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Printable Birthday Banners
A birthday banner is the one decoration that shows up in every photo, and the one most likely to be bought in a hurry from a supermarket in a generic font. A printable banner costs less, says exactly what you want, and matches the rest of your party.
Most designs come as individual letter pennants you print, cut and string together, which means you can spell any name or any age without being limited to what a shop had in stock.
Types of banner
- Letter banners — one letter per pennant, spell anything you like
- Single panel banners — print as one wide strip at a print shop, no assembly
- Photo banners — a photo from each year, popular for first and milestone birthdays
- High chair banners — smaller, for a first birthday cake smash
Assembling a letter banner
Print on 250 gsm cardstock so the pennants do not curl. Cut along the guides, punch two holes at the top corners, and thread ribbon or twine through. Allow about four inches between letters and roughly twice the length of the banner in string so it hangs with a proper curve. The whole thing takes twenty minutes in front of the television.
Birthday banner questions
How long will my banner be?
Roughly six inches per letter including the gap. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" comes out around seven feet, which fits most mantelpieces and doorways.
What paper should I use?
250 to 300 gsm cardstock. Standard paper sags within an hour, especially in a warm room.
Do I have to cut out every letter?
For a letter banner, yes. If that sounds like too much, choose a single panel design and have a print shop produce it as one strip.
How do I hang it?
Ribbon or bakers twine through punched holes, then washi tape or small adhesive hooks at each end. Tape holds better on the string than on the cardstock.
Can I use a photo banner for an adult birthday?
Yes, and it usually lands well at a fortieth or fiftieth. One photo per decade rather than per year keeps it manageable.