Custom Party Cups: How to Brand Plastic Cups for Your Next Event

Custom party cups do two things at once: they serve the drink and they serve the brand. Whether you're running a fundraiser, a corporate event, a wedding, or a product launch, a cup with your name on it turns every pour into a brand impression. And because people keep cups, that impression has a long tail.

What kind of cup qualifies as a party cup?

In casual use, a party cup is any clear or colored rigid plastic cup used at a large gathering. In the branded world, that covers a range of products depending on what you're serving and how long you want the cup to last.

For events where guests keep the cup, a thick reusable plastic cup or a custom stadium cup is the right choice. For high-volume events where cups will be disposable, a clear cold cup or a squat cup gives you full-color branding at a lower per-unit cost.

Where custom party cups make sense

The sweet spot for custom plastic cups is any event where the cup stays in the guest's hand for more than a few minutes:

• Fundraisers and charity galas where the cup is part of the ticket
• Corporate events, trade shows, and product launches
• Wedding receptions and milestone celebrations
• Tailgates, block parties, and outdoor festivals
• Brewery taproom tastings and events
• University and alumni events
• Sports team banquets and booster events

Printing your brand on party cups

Custom printing wraps your full-color logo, artwork, or event name around the outside of the cup. Most cups accommodate one to four color printing on one or two sides, while premium options support full wraparound artwork. You supply the artwork, we supply a free digital proof, and nothing goes to print until you approve it.

For design help, Brim includes free art assistance with every order. If your logo isn't set up for cup printing, we'll clean it up at no charge.

How to choose between cup types

The decision usually comes down to three things: what you're serving, whether guests keep the cup, and your per-unit budget.

Reusable plastic cups cost more per unit but become branded merchandise. A guest who takes a reusable cup home might use it for years. Clear disposable cups cost less and are better for high-volume events where keeping every cup isn't practical. For a mixed event, some organizers order a premium reusable cup for VIP sections and a standard disposable for general admission.

Not sure which fits your event? Tell us the occasion, the expected headcount, and your budget and we'll spec the right cup and quote it. Start a quote here.

How many to order

A common rule of thumb is one to two cups per attendee. For a 200-person event, that means ordering 250 to 400 cups to account for refills, cups that get left behind, and a small reserve. If this is an annual event and you plan to reuse leftover cups, factor that into your order.