Not every custom bead is right for every event. A daytime parade, a night club promotion, a stadium giveaway, and a charity gala each call for a different style. This buying guide compares the main custom bead types we make, medallion, LED, shot glass, and custom shape, so you can match the product to your event and your budget before you order.
Full-Color Medallion Beads
Medallion beads carry a round disc that shows your logo, crest, or event name printed in full color. They are the most popular choice for parades, festivals, and brand giveaways because the printed medallion reads from a distance and reproduces detailed artwork, gradients, and photos. If you want your logo to look exactly like your logo, this is the style to pick. Learn more on the full-color medallion beads page.
Best for: krewes, festivals, brand events, and anyone with a detailed logo. Watch for: a clean, high resolution art file gives the sharpest print.
LED Light-Up Beads
LED beads light up in your colors and turn heads at any event after dark. Night parades, evening festivals, stadium light shows, and club nights all use them to stand out when printed beads fade into the dark. They cost more than standard printed beads because of the electronics, so many groups mix a smaller run of LED beads with a larger run of printed strands. See the LED light-up beads page for styles.
Best for: night events, concerts, and prime time games. Watch for: plan a mix of LED and printed beads to balance impact and budget.
Shot Glass Beads
Shot glass beads hang a small plastic shot glass from the strand, which makes them a favorite for bars, breweries, adult festivals, and of age tailgate sections. They double as a handout and a prop, and you can print your bar or event name on the glass. Browse the custom shot glass beads page for options.
Best for: bars, breweries, and adult events. Watch for: confirm your event and crowd are of age.
Custom Shape Beads
Custom shape beads mold your logo or a symbol into the beads themselves, so the shape becomes the message. A fleur-de-lis, a star, a football, a shamrock, or your own icon can become the bead. They take a little longer to produce because the mold is custom, so order these earlier in your timeline. See the custom shape beads page for ideas.
Best for: signature krewe throws and events that want a one of a kind bead. Watch for: allow extra lead time for a new mold.
Doubloons, Lanyards, and Add-Ons
Beyond beads, many orders add custom doubloons for collectors, custom lanyards for staff and credentials, and awareness beads for charity nights. Mixing a few products lets one event reward the crowd, the volunteers, and the VIP guests with the right item for each. Browse everything in the custom bead shop.
How to Choose
Start with three questions. Is your event during the day or at night. Is the crowd all ages or adults only. Do you want a printed logo or a molded shape. Daytime and all ages point to medallion beads. Night points to LED. Adults only points to shot glass. A signature icon points to custom shape. Still unsure, call and describe your event and we recommend a mix.
Match the Product to Your Event
See how each style works in the field on our krewe beads, custom sports team beads, festival beads, and custom beads for bars pages. When you are ready, browse the shop, call (877) 723-2348, or contact us for a recommendation and a proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bead style is most popular?
Full-color medallion beads are the most popular because the printed medallion shows detailed logos in full color and reads from a distance. They fit parades, festivals, and brand events.
Are LED beads worth the extra cost?
For night events they are, because printed beads fade in the dark while LED beads glow in your colors. Many groups order a smaller run of LED beads alongside printed strands.
Which beads work for a bar promotion?
Shot glass beads are built for bars, breweries, and adult events. You can print your venue name on the glass. Confirm your crowd is of age.
How far ahead should I order custom shape beads?
Custom shape beads use a custom mold, so allow extra lead time beyond the standard 14 day production. Call (877) 723-2348 to confirm the timeline for your shape.
