Avoiding Boring Badge Ribbons – Part 1

The boring badge ribbon makes its debut at many business conventions, corporate retreats, or any number of other professional gatherings. One can usually find these badge ribbons attached to someone’s name badge or possibly just pinned onto someone’s shirt or jacket. The boring badge ribbon is meant to be functional in presenting a word or short phrase, usually in all capital letters and a very plain font. Please note that there is nothing wrong with this ribbon type if the purpose is to simply designate a particular person as a “Speaker” or any other title.

Badge ribbons that are going to be given out as prizes or promotions are ribbons that aim to get the viewer interested in asking about a particular topic, business or cause you are representing. These badge ribbons are meant for something more, but sometimes they look just as plain as the examples described above. It is this ribbon type that deserves a little extra planning to really perform in their function the best way possible.

TIP #1: Remember what medium you are working with.

You are printing on a ribbon not a brochure or flier. Your text should be concise and to the point.

TIP #2: Consider the badge ribbon size you are ordering.

A horizontal ribbon that is four inches wide can fit words like “promotional” or “team leader” and still be big enough to read from a short distance. But, if you’re getting a vertical ribbon that is only two inches wide, try to use shorter words.

TIP #3: Vertical text should be limited.

Vertical ribbons typically have printing running vertically stacked down the ribbon. Usually you can only get away with having one word like that; any more and it becomes hard to read.

TIP #4: When lots of text is acceptable.

There are promotional ribbons with entire poems that are used as bookmarks, ribbons with wedding details for favors, and keepsake ribbons from family reunions or church events. But, if you want your ribbon to say a lot, plan on having small letters and be prepared to order a metal die to be able to imprint the fine details that are required to have this small print.

TIP #5: Consider the tone of your words.

A corporate meeting would be a great setting for the boring badge ribbon with a simple ribbon saying “President” but, if you have a smaller or less formal meeting why not have a ribbon saying “Man In Charge” or “Big Cheese” instead?

Take some time to consider these five tips when choosing which badge ribbon is the best for your purpose. There will be five more tips to follow up after you make your choice to help solidify what you really need. These final tips will help you maximize your badge ribbons and promotional ribbons.

*Tips and graphics provided by guest author Melanie Bunch, Graphic Artist at Coller Industries.*

Buying The Right Personalized Ribbon Type

You have the perfect logo and the perfect personalization, but do you know what ribbon type you need to buy? This simple guide might be just the ticket to help you figure out which ribbon type you need. While we do have an idea gallery available for several ideas, sometimes you just need to know which type of ribbon is best for what type of project you have.

The most important bit of information is to figure out what ribbon type is going to suit your project best. We have three main ribbon types: rosettes, badge/promotional ribbons, and ribbon rolls.

Rosette Ribbons

Rosette ribbons are typically used to recognize achievements. They are perfect for fairs, festivals, contests, shows and more.

Badge/Promotional Ribbons

Badge ribbons help identify roles or rewards, or just break the ice when attached to a name badge. These are perfect for conventions, meetings and other events for which this type of identification is necessary.

Promotional ribbons are great for getting the word out for promoting a sale or event. Or you can use them for a “save the date” notification, bookmarks, gift tags or keepsakes.

Ribbon Rolls

These ribbons are probably the most versatile of the bunch. Use these ribbon rolls to promote a sale or event, decorations for a party or convention, product packaging or gift wrapping, floral arrangements, and more. Ribbon rolls are also very flexible as they come in different ribbon types, colors and sizes. Each type of ribbon comes in four sizes and at least 30 different colors; some even have over 100!

Satin Ribbon Rolls

This comes as single face, satin sheen on one side with matte finish on the other, or double face, satin sheen on both sides.

DYNA Floral Satin Ribbon Rolls

A soft floral ribbon with a slight satin sheen which is great for flowers or decorations for parties.

Grosgrain Ribbon Rolls

These are a heavily corded, or ribbed, the texture shows through any imprinting creating a unique look.

Organza Ribbon Rolls

Organza ribbons are translucent and light weight; these work well for product branding or wrapping.

Making the Most of Stackable Badge Ribbons

stackable badge ribbons with a reusable name badge

veritcle and horizontal stacked badge ribbons with a reusable name badge

The Benefits of Stacking Badge Ribbons

Each badge ribbon obtained from a conference or convention serves its purpose. So, what happens when they are all combined? And where do you put them all? Every badge ribbon is used as an identifier and as a visual stimulant for the wearer.

Badge ribbons are meant to make the wearer stand out from the crowd. They are also suggested as an effective way to make an initial introduction and break the ice for those attending a social meeting. These crowds can be found anywhere, but most badge ribbons are obtained from trade shows, conventions, conferences, meeting or other social functions.

Name badges are the best place to attach any badge ribbon. They provide an extension on the name/title of the wearer. The ribbons are made to be “stackable” so that the wear doesn’t have to pick and choose which ones to add to their name badges.

Each title can range from council member and president to greeter and sponsor. Personalized Ribbons offers an abundance of these stock badge ribbons, and each title comes in several choices of colors. And each title will help anyone stand out in any crowd.

It’s always fun thinking outside of the box and coming up with unique ways to personalize badge ribbons to meet the needs of any social function. Creative titles can still be custom ordered so that not everyone has to have an official title attached to their name badge.

Badge ribbons don’t just have to remain at professional functions though. They can be found at parties, weddings and other intimate or family events.

Fundraisers are also a common place to see badge ribbons. They are an excellent tool for identifying a cause or support group for each fundraiser. Choose a color, such as pink for breast cancer support or a rainbow ribbon for autism supporters, and then add a title or function for the wearer to attach to their name badge.

Badge ribbons are inexpensive and come in both horizontal and vertical designs and can be customized to meet any need for any function. Don’t limit yourself on these great personalizing tools. Even blank ribbons may be ordered to identify specific groups by a single color worn by each person.

Badge ribbons are an excellent way to break the ice and stop any awkward stares or uncomfortable moments when someone doesn’t know what to say or how to introduce themselves. Stacking personalized ribbons on name badges is an effective way to identify any role at these events.