Custom Stadium Cups vs Custom Frosted Plastic Cups: Which Should You Print Mardi Gras?

For most Mardi Gras bars and high-volume parties, Custom Stadium Cups are the better choice because they maximize logo visibility in-hand and are built for fast refills; choose frosted cups when you want a softer, premium look for shorter pours and photo-forward drink moments.

• Shop Custom Stadium Cups

• Shop Custom Frosted Plastic Cups

If you’re assembling the full event kit (tableware + drinkware + décor + throws), start at Mardi Gras Swags.

Quick comparison table

Choose Custom Stadium Cups if…

Choose stadium cups when your main constraint is service volume and repeated in-hand exposure. Stadium cups are a strong fit if you match 2+ of these:

• You expect 200+ servings in a single service window and need fast restocks.
• You anticipate 1+ refill per guest (the cup becomes a “repeated brand impression”).
• You have 2+ bar stations and want a single, standard cup for speed.
• Your event is 4+ hours, and the cup will travel around (high logo exposure).
• You want the cup to act as a “walking sign” in photos and crowd shots.

Choose Custom Frosted Plastic Cups if…

Choose frosted cups when the look matters as much as the function especially for shorter pours and a more curated drink presentation.

Frosted cups are a strong fit if you match 2+ of these:

• You’re serving cocktails or shorter pours where presentation is part of the experience.
• Your event is photo-forward (VIP lounge, sponsor hospitality, themed party room).
• You expect fewer refills and want a cup people keep at their seat/table.
• You’re pairing drinkware with table branding (napkins/plates) and want a cohesive “designed” look.
• You’re operating in controlled indoor lighting where the frosted finish reads well.

For a coordinated table + bar approach, pair cups with Custom Printed Napkins.

Best use cases (Mardi Gras mapping)

• Bars and nightlife venues (high throughput): Stadium cups usually win for speed and repeated use.
• House parties with refills: Stadium cups win when guests roam and refill.
• VIP sponsor lounge / hospitality suite: Frosted cups often win for aesthetic and curated pours.
• Ticketed cocktail hour: Frosted cups fit short pours and presentation-led service.
• Community events with beverage stations: Stadium cups win for standardization across stations.
• Photo booth / branded backdrop zone: Frosted cups can look more “intentional” in close-up photos.

Planned use-case support (once live): Best Custom Mardi Gras Tableware for Parties and Food Service

Branding & imprint considerations (what changes your printing decision)

1) Design for “moving readability,” not close inspection

• Treat the cup like a billboard: one bold mark + optional short line.
• If guests must read it at arm’s length in motion, reduce elements.

2) Contrast is the #1 driver of legibility

• Stadium cups: strong contrast reads best in crowd photos.
• Frosted cups: avoid subtle tone-on-tone looks; use clear contrast so the logo doesn’t disappear.

3) Avoid the common failure modes

• Tiny URLs, thin scripts, and dense patterns fail on curved surfaces.
• If you must include text, keep it short and prioritize brand name over taglines.

4) Placement rule that preserves visibility

• Put the primary mark opposite the most common grip area so hands don’t cover it during use.

5) When to consider a different drinkware category

• If your event is primarily canned beverages, a can cooler may outperform any cup for “actual usage.” Consider Personalized Can Coolers in your kit.

Operational factors (service, cleanup, staging, indoor/outdoor)

Service speed

• Stadium cups support a “standard pour + refill” workflow.
• Frosted cups support a “curated drink moment,” but speed depends on menu complexity.

Condensation and wet hands

• Plan for napkins and drip control near bars; cups alone don’t solve wet surfaces.
• If you want table-level cleanup support, coordinate with Custom Printed Napkins.

Storage and transport

• Both are bulk items plan a staging area near each bar station.
• For multi-room events, distribute inventory ahead of peak windows.

Indoor vs outdoor

• Outdoor walk-around favors practical, standard cups (stadium) and simple art that reads at distance.
• Indoor, controlled lighting can support frosted “premium casual” presentation.

How to choose between stadium cups and frosted cups in 5 minutes

1. Decide the drink style: refills/high volume → stadium; short pours/cocktails → frosted.
2. Check guest movement: roaming crowd → stadium; seated zones → frosted.
3. Set the photo goal: crowd visibility → stadium; close-up aesthetic → frosted.
4. Simplify the art: whichever you choose, commit to bold, high-contrast design.

FAQs

Which is better for Mardi Gras bar service: stadium cups or frosted cups?

Stadium cups are usually better for bar service because they support fast refills and maximize in-hand logo exposure.

When do frosted cups beat stadium cups?

Frosted cups win when presentation and close-up photos matter more than refills, such as cocktail hours and VIP lounges.

What should I print on Mardi Gras cups to keep it readable?

Print a bold logo with high contrast and minimal text to stay legible on a curved surface.

Where should the logo go on a cup?

Place the logo opposite the common grip area so hands don’t cover it while drinking.

If my event is mostly canned drinks, should I skip cups?

Consider can coolers if usage will be mostly cans, since guests may not pour into cups. See Personalized Can Coolers.

How many cups should I plan per guest?

Plan 1 cup per guest plus 10–15% extra for breakage, late arrivals, and staffing needs; increase if you expect heavy refills and multiple service windows.

Do frosted cups require different artwork than stadium cups?

They require stronger contrast and simpler elements because frosted finishes can soften subtle detail under mixed lighting.

What else should I bundle with cups for Mardi Gras?

Add table-level repetition and quick cleanup support, such as Custom Printed Napkins.