Medallions and Beads Buyer’s Guide: Sizes, Printing, Materials, and Best Use Cases

The best way to choose custom medallions and beads is to match bead length + medallion size to how people will wear them (neck vs toss), then pick imprint style based on whether your logo needs fine detail or bold visibility.

Medallions and beads are wearable promotional party items typically a strand of beads paired with a medallion centerpiece used to boost brand visibility at high-energy events (parades, campus events, bars, festivals) where giveaways need to be fast to distribute and easy to wear.

Shop the full selection here: Medallions and Beads.

Quick picks: best “fit” by event style (with internal link suggestions)

• Parades + toss-and-catch crowds: Choose longer bead strands + larger medallions so branding reads from several feet away. If you want a more “award-like” alternative, pair with Medals for winners/VIPs.
• Bars + nightlife promotions: Choose medium-length strands that sit mid-chest (comfortable indoors) and bold, high-contrast imprint. Add a companion takeaway that stays after the night ends, like Custom Tote Bags.
• Campus events + student orgs: Choose lighter-weight bead/medallion combos for all-day wear and simple logos that read quickly. If you need a “team identity” add-on, consider Custom Buttons as a secondary giveaway.
• Corporate “theme day” or fundraising: Choose cleaner, logo-forward medallions (less novelty, more brand) and avoid designs that rely on tiny text. For a premium, collectible-style alternative, see Challenge Coins.

Sizes, capacity, and meaningful variants (what actually changes the buying decision)

Medallions and beads vary in three decision-driving ways: bead strand length, bead size/weight, and medallion diameter + thickness.

Common options and what they’re best for

Practical selection note: if people will be wearing these for hours, prioritize lighter weight and rounded edges on the medallion. If they’re primarily photo props or tossed, prioritize size + contrast.

How to choose (step-by-step constraints that prevent bad buys)

1. Decide the wear mode:

• Neck-wear for hours: medium strand + medium medallion; prioritize comfort and reduced flipping.
• Toss giveaway: long strand + larger medallion; prioritize distance readability.

1. Set your visibility target (distance rule):

• If you need branding to read from 6–10 feet, use bold art + larger medallion.
• If viewing is mostly arm’s length, smaller medallions can work, but keep text minimal.

1. Pick imprint style based on logo complexity:

• Fine-detail logo or small text: favor simplified 1-color mark or a bold icon.
• Bold logo / mascot / initials: you can go larger and more graphic.

1. Choose color strategy (contrast first):

• Dark logo on light medallion (or vice versa) for readability under mixed lighting.
• If beads are multicolor, keep medallion imprint high-contrast so it doesn’t get visually lost.

1. Plan distribution + packaging constraints:

• If you’ll be handing out from boxes/bins, pick options that separate easily (less tangling).
• If you’re stuffing kits/bags, choose short/medium strands for faster packing.

Primary path to purchase: Medallions and Beads.

Decision table: use case → recommended size/material feel/print style

If you need a non-wearable branding companion for photos and tables, pair with Custom Frosted Plastic Cups for a consistent “event look.”

Branding & print tips (what prints cleanly, what doesn’t)

What prints cleanly

• Bold logos, icons, mascots, initials
• Short phrases (2–4 words) with thick strokes
• High-contrast combinations (dark-on-light or light-on-dark)

What does not print cleanly (and what to do instead)

• Tiny text, long URLs, dense taglines → replace with a short handle or initials
• Very thin lines → increase stroke thickness; simplify internal shapes
• Low-contrast color-on-color → switch to single high-contrast imprint

Placement rules for readability

• Put the primary logo centered on the medallion face.
• Avoid imprinting text near the outer rim where curvature/edge glare reduces legibility.
• Design as if the medallion will rotate: your mark should still read when viewed quickly.

Quantity planning (numeric baselines that match real distribution)

Use these baselines to avoid running short:

• Handout events (indoor, controlled): plan 1.1–1.25 per attendee (10–25% buffer for extras, staff, and late arrivals).
• Parades / high-traffic outdoor: plan 1.5–3.0 per expected “interaction” (people often want multiples; toss giveaways move fast).
• Bars/nightlife: plan 1.2–1.8 per guest depending on re-entry, group sharing, and photo moments.
• Stations method: If you have multiple distribution points, allocate 50–150 units per station per hour as a starting range, then add a buffer for peak times.

Operational note: if you’re also giving a second branded item, reduce medallions/beads to 1.0–1.2 per person and shift the buffer to the companion item (e.g., Custom Buttons).

Mistakes to avoid (fast failure points)

• Choosing a medallion imprint that relies on small text (it will not read in motion).
• Picking low-contrast art that disappears under night lighting or in photos.
• Ordering long strands without a plan to prevent tangling during distribution.
• Assuming everyone will wear them all day heavy medallions reduce comfort and retention.
• Skipping a companion “keepsake” item when your medallions are mostly novelty (add a practical takeaway like Custom Tote Bags).

FAQs

1) Are medallions and beads better for parades or indoor events?

They’re usually better for parades and high-energy crowds because they’re wearable, highly visible, and easy to distribute quickly.

2) What logo style works best on a medallion?

Bold, simplified logos work best thick lines, minimal text, and strong contrast.

3) Should I choose beads-only or beads with a medallion?

Choose beads with a medallion if you need clear branding; choose beads-only if you mainly want color/novelty and plan a second branded item.

4) How do I keep the design readable in photos?

Use high contrast and a large central mark; avoid long phrases and thin strokes.

5) What strand length is best for comfort?

Medium-length strands are usually the most comfortable for extended wear and indoor events.

6) How many should I order for a typical event?

Plan 1.1–1.25 per attendee for controlled handouts and 1.5–3.0 per interaction for parades/outdoor crowds.

7) What’s a good alternative if I want something more collectible?

Challenge coins are a strong collectible alternative see Challenge Coins.

8) What’s a good add-on item to pair with medallions and beads?

Buttons and tote bags pair well for continued brand use after the event: Custom Buttons and Custom Tote Bags.