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Planning a celebration is half imagination, half logistics — and the party store you choose can make the difference between a forgettable gathering and a night people rave about. The right retailer gives you on-trend decor, reliable supplies, and ideas that fit your budget and timeline. Think about it: if your balloons last all night, the centerpieces don’t flop, and your favor bags look polished, your party feels intentional. That’s why this guide walks you through five top US party and celebration stores, plus alternatives and pro tips so your next bash is both beautiful and budget-friendly.
I focused on retailers that deliver a mix of selection, value, and creative options: big-box outlets that offer convenience, specialty shops for custom touches, and online marketplaces that provide unique finds. Each store listed below excels in at least one area — bulk supplies, DIY craft materials, elegant stationery, or unbeatable prices. Whether you’re decorating a backyard patio for a 50-person birthday or putting together a tabletop centerpiece for a shower, you’ll find the right fit somewhere in this roundup.
Party City is a household name for a reason: it carries a huge range of themed party supplies, balloons, and tableware suitable for parties of all sizes. From licensed character plates for kids to metallic balloons and table runners for adult celebrations, Party City offers convenience and reliable in-store and online stock. If you need 18-inch mylar balloons, 9-inch latex balloons in bulk, or themed plates and napkins, this store has you covered.
Sales cycle through frequently, so you can score discounts on seasonal items if you time your purchase. If you’re after large balloon bouquets, consider pre-ordering online and picking up in store to guarantee availability. For outdoor events, pick heavier-weight tablecloths and use weights for balloons; a 1-pound balloon weight per bouquet is a simple rule of thumb to keep things grounded in a breezy backyard.
When your guest list climbs into the dozens, Oriental Trading becomes a smart choice. This retailer specializes in bulk party favors, craft kits, and small decorative items that won’t break the bank. If you need 24 favor bags, 100 stickers, or a hundred plastic cups, Oriental Trading is designed for volume. The site’s party packs and pre-priced bundles are also helpful when you want a cohesive look without designing everything from scratch.
Look for coupon codes and order early — shipping on large bulk orders can take time, so plan at least two to three weeks for arrival for non-priority options. Also, consider mixing a few splurge items (a custom banner or centerpiece) with bulk fillers to make homemade decorations feel higher-end without inflating your spend. Use tape, glue dots, and a glue gun to combine inexpensive items into polished displays that look custom-made.
Michaels stands out when you want to craft your own decorations. The store’s wide selection of floral supplies, foam core, ribbons, baker’s twine, and acrylic paints makes it ideal for DIY centerpieces and custom signage. If you’re making a 3-foot high welcome sign or arranging a bouquet that needs floral foam and wire, Michaels will have the materials. Plus, frequent coupons make expensive craft components more affordable.
Turn plain paper lanterns into themed hanging decor with paint and stencils, or create a memory wall using 4x6-inch photo prints and washi tape arranged in a grid. For table décor, consider silk greenery and foam forms to build low floral arrangements that won’t get in the way of conversation. If you’ve got an afternoon and a glue gun, you can build focal pieces that look like they cost three times as much.
Paper Source is the go-to for upscale paper goods, including invitations, personalized stationery, and unique gift items. If your party needs hand-lettered place cards, foil-pressed invitations, or specialty envelopes, this shop provides a level of refinement that mass-market outlets don’t. The tactile feel of heavy cardstock, custom printing, and well-chosen embellishments elevates the entire event aesthetic.
Order a few sets of luxe place cards and pair them with simple kraft favor boxes for balance. Use their custom invitation services to set the tone of the event — choose a color palette and carry it through to menu cards and thank-you notes for a cohesive experience. Even small details, like a printed menu placed on a napkin folded in a particular way, can transform a table from casual to curated.
Dollar stores like Dollar Tree or Family Dollar are surprisingly powerful allies when you want to save. While the quality of some items can be hit-or-miss, with a little creativity you can turn dollar-store finds into centerpieces, favor items, or game supplies. Think candles, plastic drinkware, simple frames, and battery-operated tea lights that can be upgraded with ribbon, spray paint, or faux greenery.
Buy plain vases in bulk and spray them with metallic paint to create uniform centerpieces, or glue ribbon and a small floral sprig to inexpensive frames for personalized table numbers. When you mix a few premium items (fresh flowers, a custom banner) with cleverly upgraded budget finds, guests won’t notice where you saved — they’ll just notice the overall effect.
If you’re hunting for bespoke decor or artisan-crafted details, Etsy is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind banners, custom cake toppers, and handmade favors that add personality to a celebration. Amazon remains unmatched for convenience and same-day needs for basics like tape, scissors, and extra plates. And don’t discount local party boutiques — these shops often carry curated items that reflect regional trends, and they can offer personal guidance if you prefer in-person shopping.
When choosing between these retailers, weigh three factors: selection, price, and customization. Party City and Dollar Tree offer quick solutions and broad stock, while Oriental Trading wins on price per item in bulk. Michaels and Paper Source are best for customization and creative control. If your event leans heavily on aesthetics and branding — like a corporate launch or milestone anniversary — prioritize stores that offer customization or high-quality materials.
Start with a master checklist: theme, guest count, venue, and must-have elements (cake, seating, lighting). For large events, order bulk items at least three to four weeks in advance to allow for shipping and any last-minute replacements. For the main decor elements — signage, centerpieces, and balloons — give yourself one to two weeks for construction if you’re DIYing. Need a last-minute touch? Keep a small “rescue kit” of tape, zip ties, scissors, extra candles, and 9-inch latex balloons on hand.
Finalize the guest list, order supplies that require shipping, and confirm any custom orders like printed invitations or banners. This is also the time to buy specialty items like table linens or large balloon arches that need stable delivery windows. If you’re working with vendors, share your measurements in imperial units — for example, table cloths sized for 6-foot banquet tables or centerpieces that should sit under an 8-foot ceiling.
Keep a staging area where you can assemble decor in advance. Simple things like pre-filling adult drink dispensers or labeling favor bags can save you time on the day. When inflating balloons on-site, use high-quality 11-inch or 16-inch balloons for longevity, and tie them to a weighted object or staple points so they stay put during festivities.
Want a celebration that’s both stylish and planet-friendly? Opt for reusable decor like fabric table runners and glass vases that you can repurpose after the party. Choose compostable plates and cutlery made from bamboo, and select paper streamers or cloth bunting instead of single-use plastic. Many stores now offer sustainable lines — look for FSC-certified paper or items labeled compostable. With a thoughtful mix of reusable pieces and low-waste disposables, you can reduce trash without compromising the look.
Current trends lean toward natural textures, warm metallics, and small-scale intimacy — think pampas grass paired with brass candlesticks, and muted color palettes like terracotta with sage green. Balloon garlands remain popular, but people are using them as accents rather than full-room takeovers. Personalized details — a monogram napkin, a custom neon sign, or a curated photo wall — are where budgets are being allocated for maximum visual impact.
Before the doors open, run one final checklist: seating for everyone, lighting that flatters the space, a clear place for gifts, and a backup plan for weather if your event is outdoors. Make sure centerpieces are low enough to let people see each other across the table — aim for a height under 12 inches for conversational tables. Keep an essentials kit within reach: extra tape, a small hammer, safety pins, and an extension cord. These small precautions prevent last-minute scrambling and let you enjoy the party you worked so hard to create.
Choosing the right party and celebration store comes down to the kind of event you’re hosting and the balance you want between budget, customization, and convenience. Party City and Oriental Trading are strong for breadth and bulk, Michaels brings craft-friendly options, Paper Source elevates paper goods, and discount stores offer smart ways to stretch each dollar. Mix and match retailers depending on your priorities, plan ahead with an eye for imperial measurements like inches and feet for linens and signage, and add a couple of handmade touches for personality. With a little planning and the right shopping strategy, your next celebration will be both memorable and manageable.
| Party & Celebration - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Vevor Dance Floor Roll Portable 6.6 X 49.2 Ft Practice Dance Floor 1 | $ 499,99 |
