Where to Buy Wristbands for Events: Vendors and Tips

7/19/2025

Key Takeaways

• Wristbands are necessary for events to manage access and security.
• Event wristbands can come in a variety of materials, such as Tyvek for single-day use, vinyl and cloth for multi-day durability, and silicone for reusable keepsake options.
• Vendors for event wristbands range from online retailers and local print shops to full event supply companies.
• Before choosing a vendor and wristband design, consider your event size, branding needs, and budget.

Event wristbands do more than just identify guests—they play a key role in keeping your event organized and secure. The right wristbands help with crowd control, simplify guest check-ins, and make access levels easy to spot at a glance. They’re also designed to hold up through the entire event, whether it’s a one-day festival or a multi-day conference.

When deciding where to buy wristbands for events, focus on how well the product supports your specific needs. Look for options that are durable, easy to customize, and visually aligned with your event branding. It might seem like a lot to ask from such a small item, but with a reliable print partner, it’s entirely possible.

What to Consider Before Buying Event Wristbands

Before choosing a vendor and buying wristbands for your event, take the time to think through what you really need.

Your choice should start with understanding your audience size, event type, and durability requirements. For example, a single-day fundraiser or school fair often only needs a simple wristband. On the other hand, multi-day music festivals or VIP conferences usually require wristbands that are more durable and comfortable, capable of withstanding multiple days of use and water exposure without wearing out.

This ties directly into material selection. Some of the most common options include:

• Tyvek: Lightweight, water-resistant, and cost-effective, ideal for single-day events.
• Vinyl: Extra waterproof and tamper-evident, making them ideal for multi-day events, waterparks, or any setting where durability and security are priorities.
• Silicone: Hypoallergenic, reusable, and popular for charity runs, branding events, or VIP guests, as they double as keepsakes.
• Cloth: Offers a premium look and feel with adjustable locks and full-color designs, perfect for festivals or upscale gatherings.
• Premium synthetic: Offers durability and affordability, with themed designs that coordinate with your posters, tickets, and other printed event materials for a cohesive look.
• Tabbed wristbands: Feature detachable stubs for drink vouchers, raffle tickets, or ride entries, simplifying logistics at fairs or fundraisers.
• Hologram wristbands: Provide maximum security with tamper-proof seals, making them ideal for VIP areas or high-security zones.

Customization needs are another important factor to consider. If your event involves managing different access levels or simplifying check-ins, you can opt for wristbands with features like barcodes or QR codes, or simply use color-coded designs to indicate different entry zones. These options help staff and security identify attendees quickly without requiring complex technology. Adding your event name and logo also enhances brand visibility.

Naturally, throughout all this, you should also consider the budget. Some materials are more budget-friendly, while others, like vinyl, cloth, or silicone wristbands, tend to cost more since they offer durability and reuse potential. Therefore, determine what you’re looking for and then select what is possible within your budget.

Best Places to Buy Wristbands for Events

When it comes to buying wristbands for your event, there are plenty of vendor options to choose from. Some are online retailers you can order from with just a few clicks, while others are physical shops you can visit in person.

Online print companies

Buying wristbands online has become the go-to solution for many event planners. It offers the ease of browsing hundreds of styles, comparing materials, and placing orders quickly—all without leaving your desk.

Online printing providers like Eventgroove make this process smooth by offering a wide range of customizable wristband types from a variety of materials like Tyvek, vinyl, silicone, and cloth. With clear product details, fast shipping, and design templates tailored to your event’s branding, you can receive your wristbands promptly, often faster than traditional methods.

Beyond wristbands, many online printers offer a full suite of event essentials. For example, Eventgroove can also help you create event badges, lanyards, tickets, and even custom merchandise all in one place. This saves you the trouble of juggling several vendors and ensures that your branding is consistent throughout all of your event’s touchpoints.

Local print shops and suppliers

Sometimes, the solution is right in your neighborhood. Local print shops are easy to reach, especially if you need wristbands on short notice.

Perhaps you’ve seen their work at local school events, community fairs, or concerts around town. They’re best for last-minute or small orders, but keep in mind that their range of materials and customization options might be limited compared to specialized online platforms.

Custom vs. Pre-made Wristbands

For some events, custom wristbands are worth the extra planning. Other times, when speed and simplicity matter more, pre-made wristbands are the more suitable option.

If your event requires a professional, branded touch, custom wristbands are the clear choice. Adding your logo, event name, dates, or taglines reinforces brand visibility and simultaneously turns wristbands into mini promotional tools that attendees might keep as souvenirs.

In addition to branding, custom options are the more suitable choice when you need advanced features like barcodes, QR codes, or RFID for scanning and secure check-ins. They’re also ideal when your event has tiered access, such as VIP zones, backstage passes, special seating sections, or different entry levels, as custom colors and text make it easy for staff and security to identify attendees at a glance.

However, when working with a tight turnaround or limited budget, pre-made wristbands are often the smarter choice. While they don’t carry your branding, they’re fast to order and arrive ready to use. This makes them ideal for smaller or last-minute events where functionality outweighs branding needs.

A good printing partner will still offer a variety of colors, patterns, and event-themed wristband templates that look appealing and professional, even without full customization. This way, your wristbands can still look nice and remain effective for crowd management while keeping your planning simple and cost-efficient.

Tips for Choosing the Right Vendor

It’s completely understandable to feel some hesitation when choosing a print service for your wristbands. While they may seem like a small detail, wristbands play a big role in event security and guest experience.

Therefore, to make the right choice, start with thorough research. Look into each online printing provider’s website to see examples of their previous work, read product descriptions, see pictures, and confirm they offer the materials and customization features you need. Checking reviews is an absolute must, as feedback from other customers can reveal whether the wristbands hold up well during real events or if there are recurring issues.

Also, assess their customer support responsiveness. If you have questions about your order or need changes quickly, having a reliable contact makes the process far less stressful. Confirm that the vendor offers secure payment options and clearly stated return or refund policies, as these protect you if something goes wrong with the order.

Lastly, consider turnaround time and shipping reliability, especially if your event date is close. A vendor that can guarantee fast production and delivery without compromising quality is worth prioritizing.

Conclusion

Wristbands are something event planners should not overlook. Of course, they’re necessary for security, but the right wristband can do much more. It can elevate your entire event experience and act as a subtle representation of your brand.

Given the abundance of options available for both vendors and the materials, designs, and features that each vendor offers, it is worthwhile to give careful thought to how the wristbands will complement your theme and represent your brand.

Choosing the right partner makes all the difference. A responsible and supportive event printing partner  like Eventgroove simplifies the entire ordeal and guides you through the whole process as well as other event needs. With us, wristbands become an effortless way to add value and professionalism to your event.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do event wristbands usually last?

Their durability depends on the material. Tyvek wristbands last a day, while vinyl, silicone, or cloth wristbands can last multiple days or even be reused as keepsakes.

Can wristbands be used for event access control?

Of course! Wristbands are commonly used for access control, with options like barcodes, QR codes, or RFID making check-ins and security even easier and more efficient.

What’s the best wristband material for multi-day events?

Vinyl, cloth, or silicone wristbands are best for multi-day events, as they’re significantly more durable, comfortable, and water-resistant than most other materials.