Planning an event comes with a long list of things to organise.
You need to confirm the venue, entertainment, guests and suppliers. You also need to make sure your event wristbands are ready before the big day.
So, how long does it take to get custom event wristbands?
The answer depends on the type of wristband you choose, the quantity you need, your artwork and how quickly the order is approved.
At IDCband, our main wristband options have different turnaround times.
- Tyvek wristbands: 2–3 working days
- Vinyl wristbands: approximately 1 week
- Fabric wristbands: 2–3 weeks
Knowing these times before you order can help you choose the right wristband and avoid unnecessary delays.
How Long Do Custom Event Wristbands Take?
Each wristband material has a different production time.
If your event is coming up soon, this is one of the first things you should consider.
Tyvek Wristbands: 2–3 Working Days
Tyvek wristbands are a popular choice when you need wristbands quickly.
They are lightweight and comfortable. They are also suitable for many short-duration events.
Tyvek wristbands can be used for festivals, concerts, parties, school events and other events where wristbands are needed for entry or identification.
The typical turnaround is 2–3 working days.
This makes Tyvek a practical option when your event date is getting close.
You can also customise the wristbands with your event branding, colours, logo or other details.
Vinyl Wristbands: Approximately 1 Week
Vinyl wristbands are designed for durability.
They are a good option when the wristband needs to remain secure for longer. They can also be suitable for events where guests may be exposed to water or more demanding conditions.
The typical turnaround for vinyl wristbands is approximately one week.
IDCband offers different vinyl wristband options, allowing you to choose a style that suits your event and branding.
If you have around a week available before your event, vinyl may be worth considering.
Fabric Wristbands: 2–3 Weeks
Fabric wristbands offer a different look and feel.
They are often chosen for festivals, concerts and multi-day events. They are also popular when organisers want the wristband to form part of the overall event experience.
The typical turnaround is 2–3 weeks.
Because fabric wristbands take longer to produce, it is best to start the process early.
This gives you enough time for artwork approval, production and delivery.
Why Does Artwork Affect Your Turnaround Time?
Your wristband cannot usually go into production until the artwork has been approved.
This means your design can affect the overall timeline.
For example, if your artwork is ready and approved quickly, production can start sooner.
However, repeated changes can add time to the process.
Before approving your artwork, check your:
- Logo
- Event name
- Dates
- Colours
- Wording
- Numbers
- Other important details
Taking a few extra minutes to check everything can help prevent problems later.
What Can Delay a Wristband Order?
Production time is only one part of the process.
Other factors can also affect when your wristbands arrive.
Ordering Too Late
The closer your event gets, the less room you have for unexpected delays.
Even a fast-turnaround wristband still needs time for order processing, artwork approval and delivery.
Changing Your Order
Changing the quantity, material, colours or design after your order has been confirmed can affect the timeline.
If possible, finalise these details before production begins.
Late Artwork
Your artwork needs to be ready before production can move forward.
Sending it early gives you more time to review and approve the final design.
Waiting to Confirm Your Requirements
You may still be deciding which material or quantity you need.
That is completely understandable.
However, the longer you wait to make these decisions, the less time you have before your event.
If you are unsure, contact IDCband and we can help you choose the most suitable option.
How Early Should You Order Event Wristbands?
There is no single deadline that works for every event.
Your ideal ordering time depends on the wristband material, quantity, artwork and delivery requirements.
However, ordering early is always the safer option.
If your event is several weeks or months away, you have more time to choose your wristbands and finalise your design.
You also have more time to deal with changes if they come up.
If your event is only a few weeks away, don’t wait.
Contact IDCband as soon as possible so we can look at your requirements and advise you on the available options.
What If Your Event Is Only Two Weeks Away?
Don’t panic.
Two weeks may still be enough time, depending on the wristband you need and the details of your order.
For example, Tyvek wristbands have a typical turnaround of 2–3 working days.
Vinyl wristbands generally take approximately one week.
Fabric wristbands usually require 2–3 weeks, so they may need more planning.
The best thing to do is contact us with your event details.
We can then help you determine which option is most suitable for your timeframe.
What Should You Have Ready Before Ordering?
Getting a few details ready can make the ordering process much faster.
Have your event date available.
Know approximately how many wristbands you need.
Decide which wristband material you prefer.
If you want branded wristbands, have your logo or artwork ready.
You should also know where the wristbands need to be delivered.
Once you have these details, getting a quotation is much easier.
Choosing the Right Wristband for Your Timeline
Your event date should play a role in your wristband choice.
If you need a quick option, Tyvek can be a practical choice with its typical 2–3 working day turnaround.
If you have around a week and need a more durable option, vinyl may be suitable.
If you have more time and want a fabric wristband for a festival, concert or multi-day event, fabric could be the better choice.
The best wristband depends on more than turnaround time. You should also consider how long guests will wear it, the event environment and the look you want.
Need Custom Event Wristbands?
Getting your wristbands sorted early can make your event planning much easier.
IDCband supplies custom Tyvek, vinyl and fabric wristbands for events across South Africa and internationally.
Whether you are planning a festival, concert, conference, corporate event, sporting event or private function, we can help you choose a wristband that suits your event and timeframe.
When requesting a quotation, send us your:
Event date + quantity + wristband type + artwork
The sooner you contact us, the more time we have to help you get your order organised.
Planning an upcoming event? Contact IDCband today for a quotation.
📞 +27 11 675 5548
📲 WhatsApp: +27 64 861 8552
🌐 www.idcband.co.za





