Custom flags and banners for college fests and events: a planning guide

Flags and banners do two jobs at an event: they tell people they're in the right place, and they make every photo look like your event. A row of flags at the gate, a backdrop behind the stage and a crowd waving hand flags are what people remember and share. This guide covers what to order, how to design it and what to send us for a quote.

Which flags and banners do you need?

• Hand flags on sticks: for sports days, rallies, processions, school events and anywhere a crowd should join in. Order enough for every participant, plus spares.
• Pole flags: tall flags at entrances, along walkways and around a ground. They mark the venue from a distance and frame entrance photos.
• Stage backdrops: a large cloth behind the stage or speaker. It appears in almost every photo and video of the event, so it's worth getting right.
• Cloth banners: for registration desks, stalls, gates and corridors, showing the event name, sponsors or directions.
• College, club and team flags: a flag that comes out at every fest, match and celebration.

Why fabric, and why sublimation?

We print flags and banners on polyester fabric by sublimation. Heat turns the ink into a gas that bonds with the fibres, so the colour becomes part of the fabric. That means vivid colour right to the edges, no stiff layer on top, and a print that won't crack or peel when the flag is folded, packed or waved all day. Fabric is also light and easy to carry, hang and reuse.

Designing a flag that reads from a distance

• Few words, big letters. The event name and year are usually enough. People see a flag for a second or two, often from far away or in motion.
• Strong contrast. White or yellow on a dark colour, or dark on light. Avoid putting text over a busy photo.
• Think about the shape. Tall pole flags suit text running down the flag or stacked words, like a vertical poster. A wide backdrop suits a horizontal layout with the logo in the centre.
• Keep important text away from the edges, where the fabric is hemmed or attached to the pole or frame.
• Plan the backdrop for photos. Put the logo and event name at head height and above, where they'll still be visible behind people standing on stage.
• Use vector files (PDF, AI, EPS or SVG) for logos and text, so they stay sharp at large sizes. See how to prepare your artwork.

Planning quantities and timing

Start with how the flags will be used. Hand flags are usually one per participant. Pole flags are counted by entrances and walkways. Backdrops and banners are counted by stages and stalls. Then add a few spares for last-minute additions.

Get in touch as soon as your event date is fixed. Tell us the date when you ask for a quote, and we'll be upfront about what's possible. You'll see a free digital proof of every design before anything is printed.

Make the whole event match

Flags look even better when the rest of the event matches. The same artwork can go on volunteer and team t-shirts, button badges and keychains for participants, and mugs for speakers and guests. For more ideas, see event merch ideas.

Get a quote

Send us the type, size and quantity, how they'll be used and your event date, with your logo or artwork, on WhatsApp or through the quote form. See custom flags and banners for examples.

Common questions