When choosing a parade banner size, there are three primary considerations to take into account. These are – Size of group marching in parade, amount of information you want the parade banner to display, and finally convenience/portability of the size.
This article will discuss all three factors as well as some marching banner tips to ensure your business, group or school is showcased properly with an effective parade banner at your next event. Parades are a great way for your business or group to stand out with pride in front of your hometown.
Standard Parade Banner Sizes
Before we look at determining what size you need for a custom parade banner, we can explore the standard sizes. Below are the sizes used for most custom banners used in parades.
Standard Height of Custom Parade Banners
You will find the most common heights offered for custom banners used parades are 30″ and 36″. Sometimes a height of 24′ may be used. But, please note this is usually to make the banner light and easier for children to carry.
30″ Banner Height vs. 36″ Banner Height
Of these two standard heights, the more popular option is 30″, which is two and a half feet. With a 36″ height, you will want taller people carrying the banner. Of course, the 30″ banner works for the average person or shorter people. So in the end, the only reason to consider 36″ is if you have a lot of information or images on your banner. So, 30″ will work for most event banners.
Standard Length of Custom Parade Banners
When shopping for parade banners the most common widths in order are 6 ft., 8 ft., and 10 ft. These sizes represent what length we regularly produce. These sizes also are easier to match when looking for a parade banner pole as indicated below.
Is there a Minimum on length for parade banners?
There is really no minimum width for event banners, but you would probably not want to go under 48″. Anything smaller than that would be ineffective for parade banners.
Standard Parade Banner Poles
There are several hardware options when buying a pole for a parade banner. These options range from quality poles with deluxe polished aluminum and fancy end pieces, to a simple wood pole option with no frills. Despite the deluxe vs budget difference, they share the common sizes mentioned. So if you are looking at buying a standard parade banner, you will want to keep your banner length at one of the standard sizes. If you decide to go with a custom size banner, you may have to come up with a custom pole option. You can find more information on choosing a parade banner pole here.
Custom Parade Banners Based on Group Size
So if you decide you are going to need a custom size for your custom parade banner. One consideration that can be used to determine the size needed, is the size of the group marching in the parade. For example, if you have a large group like a marching band or school athletics, you would want a larger banner.
Simple Calculation – Number of People to Custom Parade Banner Length
While there are several factors to consider, a simple way to calculate a length is to add 18″ to parade banner width for every person in the width of your parade procession up to 8 people wide. It is not suggested to go much over 12 ft. for parade banners. The larger widths will require an person in the middle to assist and support the parade banner.
Try to have your parade banner proportionately match the size of your group participating in the parade.
Parade Banner Sizes Based on Design/Information Displayed
The amount of information you want to display on the banner has a direct impact on what size you will need for your custom parade banner. There are two types of parade banners to consider when it comes to design details and content.
Simple Parade Banner Designs
A simple design for your custom parade banner consist of 1 or two line of large text with a large image or logo in the middle. This simple design could easily be printed on a banner 30″ high and 6-8 ft wide and be easily read. Spectators are usually an average distance of 5-10 feet away from the edge of the parade route.
Complex Parade Banner Designs
Now when discussing parade banners with a complex design, we will need to reference a letter visibility chart to make sure the printing of your content is the right size to be effective for displaying your logo and text. This is especially true if the banner is for promoting a business.
Use the Letter visibility chart below to help you design and determine size of your Custom Parade Banner.
Letter Visibility Chart for Custom Banners
Pole Pocket Sizes
With both simple and complex designs the pole pockets play a role. The standard size pole pocket for a custom parade banner is 3″ which will accommodate a pole up yo 1.25″. There is usually a pole pocket on top and on bottom of parade banners. The top pole pocket is used for the carrying pole, while the bottom pole pocket is for inserting weight to make sure the banner will hang correctly in windy conditions.
Please Note – with 3″ pole pockets on top and bottom, you will want to make allowances in your print design so the stitching does not effect printing of your design.
Many times people think the pole pocket is added to the size, where in fact you will need to allow for 6″ top and bottom. So if your marching banner is 36″, Your artwork should not be any more than 30″ to allow for these details.
Parade Banners – Weight
The last of the 3 factors to consider for determining the size of your custom parade banners is how heavy the banner will be. When considering a size for your parade banner, it is important to consider those carrying the banner. If the parade will be a long one, you will want to make sure the parade banner and pole combined are not so heavy and bulky that they wear out the people carrying it. Especially in warmer weather.
Remember the Counterweight
As indicated earlier, the bottom pocket is to insert a counterweight so the banner will hang properly. So remember to take this into account for overall weight as well.
Other Considerations when choosing a size for a Parade Banner
Print Quality
You will want to make sure that when buying digitally printed custom marching banners, you will want to make sure it is printed in high resolution so your print will be easy to read. Using low resolution images will effect readability and make the visibility chart unreliable.
Type of Material Used
The quality of the material used for your marching banner can effect the weight of the marching banner as quality materials will be heavier than cheaper lighter materials used by some stores. The trade off of durability vs weight is one to consider.
Vinyl Banners
The standard vinyl banner is 13oz. scrim, which means a yard/3’x3′ piece of vinyl banner material has a weight of 13 oz. So if you go with a digitally printed banner in vinyl a 3 ft. x 6ft. vinyl parade banner would have a weight of 26 ounces, or 1 pound 10 ounces. Which does not sound like a lot, but adding the pole and distances can make a difference for whoever is carrying the banners. Vinyl banners have to be rolled for storage which can be inconvenient when transporting.
Fabric Banners
A fabric banner is much lighter and easily folded for storage versus a vinyl banner. So if you are considering a larger parade banner, you might want to consider banners made of a fabric material. Fabric banners also present themselves so much better and really showcase the pride of your organization. Additionally, fabric banners can be folded for easy storage. On the downside, fabric banners do have longer production times and higher in price than vinyl banners.
Finishing Options
Finishing options such as tassels can effect the size of a marching banner as they can add add up to 3″ to the overall height of the banner.
Conclusion
Parades are events that present a fantastic way for your business or organization to to interact with the community. Understanding proper sizing can save you time and money, so whether your event is later, or you need a banner today, Big Tex Banners can help you find the best option to display at your next event.