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Can I Get Custom Text Printed on Ribbons?

Yes, most ribbon manufacturers offer custom text printing (also called imprinting) on flat ribbons with typical minimums of 25-100 ribbons, while rosette ribbons can often be customized with lower minimums of 10-25 pieces. Custom printing adds your event name, year, organization, or specific achievement categories to make ribbons more meaningful and memorable.

Custom Flat Ribbon Printing

Flat ribbons accept custom text through heat stamping (metallic foil pressed into the ribbon) or silk screening (ink printed directly on fabric). Standard flat ribbons are 2" wide by 6-8" long, providing space for 2-4 lines of text depending on font size and layout preferences.

Typical minimums: 25-100 ribbons per design depending on manufacturer. Some suppliers offer lower minimums (10-15 ribbons) at premium pricing. If you need multiple ribbon colors with the same text (blue for 1st, red for 2nd, yellow for 3rd), each color typically requires the stated minimum.

What you can print: Event name, year, organization name, achievement category, participant name (for higher minimums, usually 100+), dates, or any combination that fits the available space. Common examples include "Jefferson Elementary Field Day 2025," "County Fair Grand Champion," or "Reading Challenge Winner."

Setup fees and timing: Expect $15-50 setup fees per design for custom text dies or screens. Production typically takes 2-3 weeks after proof approval, so order well in advance of your event. Rush production may be available for additional fees.

Custom Rosette Ribbon Printing

Rosette ribbons offer two customization areas: the center seal (circular printed insert) and the hanging streamers. The center seal can display placement (1st, 2nd, 3rd), logos, or custom achievement categories. Streamers can be imprinted with event details, names, or dates.

Typical minimums: Often lower than flat ribbons (10-25 pieces) because rosettes are already premium-priced items. Custom center seals require printing setup but allow full-color graphics and complex designs. Streamer printing follows similar processes to flat ribbons.

Design options: Simple one-color text printing, multi-color graphics, metallic foils, or full-color center seal inserts. More complex designs increase both cost and production time.

Stock Ribbons with Generic Text

For smaller quantities or rush needs, stock ribbons come pre-printed with common text like "1st Place," "2nd Place," "Participant," "Winner," "Achievement," or "Award of Excellence." These ship immediately with no minimums and cost significantly less than custom printing. Many organizations use stock ribbons successfully, especially for participation recognition where event-specific customization isn't essential.

Cost Comparison

Stock flat ribbons: $0.50-1 each. Custom printed flat ribbons: $1-2 each plus setup fees. Stock rosettes: $2-4 each. Custom printed rosettes: $4-8 each depending on customization complexity. Calculate whether customization value justifies the added cost for your specific program.

Expert Tip

For annual events, invest in custom ribbons - the personalization creates keepsakes participants treasure for years. For one-time or infrequent events, stock ribbons save money and ship immediately. If ordering custom ribbons, add 10-15% extra quantity beyond your expected need to cover last-minute additions, damaged ribbons, or future use at makeup events. Custom ribbon reorders often require meeting minimums again, making extras cost-effective.