A Step-by-Step Guide to Designing, Customizing & Ordering
Fiesta medals are more than just souvenirs—they're wearable art that captures the spirit of celebration. Whether you're browsing Fiesta medals for sale or planning San Antonio Fiesta medals 2025 designs, this guide covers costs, collecting culture, and how to nail your Fiesta medals custom order.
What Are Fiesta Medals?
Action Tip: Start Early — Top custom Fiesta medal vendors get fully booked months before carnival season.
Fiesta medals are colorful, collectible pins deeply rooted in San Antonio’s vibrant Tex-Mex traditions. Originally created for the San Antonio Fiesta, these custom medals have grown into global symbols of celebration and culture. Today, they serve multiple roles:
- Social currency (traded among friends or at Fiesta medal swap meets)
- Brand storytellers (used by local businesses for cultural marketing)
- Personal keepsakes (marking weddings, birthdays, quinceañeras, or vacations)
Designing your own Fiesta medals? Don’t miss the chance to reflect the culture—use bold motifs like marigolds, papel picado patterns, or iconic San Antonio landmarks. Without these details, even a well-made medal might feel generic.
How Much Do Fiesta Medals Cost?
Action Tip: Budget for Extras — Special effects like sliders or spinners increase costs significantly.
Understanding custom Fiesta medal pricing helps you stay on budget—especially for large events like San Antonio Fiesta 2025. Here’s a quick look at the average 2025 rates (based on an order of 50/100 units, size of 1.5/2 inches, and no more than 4 colors):
Fiesta Medals Price Breakdown (2025 Rates) |
||||
Type |
Price |
Price |
Price |
Price |
(50 units / 1.75") |
(50 units / 2") |
(100 units / 1.75") |
(100 units / 2") |
|
UV Printed |
$5.00 |
$5.25 |
$3.25 |
$3.65 |
Soft Enamel |
$5.15 |
$5.35 |
$3.45 |
$3.75 |
Soft Enamel +UV |
$5.55 |
$5.95 |
$3.75 |
$4.25 |
Additional upgrade cost |
||||
Glow in the dark |
$0.15 |
|||
Glitter |
$0.1 / 1 color |
$0.1 / 1 color |
||
Spinner |
It depends on the situation |
|||
Slider |
$2.50 |
$2.00 |
||
Dangler |
$2.50 |
$2.00 |
Prices may vary based on design complexity, additional features, and vendor pricing strategies. If you're planning Custom Fiesta medals on a tight timeline, rush orders can add 20–50% to the cost. On the flip side, bulk orders (500+ pieces) may qualify for up to 15% off.
💡 Example: A small business in San Antonio ordered 200 UV printed medals with custom lanyards for $4.80 each, including a 10% discount for early booking.
Whether you're a first-time buyer or a veteran collector, knowing your price tiers early can help streamline your Fiesta medal design and order process.
Why Do People Collect Fiesta Medals?
Action Tip: Tap into Nostalgia – Limited editions gain value over time.
4 Key Reasons
- Community Connection – Trading Fiesta medals at local events (like San Antonio Fiesta 2025) builds friendships and celebrates shared culture.
- Artistic Appeal – Each design is a miniature piece of art, often inspired by Mexican folk themes, pop icons, or city landmarks.
- Status Symbols – Some Fiesta medal collectors seek rare features like glitter fill, sliders, or glow-in-the-dark effects—details that show creativity and exclusivity.
- Cherished Memories – People use medals to mark personal milestones: a wedding, a retirement, or even a first Fiesta experience.
If you design for collectors: consider making limited edition Fiesta medals with serial numbers, year markers, or matching annual sets. These small touches can greatly increase emotional value and trade interest.
Fiesta Medal Categories: Which Style Fits Your Event?
Action Tip: Match the Medal Type to Your Purpose – eye-catching fun or professional flair?
When it comes to custom Fiesta medals, picking the right type is key. Whether you’re designing for San Antonio Fiesta 2025 or a corporate giveaway, here’s a breakdown of popular styles:
1. Soft Enamel Fiesta Medals (Best for Bulk Orders)
These are the most common type. With a slightly raised texture and vivid colors, they’re ideal for high-volume needs like school fundraisers or nonprofit events.
💡 Tip: Add epoxy coating to improve durability without sacrificing color.
2. UV Printed Fiesta Medals (Best for Detailed Artwork)
Perfect for photo-realistic or full-color images, UV printing allows for unlimited hues and fine lines. Great choice for family portraits, pet images, or brand logos.
💡 Tip: Choose UV if your design has gradients or thin text.
3. Spinner or Slider Medals (Best for Interactive Fun)
These custom Fiesta medals include moving parts like spinning hats or sliding characters. They’re big hits with children and collectors alike.
💡 Tip: Budget 30% more than enamel, but expect smiles in return.
4. Dangler Medals (Best for Visual Impact)
Add an extra charm that dangles below the main medal. You can mix materials like glitter acrylic or glow-in-the-dark plastic for extra flair.
💡 Tip: Perfect for weddings, milestone birthdays, or themed parties.
(🛠️ Other types available on request: die-struck, LED-lit, magnetic badges, and glow-in-the-dark Fiesta medals. Contact us to explore more options.)
Fiesta Medal Guide: Design
Action Tip: Keep It Simple – Crowded designs lose impact at 1.5” size.
1. Iconography That Pops
- Do: Bold outlines, high-contrast colors (e.g., turquoise on gold)
- Avoid: Thin text under 8pt (it’ll blur).
- If you want legibility: Use sans-serif fonts like Futura.
2. Color Psychology
- Festive vibe: Orange (energy) + pink (joy)
- Luxury vibe: Black enamel + gold plating
- If you ignore Pantone codes: Printing may deviate from your vision.
3. Backside Customization
- Add: Event name/year, hashtag, or inside jokes
- Skip: Overloading with text (space is limited).
💡Pro trick: Request a 3D digital mockup before production—some vendors like yearpins® offer free revisions.
4. Final Checklist Before Ordering
Before you lock in your Fiesta medals custom order, double-check these essentials:
✅ Design Ready – Preview your artwork at 1.5" size to make sure every line and color pops. Use bold icons and legible fonts.
✅ Material Selected – Choose between soft enamel, UV print, or interactive styles like spinners or danglers. Match material to purpose and budget.
✅ Vendor Verified – Ask your supplier for past samples or client photos. Top vendors like Yearpins® offer mockups and unlimited edits.
✅ Timeline Protected – Add at least 2 extra weeks for revisions, customs clearance, or unexpected rushes—especially ahead of San Antonio Fiesta 2025.
🛎️ Pro Tip: If you’re working with Yearpins®, their free rush service removes delivery worries and keeps your custom Fiesta medal project on track.
🎉 Fiesta medals are about joy and detail—keep your design fun, your message clear, and your schedule flexible. When in doubt, simplify and amplify!
How Fiesta Medals Are Made: From Idea to Delivery
Action Tip: Choose the right partner—Yearpins® offers free rush production, so you never miss Fiesta season.
Ordering a custom Fiesta medal isn’t just about the design—it’s about choosing the right process to bring it to life on time and on budget. Here's how it works:
1. Artwork Prep
Send your design as a vector file (AI, EPS) or a high-res PNG (300dpi).
📌 Low-resolution images lead to pixelated Fiesta medals—avoid the risk.
2. Mold Creation
Standard orders use durable steel molds (3–5 days turnaround).
Need something truly unique? Silicone molds are an option (add ~$100).
🛠️ Pro Tip: Reuse molds for future San Antonio Fiesta medals 2026 to save.
3. Enamel & Finish Options
Choose what fits your vision:
Soft Enamel: Best for textured, colorful Fiesta medals custom orders.
Hard Enamel: Premium look, smooth surface, ultra-durable.
🎨 Machine-filled enamel ensures color accuracy and faster lead times.
4. Quality Check
Every medal goes through inspection for color match, clasp security, and spinner alignment.
✅ Want peace of mind? Ask for digital samples or pre-production photos.
5. Packaging & Shipping
Upgrade with velvet pouches or branded cards for gifting or resale.
🌍 Shipping internationally? Confirm HS codes to avoid delays.
Yearpins® makes Fiesta medals custom manufacturing easy with transparent pricing, expert support, and on-time delivery—rush included.
Where to Find Fiesta Medals for Sale
Whether you're designing custom Fiesta medals for San Antonio Fiesta 2026 or looking for budget-friendly bulk options, here are the top places to start:
1. Yearpins.com – Custom Fiesta Medals Made Easy
Looking for full customization and fast turnaround?
Yearpins® offers Fiesta medals Collection for sale through an intuitive design platform.
Key Features:
✓Design tool with live previews (no design skills needed!)
✓Soft enamel, UV print, glitter, glow-in-the-dark, or spinners—all supported
✓Low MOQ (50 units) is perfect for small teams, nonprofits, or private parties
✓Free rush production ensures on-time delivery for last-minute orders
✨ Best for: Custom Fiesta medals with high design freedom and quick delivery.
2. Local Texas Workshops (Authentic Cultural Touch)
Alamo City Awards (San Antonio veteran vendor)
Specialties:
✓ Hand-painted detailing (perfect for folk art motifs)
✓ Vintage distressing service (+$1.50/medal)
✓ Same-day pickup for local customers
2025 Insider: Book before August for Fiesta San Antonio 2026 preparations
3. Wholesale Marketplaces (Most in Stock)
like amazon.com or etsy.com