Event Wristbands, Lanyards and ID Cards: A Planner's Guide
By DG Team
Good entry management makes an event feel organised from the first minute. Printed wristbands, lanyards and ID cards tell your volunteers at a glance who is a guest, who is staff and who can go backstage — and they carry your brand in every photo. This guide helps you choose the right option for conferences, college fests, marathons, weddings, exhibitions and concerts.
Wristband, lanyard or ID card: which do you need?
| Option | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Paper wristbands | One-day events, concerts, fests, pool and play areas | Quick to put on, hard to pass to someone else, low cost per guest |
| Satin wristbands | Premium events, VIP access, multi-day festivals | Soft fabric that is comfortable to wear and looks upmarket |
| Lanyards | Conferences, corporate events, staff and volunteers | Holds an ID card at chest height where it is easy to read |
| ID card in a pouch | Delegates, speakers, media, exhibitors | Shows a name, photo and role; the pouch protects the card |
Paper wristbands
Paper event wristbands close with an adhesive strip. Once fastened, they cannot be removed without tearing, so one band equals one guest — which stops people from passing their entry to a friend outside. They are ideal for single-day events where you need to check entry quickly at the gate.
Use multicolour paper wristbands to separate access levels: for example, blue for general entry, gold for VIP, red for staff and green for food coupons.
Satin wristbands
Satin wristbands are made of soft woven fabric. They look and feel more premium than paper, stay comfortable for a whole day, and suit weddings, corporate galas and VIP areas where the band is part of the guest experience.
Lanyards and ID cards
For conferences, seminars, exhibitions and corporate events, a printed lanyard with an ID card is the standard. Volunteers can read a name and role from a few steps away, and guests keep their pass visible without holding it.
- Print your event or company name on the lanyard — it turns every attendee into a walking advertisement in photos and videos.
- Use different lanyard colours for delegates, speakers, organisers and media.
- Put the most important information in the largest text — usually the first name and role. Company name comes second.
- Add a QR code to the ID card for scanning at session doors, meal counters or for sharing contact details.
- Choose an ID pouch if cards will be handled all day or the event is outdoors; it keeps the card clean and dry.
Colour-coding your access levels
Whatever you choose, decide your colour scheme before you order and share it with your gate volunteers. A simple example:
| Colour | Access |
|---|---|
| Blue | General entry |
| Gold | VIP / sponsors |
| Red | Organisers and staff — all areas |
| Green | Performers or speakers — backstage |
| White | Media |
How many should you order?
- Wristbands: expected attendance plus 10–15%. Some bands tear while being fastened, and walk-in guests always turn up.
- Lanyards: one per registered attendee, staff member and volunteer, plus about 10% spare.
- ID cards: print from your final registration list, and keep some blank cards for on-the-spot registrations.
Planning timeline
- 3–4 weeks before: decide what you need, your colour scheme and quantities.
- 2–3 weeks before: send your logo and artwork, and approve the proof.
- 1 week before: collect your order and brief your gate team on the colour codes.
- Event day: keep spares at the registration desk.
Frequently asked questions
Can paper wristbands be reused?
No. They are designed to tear when removed, which is what makes them secure for entry control. For multi-day events where guests take the band off, choose satin wristbands or lanyards.
Can I print my logo on wristbands and lanyards?
Yes. Send us your logo and event name, and we will share a proof before printing.
Are wristbands waterproof?
Paper wristbands handle sweat and light splashes for a day, but they are not meant for long periods in water. Tell us if your event includes a pool or water activity and we will suggest the right option.
Do you print ID cards with photos and names?
Yes. Share a spreadsheet of names, roles and photos, and each card is personalised.
See all event supplies in our marketing materials collection, or message us on WhatsApp with your event date and headcount.