They don’t call Annapolis, Maryland the “Sailing Capital of the World” for nothing! Because sailboats need wind, right?! During most of the days in and around Annapolis, that steady breeze is a gift. But backdrops… backdrops do not like wind. Especially when there’s gusts in excess of 30mph and there are kids and animals and SO.MUCH.WIND.

At Wonderwall Backdrops, we've had our fair share of moments where Mother Nature decided to add her own touch to our designs, especially when balloons and heavy backdrops are in the mix. Let's dive into the whirlwind (pun intended) of managing high winds and our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences regardless of the elements.

The Wind's Unpredictable Dance

Now, don't get us wrong; we love the great outdoors. There's something pretty dang fun when we get to work outside and set up one of our backdrops against a natural backdrop and can smell the brackish water. However, when the winds decide to play, they play hard! We've seen too many balloons to count who’ve said goodbye to their intended location, taking unexpected flights— or perhaps a backdrop swaying more than their hips during a dance-off. It's both a challenge and an art to strike the balance between design perfection and nature's wild side.

Our Tenacity in the Face of Tempestuous Twists

At Wonderwall Backdrops, we believe that every event deserves to be memorable, regardless of weather and wind speeds. So, what's our secret sauce when it comes to handling those gusty days?

Weighted Foundations: Ensuring our setups are anchored securely is crucial. Whether it's using heavier bases or securing already heavy-duty stands, we make sure our backdrops stand their ground. SAFETY IS ALWAYS OUR GREATEST CONCERN, and on this particular day, we added heavier weighted plates and cinderblocks to the structure. (We also insisted that our shiplap wall be placed near a chain link fence so we could anchor the entire structure safely. See photos and explanations below!)

Balloon Brilliance: While balloons are a crowd favorite, they can be the trickiest to manage on windy days. Our team uses specialized techniques, including extra clamps, tie-downs, and strategic placements to keep them grounded.

Flexible Designs: Knowing the unpredictable nature of the outdoors, we design our backdrops with flexibility in mind. For this particular install of our shiplap wall, we made certain that ratcheting straps were used to fully secure the structure on its own (photo 1), and then we secured it to the fence (photo 2) with bungee cords. This means knowing which materials can withstand a gust or two without having to compromise on aesthetics.

Professional Expertise: Our dedicated team is trained to anticipate challenges and adapt on the fly. Whether it's reimagining decor elements or making real-time adjustments, we're always on our toes (literally and figuratively!). Photo 3 shows a fully functional and gorgeous end result!

Embracing the Wonder (and Force) of Nature

Handling breezy days on an outdoor installation can be tricky— but high winds can be challenging or downright dangerous if you aren’t prepared for how to successfully (and SAFELY) tie, reinforce, and strap everything down. Our commitment to creating magical, memorable experiences remains unwavering— come rain, shine, or a sudden gust of wind at 30mph.

What fun outdoor events are you planning for warmer weather days? Don’t keep it a secret… no one likes a good party more than we do! Contact us so we can get things moving.

Front left to right: the weather report from that day, using ratchet straps to secure the wall, using bungee cords to secure the wall to the fence, and the finished backdrop. Safe, secure, and ready for an amazing Severna Park, Maryland community fall festival!