Custom Lanyards: What to Know Before You Order

What Are Custom Lanyards?

Custom lanyards are lanyards printed, woven, or embroidered with a specific logo, text, or design. Unlike generic lanyards that come in standard solid colors, custom lanyards are produced to your specifications with your branding or event identity. In other words: you finally get to tell a lanyard what to do.

They're a popular choice for conferences, corporate events, music festivals, schools, and any organization that wants a cohesive branded credential for every attendee or staff member.

Custom Lanyard Printing Methods

Screen Printing

Screen printing applies ink directly to the lanyard surface. Cost-effective for simple text or one to two-color logos — the most affordable custom option for high-volume orders.

Dye-Sublimation (Full Color)

Dye-sublimation allows full-color, edge-to-edge designs with gradients and detailed graphics. If your logo has multiple colors or complex artwork, this is the method that makes it look right. Colors are vibrant and won't fade or peel.

Woven Lanyards

With woven lanyards, the design is stitched into the fabric rather than printed on top. The result is a premium, highly durable finish. More expensive, but the quality shows. Common for corporate branding programs and ongoing organizational IDs.

What You'll Need to Customize a Lanyard

• Your logo or artwork — vector files (.ai, .eps, .svg) work best
• Color preferences — base lanyard color and print color(s)
• Width — standard widths are 3/8", 5/8", and 3/4"
• Attachment type — swivel hook, J-hook, badge reel, etc.
• Safety breakaway — required in many workplaces
• Quantity — most suppliers have minimum order requirements

Minimum Orders and Lead Times

Custom lanyard orders typically require a minimum of 100 to 500 units depending on decoration method. Production time after design approval is generally 10–21 business days, with rush options available at additional cost. Always build more time into your schedule than you think you need. (Especially if you're the person who ordered things "with plenty of time" last year and then called us in a panic.)

When Custom Lanyards Make Sense

• You have brand standards that need to be consistent across all event materials
• You're running a high-profile event where visual presentation matters
• You need the same lanyards for an ongoing program (office, school, organization)
• You have enough lead time before your deadline

When Generic Lanyards Are the Better Choice

Not every situation calls for custom production. If you need lanyards on short notice, need a quick restock, or have crew who just need a functional credential holder, ready-to-ship generic lanyards from Backstage Supplies are the practical answer. In stock, no minimum, fast shipping.