Reducing choices makes the line go faster. Not only limiting the designs but limiting the colors. You can buy the balloons in single colors. You might want to pick 3 colors for the event.
If you choose to make up balloons ahead of time I would use them just when it was time for you to go. Leaving can be the most difficult time. If you hand them out all day you can't possible have enough made and they miss the time with YOU. No longer are they standing with you while you make them something special. You don't get to talk to the child or make faces ect. In a way the line is self limiting. People will see how long it is so they will wait or go without. You can work harder and harder and the line seems to stay the same.
Resist the temptation to make your best and hardest balloon in the begining just because you seem to have time. You will get to busy and they have now seen your best one walking around and won't understand why they can't have it to.
Also a certain amount of people will not want to carry the balloon around and try to get one just before they leave. It might be a good idea for them but for you it creates a line problem just when you need to leave.
Stamping the hand like scruffy said is a great idea. It can be hard to remember every little face. Besides most kids like to have their hand stamped.
There is a whole thread about ending the line. You might want to give it a glance.
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