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Website design By BotEap.comI could not avoid it. She just ran away. “Well Shelly…you’re going to have to get a shorter banner or taller kindergartners.”
Website design By BotEap.comA brief moment of silence was broken by her laugh letting me know that I hadn’t blown it and that she had a sense of humor, something I really like in a client.
Website design By BotEap.com“Oh yeah, sure,” she said. “If the banner is four feet tall, the children will have to hold it above their heads for the entire parade.”
Website design By BotEap.comLike most things in life, there are a few things to consider when ordering a banner for an event. To begin with, if the banner is to be carried in a parade, it is necessary to give some thought to the height of the bearers in relation to the height of the banner.
Website design By BotEap.comHow the banner will be used and for how long will dictate the substrate or material the banner is made of. If the banner is for a single use, such as a parade, it can be made with a lighter weight banner paper that is less expensive. On the other hand, if the banner will be used in multiple parades and/or hung for viewing after use, then there are other things to consider as well.
Website design By BotEap.comA more durable heavyweight substrate, such as a 13oz multi-use vinyl banner material, is recommended to resist folding/curling and “trunk abuse”. If the banner will be hung in a window, ultraviolet (UV) lamination should be considered to prevent color fading.
Website design By BotEap.comWhen a banner is to be used for a parade, we usually design horizontal “pole pockets” at the top and bottom. A pole that is approximately two feet longer than the width of the banner is inserted, making it a convenient carry handle. We recommend PVC pipe as it is lightweight and inexpensive, yet strong enough to provide the support you desire.
Website design By BotEap.comSometimes people ask for vertical pole pockets at each end with a slit at the bottom and the pocket sewn at the top. The problem with this is that the banner bearers must stay a specific distance apart to keep the banner tight throughout the parade. It’s harder to do than it sounds and can make an otherwise enjoyable parade walk miserable. Horizontal pockets are much easier to manage.
Website design By BotEap.comThe reason for the lower horizontal pocket is to prevent the wind from blowing the banner forwards or backwards and making it unreadable. We found that a length of PCV pipe, measuring the width of the banner, with a pair of end caps works great. He fills the pipe with sand, caps the ends, and inserts it into the bottom pole pocket giving it enough weight to remain stationary even if the wind blows.
Website design By BotEap.comIf the banner will be hung after a parade, you will also want it to be made with grommets which will give you more hanging options. We typically put grommets every two to three feet, depending on the size of the banner. Anything over three feet tall, we usually put a grommet in the middle of each side as well.
Website design By BotEap.comFor storage, it is preferable to roll a banner than to fold it when the substrate is vinyl or paper. In cases where you have an image digitally printed on fabric, folding is fine.
Website design By BotEap.comOnce again, make sure the banner is short enough so that the people carrying it in the parade can hold it at chest height without the bottom of the banner touching the ground.
Website design By BotEap.comA little thought about your application, usage, and duration of use can produce a functional banner that looks great.
