What do party supplies stores sell?

Roos Becker · 04 Jul 2026

Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a wedding reception, or a corporate event, knowing what a party supplies store actually stocks can save you a lot of time and guesswork. From balloons to banners, tableware to themed decorations, these stores are designed to be a one-stop shop for celebration essentials. At Globos Europe, we know the party supplies world inside and out, and this guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to find.

What types of balloons do party stores carry?

Party supplies stores typically carry two main categories of balloons: latex balloons and foil (also called Mylar) balloons. Latex balloons are the classic round or elongated variety, available in a wide range of colors and sizes. Foil balloons are made from metallic film and hold their shape longer, often featuring printed designs, numbers, letters, or themed characters.

Beyond the basic types, most party stores also stock a range of balloon accessories to go with them. These include:

Helium-quality latex balloons in standard and jumbo sizes
Shaped foil balloons for birthdays, anniversaries, and seasonal events
Number and letter balloons for personalized displays
Balloon weights, ribbons, and clips for decoration setups
Balloon pumps and inflators for air-filled arrangements

It is worth noting that quality varies significantly between suppliers. Balloons intended for professional use, such as those used by decorators and event stylists, are typically made to higher safety and durability standards than budget alternatives. Look for products that comply with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, which ensures the balloon material meets tested safety requirements.

What party decorations can you buy at a party store?

A well-stocked party supplies store sells a broad range of decorations beyond balloons. These typically include banners, garlands, streamers, confetti, hanging decorations, centerpieces, and themed tableware. Most stores organize their decoration range by occasion or theme, making it easier to create a cohesive look for your event.

Some of the most popular decoration categories you will find include:

Garlands and banners for birthdays, weddings, and seasonal celebrations
Themed party kits that combine multiple decoration elements in one package
Cake candles and cake toppers for birthday and celebration cakes
Table decorations such as centerpiece sticks, table confetti, and decorative picks
Children’s party themes featuring licensed or character-based designs

Many stores also offer eco-conscious decoration options, including FSC-certified paper products and compostable items. This is increasingly important for buyers who want their events to leave a lighter environmental footprint without sacrificing visual impact.

Do party stores sell tableware and catering supplies?

Yes, most party supplies stores sell tableware and catering essentials alongside their decoration range. This typically includes disposable plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery in coordinating colors or themed designs. These products are designed to match the rest of a party’s aesthetic while keeping setup and cleanup practical.

Tableware in party stores is generally divided into two categories. The first is plain or solid-color tableware, which works for any event and is often available in bulk. The second is themed tableware, which ties into specific party themes such as tropical, vintage, or character-based designs. For larger events, buying coordinated sets that include plates, cups, and napkins is both more convenient and more cost-effective than purchasing individual items separately.

Some party stores also carry basic catering accessories such as cake boards, serving trays, food picks, and treat bags. These additions make it easier to handle food presentation and party favors without needing to shop at a separate retailer.

What is the difference between a party store and a party wholesaler?

A party store sells directly to consumers in single or small quantities, while a party wholesaler sells in bulk to businesses such as retailers, event decorators, and other trade buyers. The key differences come down to pricing, minimum order quantities, and the type of customer each is designed to serve.

Here is a quick breakdown of how the two differ:

Party store: Open to the general public, sells individual items or small packs, retail pricing, wide but often shallower product range
Party wholesaler: Primarily serves trade buyers, sells in larger quantities, lower per-unit pricing, deeper product range with more professional options

For businesses that regularly need party supplies, such as event planners, decorators, or shop owners, working with a wholesaler makes far more financial sense than buying retail. Wholesalers often offer private label options, allowing businesses to sell products under their own brand. They may also stock professional-grade items that are simply not available through standard retail channels, including specialty foil balloons, bulk latex balloons in professional color ranges, and coordinated themed collections.

For one-off personal events, a party store is perfectly sufficient. But for anyone buying regularly or in volume, a wholesale partner offers significantly better value and product depth.

How Globos Europe supports your party supplies needs

We are a B2B wholesale partner for party supplies across Europe, supplying decorators, event professionals, retailers, and party stores with a comprehensive range of products. Whether you need balloons, decorations, tableware, or themed party kits, we offer professional-grade options under our own We Fiesta brand as well as private label solutions.

Here is what working with us looks like in practice:

A broad assortment of latex and foil balloons, accessories, garlands, cake candles, and children’s party themes
Products that meet strict safety standards, including compliance with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC
Eco-conscious options, including biodegradable latex balloons, FSC-certified paper products, and compostable items
Private label and own-brand packaging options for businesses looking to build their product identity
Backed by over 25 years of experience in the European party market

If you are a retailer, decorator, or event professional looking for a reliable wholesale source for party supplies, we would love to hear from you. Visit Globos Europe to explore our full range and get in touch with our team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a party supplies wholesaler is the right fit for my business?

A wholesale partner is a good fit if you regularly purchase party supplies in volume, whether you're an event decorator, retailer, or party planner. Look for wholesalers that offer a broad product range, meet safety compliance standards (such as the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC), and provide flexible ordering options. If the wholesaler also offers private label solutions and has a proven track record in your market, that's a strong sign they can support your business long-term.

What's the best way to create a cohesive decoration theme for an event using party store products?

Start by choosing a central color palette or theme, then build around it using coordinated tableware, balloons, and decorations from the same product line or collection. Many party stores and wholesalers offer themed party kits that bundle multiple elements together, which takes the guesswork out of matching items. Sticking to two or three complementary colors and repeating key design elements across balloons, banners, and tableware is the most reliable way to achieve a polished, cohesive look.

Are there eco-friendly party supply options that don't compromise on visual impact?

Yes, the eco-friendly party supply market has grown significantly, and quality has improved to match. Biodegradable latex balloons, FSC-certified paper garlands and banners, and compostable tableware are all widely available and can look just as impressive as conventional alternatives. When shopping, look specifically for certifications on the packaging rather than vague 'green' claims, as certified products offer genuine environmental assurance.

How far in advance should I order party supplies for a large event?

For large events such as weddings, corporate functions, or major milestone birthdays, placing your order at least four to six weeks in advance is recommended to avoid stock shortages and allow time for any issues to be resolved. If you're ordering from a wholesaler or requiring custom or private label packaging, build in even more lead time — typically six to eight weeks. Last-minute orders are often possible for standard items, but themed or specialty products may have longer fulfillment times.

Can I mix latex and foil balloons in the same decoration setup, and how do I make it look intentional?

Absolutely — mixing latex and foil balloons is one of the most popular approaches in professional event decoration. The key is to use foil balloons as focal points (such as number or letter balloons, or shaped character balloons) and surround them with latex balloons in complementary colors to add volume and depth. Keeping a consistent color scheme across both balloon types ties the arrangement together and makes the mix look deliberate rather than mismatched.

What common mistakes should I avoid when buying party supplies in bulk?

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating quantities — always order slightly more than you think you need, especially for consumables like napkins, cups, and balloons, which can be damaged or used up faster than expected. Another pitfall is buying purely on price without checking safety certifications or product quality, which can lead to balloons that deflate quickly or tableware that doesn't hold up during the event. Finally, avoid mixing products from too many different suppliers for a single event, as color and finish variations can make coordinated setups look inconsistent.

Do party supply wholesalers typically offer support for businesses that are new to buying trade?

Most reputable wholesalers are accustomed to working with new trade buyers and will guide you through their ordering process, minimum quantity requirements, and product range. It's worth reaching out directly to discuss your specific needs, as many wholesalers can tailor their offering or suggest the most suitable products for your business type. Don't hesitate to ask about sample orders, product catalogues, or account setup processes before committing to a larger purchase.