Bunting Guide - How Much You Need And How To Hang It Safely

Bunting is one of the quickest ways to transform a space for an event. Whether you are decorating a garden, village hall, school playground or high street, a few well placed runs of bunting instantly create a sense of occasion.

This guide explains how to work out how much bunting you need, how to hang it safely and what to think about when choosing between different types.

How much bunting do you need?

Start by measuring or estimating the length of the areas you want to decorate.

Common situations:

• Along a fence or wall - measure the full run and add at least 10 percent for droop and fixing points. 
  
• Across a street or hall - measure the span between fixing points, then decide how many runs you want. 
  
• Around a marquee or gazebo - measure each side and add an allowance for corners. 

Remember that bunting rarely hangs dead straight. A pleasing droop will use more length than a tight line.

Example:
If you have 20 m of fencing to decorate and want a nice curve, 25 m of bunting is more realistic than 20 m.

Choosing between lengths

Bunting is commonly sold in standard lengths such as 5 m, 10 m or 25 m.

Fewer, longer lengths are usually easier to work with than lots of short pieces. For example, two 25 m runs are simpler to hang than ten 5 m runs, and you will have fewer joins to worry about.

Types of bunting

There are three main things to consider: material, design and how it is finished.

Material

• Lightweight polyester bunting - ideal for outdoor events, weather resistant and reusable. 
  
• Fabric bunting (cotton, polycotton etc.) - often used for indoor or semi permanent displays, with a more traditional look.
• Paper or card bunting - best suited to indoor use only and short term decoration. 

Design

• National flags - great for sporting events, national days and international themes. 
  
• Plain colours - useful for branding, weddings and colour themed events. 
  
• Custom printed - ideal for corporate branding, festivals and promotions. 

Finishing

• Spacing of pennants - closer spacing gives a fuller look but uses more material. 
  
• Tape or cord - strong tape resists stretching and tangling better than thin string. 

Hanging bunting safely

Safety and practicality matter, especially outdoors or in public spaces.

Basic rules:

• Fix to solid points - posts, beams, brackets or well driven stakes. 
  
• Avoid low runs across areas where people walk or vehicles pass. 
  
• Keep well clear of overhead power lines. 
  
• Do not attach to fragile guttering or fittings that cannot take the load. 

Use decent cable ties, strong string or light rope for fixings. In windy locations, shorter runs with more fixing points put less strain on each support.

Indoors, use hooks, removable adhesive fixings or suitable clips where possible rather than tape that can damage surfaces.

Weather and reusability

If you plan to reuse bunting, treat it as you would a flag.

• Take it down after the event rather than leaving it in all weathers for weeks.
• Allow it to dry before packing to avoid mould.
• Store loosely rolled rather than scrunched into a tight ball to reduce tangles. 

Summary

To plan bunting for your event:

1. Measure or estimate the runs you want to cover. 
   
2. Choose the right material and design for the setting. 
   
3. Buy slightly more length than you think you need. 
   
4. Plan sensible fixing points that are safe and secure. 

Well chosen, properly installed bunting instantly changes the feel of a space, whether you are celebrating a national event, hosting a village fete or branding a corporate reception.