Lawrenceburg Event Planning: Your Custom Apparel Checklist

Planning an event in Lawrenceburg? Don’t let custom apparel be the thing you forget. Here’s your complete checklist from someone who’s saved hundreds of events. Call Nick at (812) 537-3461.

Three weeks before the Lawrenceburg Fall Festival, the organizer called me in tears. Previous printer just went out of business. 500 shirts needed. Sponsors already paid. Total panic.

We pulled it off. Festival saved. But it didn’t need to be that dramatic.

Here’s your checklist to avoid event apparel disasters:

The Timeline That Actually Works

8 Weeks Before Event:

• Finalize event date and theme
• Estimate attendance (be realistic)
• Set apparel budget
• Decide what apparel you need
• Start design concepts

6 Weeks Before:

• Finalize designs
• Confirm quantities
• Get sponsor logos (high resolution)
• Place order
• Breathe easy

4 Weeks Before:

• Approve samples/proofs
• Confirm delivery details
• Plan distribution method
• Order any last-minute additions

2 Weeks Before:

• Receive shipment
• Check everything
• Organize by size
• Handle any issues calmly

See our event packages for pricing and options.

What Lawrenceburg Events Actually Need

5K Runs/Walks:

• Participant shirts (moisture-wicking preferred)
• Volunteer shirts (different color)
• Sponsor recognition placement
• Extra shirts for day-of registration
• Consider finisher medals/accessories

Festivals:

• Commemorative shirts for attendees
• Staff/volunteer identification
• Vendor aprons or polos
• VIP or special access items
• Merchandise for sale

Fundraisers:

• Thank you gifts for donors
• Auction items (premium apparel)
• Volunteer appreciation
• Awareness merchandise
• Multi-tier donor recognition

Corporate Events:

• Team building shirts
• Conference swag
• Trade show giveaways
• Employee appreciation
• Client gifts

The Details That Get Missed

After hundreds of events, here’s what organizers forget:

• Youth sizes: Family events need kid options
• 3XL and up: Always need more than you think
• Sponsor deadlines: They’re slower than you
• Color matching: That logo better be right
• Distribution plan: How will people get shirts?
• Weather backup: Rain means different needs

Basic tees work for most events.

Budget Planning That Makes Sense

Pro tip: Order 10% more than registered. You’ll need them.

Sponsor Management Made Simple

Sponsors pay the bills but complicate everything. Here’s how to manage them:

1. Set logo deadline: 2 weeks before your order date
2. Specify file requirements: Vector files or 300dpi
3. Show placement mockup: No surprises
4. Get written approval: CYA always
5. Order sponsor samples: Keep them happy

Happy sponsors = returning sponsors.

Distribution Strategies That Work

Pre-Event Pickup:

• Reduces event day chaos
• Allows size exchanges
• Builds excitement
• Requires organization

Event Day Distribution:

• Everyone gets shirts
• Creates energy
• Needs more volunteers
• Have exchange policy

Mailed/Delivered:

• VIP treatment
• Higher cost
• Great for sponsors
• No day-of hassles

More event planning tips here.

Emergency Solutions

When things go wrong (they will), here’s your backup plan:

• Printer disappears: Call us immediately
• Wrong quantities: Rush reorders possible
• Design disasters: We fix logos daily
• Timeline crunch: Express options available
• Budget cuts: Creative solutions exist

The key? Don’t panic. Call someone who’s been there.

P.S. – That Fall Festival we saved? We’re now their official apparel partner. Sometimes crisis creates opportunity. But honestly? It’s better to just plan ahead. Use this checklist. Call early. Sleep better.