We've all been to a parade. Some have marching bands, some have dancers, and they all have free candy. But have you ever wondered how to actually design a banner for a parade? You're in luck.
Chapter One: How to Design a Parade Banner
The overall banner design is rooted in the purpose of the parade. Is it a 4th of July gig, spooky Halloween event, or a sleigh drawn holiday party with Santa and his real reindeer? Determine that, choose some colors, and the rest sort of falls into place.
Color
Clearly holidays have defined and preferential color palettes. Black and orange are used for October festivities, red and green and even blue tinsel is used for Christmas. Easter has the lock on pastels, while Independence Day fancies the good old red, white and blue.
That's an obvious breakdown for national events. When it comes to parades of other natures, then think about the emotional message you're trying to send or evoke. Pink is quintessential for breast cancer events.
Size
No matter what the occasion, the text size is key. Messaging should be readable by most people from about two city blocks away. That's roughly 400 steps for the average human stride.
Another size option to consider is the banner itself. Size will directly contribute to mass or weight. Think about who is carrying it, children or adults? What can certain sized hands, well, handle, and so on.
Finishing Options
The standard banner finishing options are hems and grommets. Most people choose this finishing option so they can easily hang the banner with ball bungees.
The other finishing option we strongly suggest for parade banners is called pole pockets. This option entails stitched pockets on either end or the top and bottom of the banner. These pockets are designed for a pole or dowel to be inserted, as the name implies.
Parade Banner Product Comparison
| Feature |
Parade Banners |
Vinyl Banners |
Mesh Banners |
Double Sided Banners |
| Best For |
Parade floats, marching bands, walking banners |
General purpose signage and events |
Windy outdoor locations, fences |
Banners viewed from both directions |
| Material |
13 oz. or 18 oz. vinyl |
13 oz. matte or gloss, 18 oz. heavy duty |
8 oz. PVC polyester mesh |
Vinyl with blockout liner |
| Finishing |
Hems and grommets, or pole pockets |
Hems, grommets, pole pockets, reinforced edges |
Grommets, pole pockets |
Grommets, pole pockets |
| Readable From |
One side, unless double-sided |
One or two sides |
One side |
Both sides, same orientation |
Chapter Two: Practicality
Now that we have covered the finishing options, let's put them into practical use, whether you intend to walk in the parade or ride on a float.
Walking
We sincerely recommend using pole pockets as a finishing option for parade banners. Simply put, the poles make it a lot easier to carry your banner. Depending on the banner width and pole size, you can have two or more people easily help carry it.
Floats and Vehicles
If you intend to use your banner on a float, then either option will suffice. You can hang a banner from float scaffolding or hang it from the back or front of a fire truck. People riding along can also easily hold up the banner with the pole pocket finishing feature.
Chapter Three: Some Fun Banner Ideas
Floats That Float
Boat parades are the best. Think about it, your float actually floats, so cool. If you're planning a boat parade, order some flag-style banners with pole pockets so they're easy to hold up on deck.
Horses
Many parades have horses. Our gentle equine friends bring that country feel to big city state fairs and other events. You can easily hold a pole-pocket banner between two riders or attach a hanging banner to a hay-ride wagon.
Cute Kid Banners
Children's events bring in the crowds. From face painting to petting zoos, you can bet where the family fun is, there will be people. Promote nostalgia by hanging banners around town and invite families galore.
You will be amazed how a banner can generate fun memories that last.