Secure vinyl floor sheeting to the base and sides of the float platform with a staple gun. You can skip areas where you will have large props or that the public won't be able to see.
Apply fringe along the entire bottom of the float platform. The fringe will need to cover the space between the bottom of the platform and the ground, which is typically about 15 inches. Secure the fringe with your staple gun.
Apply festooning between the top of the fringe and the bottom of the vinyl sheeting. This can also be secured with the staple gun.
Secure any large items or props onto the floor of the float platform. If you have people traveling on your float, you'll want to have some stable items in place so they have something to grab onto and steady themselves if they lose their balance during the parade. Items can be secured by a variety of methods such as using braces, nails, bolts, and gluing, just to name a few.
Decorate your float with themed decorations. For example, if your float has a beach theme, you may want to decorate with palm trees, beach sand, hammocks, coconuts, or any other items that are reminiscent of being at the beach.
Purchase costumes for any people who will be on the float during the parade, or make them yourself. You'll want to have costumes that are inspired by your floats theme. For example, if the theme of your float is Christmas, you could have costumes for elves, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman or other such characters.