Birthday Bunting

Birthday bunting: how much you need, how to hang it, and what to pair it with

Bunting is the low-effort decoration: one string across a wall and the room reads as a party. The trick is length and height, both of which people get wrong on the first go.

This page covers how much bunting a wall needs, whether fabric or paper is worth it, how to hang it so the triangles sit evenly, and how to make it work with a banner rather than fight it.

Honest note: we don't sell fabric bunting. We do stock happy birthday banners, number balloons, cake toppers, confetti and cards, all posted from the UK, and they pair with bunting from anywhere.

How much bunting you need

• Measure the wall and add a third — bunting needs slack to hang in a curve.
• A three-metre wall wants about four metres of bunting on one string.
• Two shorter strings at different heights look better than one long droopy one.
• Roughly one triangle every 20cm keeps a string looking full rather than sparse.
• For a marquee or garden fence, work in five-metre runs so it's manageable to hang.
• Buy one spare string — you always want an extra above the food table.

Fabric, paper or card

• Fabric lasts for years and is worth it if you'll reuse it every birthday.
• Paper bunting is cheap and fine indoors, but curls in damp weather.
• Card triangles hold shape best for photos and can be written on.
• Foil or tassel garlands catch light better than fabric under indoor lamps.
• Make your own from wrapping paper and ribbon if you want exact colours.
• Keep it to two colours plus a neutral so it doesn't fight the banner.

How to hang it properly

• Hang the ends higher than you think — the middle always drops.
• Pin the centre point first, then work outward so the drape is even.
• Command hooks, drawing pins or washi tape all hold paper bunting fine.
• Eye level behind the food table beats a doorway nobody photographs.
• Iron fabric bunting before hanging; creases show up badly in photos.
• Outdoors, tie both ends tight to fixed points or it will spin in wind.

What to pair it with

• A happy birthday banner in the centre, bunting either side of it.
• A cake topper picking up one colour from the bunting.
• Table confetti in the same accent colour, scattered thinly.
• A sash or crown so the birthday person stands out in every photo.
• The card in the same colour family, so the whole day looks planned.

Happy birthday banners

The wall piece that anchors a balloon or bunting display.

Cake toppers

Wooden, rose gold and children's designs for shop-bought cakes.

Table confetti, sashes and crowns

Table and photo details that match the colour scheme.

Where to shop next

• Party supplies
• Buy party supplies
• Birthday balloons
• Happy birthday banners
• Bunting & banners
• Cake toppers
• Table confetti
• Party bag fillers
• Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• How much helium for balloons
• Balloon arch ideas
• How to use a balloon arch kit
• How to make bunting
• How to hang bunting
• Party bag ideas for kids
• What to put in a party bag
• Birthday badges & party pins
• Birthday cards
• Birthday balloons
• Party decorations
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Gifts to make someone smile
• Thinking of you gifts
• Funny Birthday Cards for Dad - shop the range
• Funny Birthday Cards for Her - shop the range
• Funny Birthday Cards for Him - shop the range

Frequently asked questions

Do you sell bunting?

Not fabric bunting. We make happy birthday banners, cake toppers, table confetti and cards in the UK — the banner is the piece most people hang instead of, or alongside, bunting.

How much bunting do I need?

Measure the wall and add about a third for slack, so a three-metre wall takes roughly four metres of bunting. Two shorter strings at different heights usually look better than one long run.

Is fabric or paper bunting better?

Fabric if you'll reuse it every year, paper if it's for one party indoors. Paper curls in damp weather, so keep it off garden fences on a wet day.

How do I hang bunting without marking the wall?

Command hooks or washi tape at each end, with the centre pinned first so the drape is even. Hang the ends higher than looks right — the middle always drops.

What height should bunting go?

Eye level behind the food or drinks table. That's where people gather and where the photos get taken.

Can I order a banner and card together?

Yes. Banners, toppers, confetti, pin badges and cards ship together from the UK in one order, so you're not paying postage twice.