hooking your biggest balloons to the middle hook on the back drop. Ring, elastic, ring, hook the largest ballon piece, add another ring to that ring if necessary to hook the other side. Starting with the biggest pieces at the top is going to be the easiest way to do this.

Troubleshooting: We recommend assembling the middle attachments on the ground and then standing the piece up to finish set up on the sides. You can also choose to set up the back drop, place one full water bladder in the back, then bend the back drop down to attach the middle hook and main balloons. This is easier done with more hands. Lastly, you can use a step stool to climb up high enough to attach. Please follow any safety precautions when using a step stool or ladder.

If you find that your rings are popping open, they're likely overloaded. Try adding more rings or simply securing with string or ribbon.

Using String as an Alternative

If rings or elastics are not available, string works well as a substitute. Use a sturdy, non-stretch string such as nylon twine or jute cord. Cut lengths that allow enough slack to tie securely without cutting into the material. Thread the string through the attachment point and tie it with a double knot or a simple bow for easy removal at teardown. Avoid using string that is too thin or too sharp-edged, as it can dig into the fabric or vinyl and cause damage over time. When tying multiple points, keep tension consistent so the piece hangs or sits evenly. String is especially useful when you need adjustable lengths or are working with non-standard attachment points. Tie it tight enough that it will not slip, but not so tight that it pulls or distorts the shape of the piece.

Filling the Bladders

Two bladders are included with your setup to ensure the back drop doesn't fall over. Fill the bladder through the valve at teh top and close securely before moving. These are heavy once filled which is why there are two smaller ones instead of one large one.

Recommendation: Leave some capacity empty to allow for easier lifting. Fill and place both bladders in the back of the 7ft arch to ensure maximum stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My piece seems to be losing air. What should I check?

First, check that the valve is fully closed and secured. Even a slightly open valve will allow air to slowly escape. If the valve is closed and air is still leaking, run your hand along all the seams and around the valve to feel for escaping air. If you find a leak in a seam, do not continue to inflate the piece. Contact us immediately so we can assess and resolve the issue.

Q: Can I set up the rental pieces outdoors?

Yes! Most rental pieces are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Keep in mind that direct sunlight and heat can cause air to expand inside inflated pieces, so avoid over-inflating if your setup is in a hot, sunny location. Also be mindful of wind. We recommend against using these set ups in windy conditions (breezy is okay) to prevent damage so that we can return your security deposit.

Q: How long does setup typically take?

Setup time varies depending on the number of pieces and their size, but most setups take between 1 - 2 hrs conservatively, with one or two people. We recommend allowing extra time on your first setup so you can get comfortable with the process. Having all your tools and accessories laid out before you begin will help things go faster.

Q: Can the elastics be reused after my event?

Elastics are designed for multiple uses, but they do wear over time. Inspect them before each use for signs of stretching, thinning, or cracking. If an elastic feels weak or has lost significant tension, it should be replaced before your event. Please return all elastics, rings, and hardware with your rental items at the end of your event so we can assess them for future use.

Q: Do I need any special tools beyond what is included?

Most setups require only what is provided in your rental package. However, if you are using string or ribbon to set up your pieces, having a pair of scissors on hand is helpful.

Q: How do I properly deflate and pack up my rental pieces?

Open the valve and allow air to escape naturally, or use the pump on its deflate setting to speed up the process. Once deflated, gently fold or roll each piece following the natural fold lines to avoid creating sharp creases. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth if needed and allow it to dry before packing. Place all bladders, rings, elastics, string, and accessories back into the bags or cases they came in. Keeping everything organized makes the return process quick and ensures nothing gets lost. This will also help us return your security deposit faster.

Still Have Questions? We Are Here to Help!

We want your event setup to go off without a hitch! If you run into any issues or have questions that are not covered here, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@littlelanternkits.com Thank you for choosing us for your rental needs. We hope your event is everything you have dreamed of!