HoneyBook vs. 17hats: The Best CRM for Balloon Artists (2026)

Ever feel like your balloon business is one missed email away from chaos? You're juggling inquiries for garlands, chasing deposits for installs, and trying to remember who needs a setup reminder – all while creating those stunning designs clients rave about. A solid CRM changes that, turning scattered notes into a smooth system that lets you focus on what you love.

HoneyBook and 17hats both help balloon artists like you manage clients without the headache, but they fit different spots in your journey. HoneyBook shines for growing event pros who want everything polished and client-facing. 17hats keeps it simple and wallet-friendly for artists just ramping up bookings.

Why Balloon Artists Need a CRM

Picture this: A bride DMs on Instagram about a balloon arch for her wedding. Without a CRM, that lead vanishes into your messages, and you're left guessing on follow-ups. With one, inquiries auto-flow into proposals with your balloon garland pricing, contracts for install fees, and payment links – all branded to your style.

These tools handle the boring stuff so you don't lose money on forgotten details. They track everything from mood boards linking to your color charts to post-event thank-yous that spark referrals. If you're wondering if a balloon business can actually profit like this, check our honest breakdown here.

HoneyBook: Polished Client Flow for Event Pros

HoneyBook feels like it was made for balloon stylists and event planners who book back-to-back gigs. It's all about that seamless, professional vibe clients expect from wedding and corporate work.

Key wins for balloon artists:

• Drag-and-drop proposals bundle your garland packages, backdrops, and add-ons like neon signs into one easy-send file.

• Built-in scheduling lets clients book consultations right after seeing your DIY garland guide.

• Automations send deposit reminders and setup confirmations without you lifting a finger – perfect for weekend warriors handling installs.

It's not cheap, but unlimited projects and clients mean it scales as your calendar fills with high-ticket events. Event planners love it because everything lives in a client portal: inspiration pics, signed contracts, even paid invoices.

Ready to smooth out your client flow? Try HoneyBook for event planners (our link) and pair it with our profitable balloon tips to see real gains.

17hats: Simple Structure Without the Overwhelm

17hats is your chill entry point if you're booking a handful of parties a month and want basics covered without a steep learning curve or big commitment. It's straightforward for solo balloon artists testing the business waters.

What stands out:

• Affordable tiers start low, with forms for inquiries, basic contracts, and invoicing that include your delivery and setup fees.

• Email templates pull in details from your starter balloon kits, making follow-ups quick.

• Light automations handle "thanks for inquiring" sequences, nudging clients toward booking without fancy workflows.

It's less flashy than HoneyBook but gets you organized fast. Upgrade as you add more custom décor services. Many newer artists start here before leveling up.

Want to dip your toe in? Check out 17hats here and build on it with our garland tutorials.

Head-to-Head: HoneyBook vs 17hats

HoneyBook edges out for balloon artists chasing bigger events, where that pro client experience closes deals. 17hats wins if you're proving the model first, like in our profitability guide.

Which One Fits Your Balloon Business?

If your weekends are packed with garlands and you're tired of manual chases, HoneyBook streamlines it all – especially for "honeybook for event planners" style workflows. It's the upgrade that pays for itself in saved time and bigger deposits.

Starting smaller? 17hats gives structure without stress, letting you focus on designs from our blog tutorials.

Either way, pick one, use it for 90 days, and watch how it pairs with smart pricing from our garland guide. Your business – and sanity – will thank you. Drop a comment: which CRM are you trying first?