Event Ticket Printing

A charity gala prints 300 tickets on metallic gold card stock with sequential numbering and a perforated stub. A booster club prints 5,000 raffle tickets at $0.04 each and sells them for $5 apiece. A music festival prints 10,000 wristband-attached admission tickets with unique QR codes that link to a digital check-in system.

All three are event ticket printing jobs, and they have almost nothing in common except that the tickets need to be accurate, durable, and ready before doors open. This guide covers every decision you need to make - ticket type, paper stock, numbering, perforations, pricing, design, and timeline - so you can order with confidence whether you are running a 50-person fundraiser dinner or a 5,000-seat outdoor festival.

Why Custom Event Tickets Still Matter

Digital ticketing platforms have their place, but physical tickets are not going anywhere. Here is why event organizers keep printing them.

Anticipation and Perceived Value

A printed ticket in someone's hand makes the event feel real. It sits on the kitchen counter, gets pinned to a bulletin board, stays visible in a wallet. That repeated visual exposure builds anticipation in a way that a confirmation email buried in an inbox never will. For galas, fundraisers, and award dinners where ticket prices run $50-$500, the physical ticket signals that this is a premium experience worth showing up for.

Admission Control and Security

Printed tickets with sequential numbering provide a physical audit trail. You know exactly how many tickets exist (say, 001 through 500), so you know exactly how many people can walk in. If someone shows up with ticket 501, you have a problem you can identify immediately. Sequential numbering also prevents duplication - a photocopied ticket with number 247 gets caught the second time someone tries to use it.

For raffle drawings, numbered tickets are not just helpful - they are legally required in most jurisdictions. State gaming regulations typically mandate that each raffle ticket carry a unique identifier and that organizers maintain a verifiable count of tickets sold.

Keepsakes and Branding

People save event tickets. A well-designed ticket from a gala, concert, or milestone celebration becomes a souvenir that sits in a scrapbook or on a refrigerator for years. That is ongoing brand exposure for your organization at zero additional cost. A nonprofit that prints beautiful fundraiser tickets is subtly reinforcing donor engagement every time someone glances at that ticket stub on their desk.

No Technology Required at the Door

A printed ticket works without Wi-Fi, without a charged phone, without an app download, and without a staff member who knows how to troubleshoot a scanning glitch. Tear the stub, count the stubs, done. For outdoor events, venues with poor cell reception, and audiences that skew older, physical tickets eliminate a significant point of friction at entry.

Types of Event Tickets

Not all tickets serve the same purpose. Choosing the right type starts with understanding what each format does best.

Raffle Tickets

The classic two-part ticket with a perforated tear-off. One half goes into the drawing bowl, the other stays with the buyer. Raffle tickets are almost always sequentially numbered (both halves carry the same number) and printed on lightweight stock to keep costs low when quantities are high. Typical orders range from 500 to 10,000 tickets. Keep the design simple: event name, organization name, ticket number, prize descriptions if there is room, and any required legal disclaimers.

Admission Tickets

General admission tickets confirm that the holder has paid and is authorized to enter. They are usually sturdier than raffle tickets (100lb cover or 14pt card stock) because they need to survive handling at the door. Admission tickets often include the event name, date, time, venue, and seat or section assignment. A perforated stub is optional but useful when the organizer wants to track headcount by collecting stubs at entry.

Numbered Tickets

Any ticket with a unique sequential number printed on it. Numbering serves multiple purposes: security (prevents counterfeiting), accountability (you can reconcile tickets sold against tickets collected), and raffle compliance (gaming regulations require unique identifiers). Modern digital presses print sequential numbers as variable data, meaning every ticket in the run gets its own number without slowing production or increasing cost significantly.

Tear-Off Stub Tickets

A ticket with a perforation line that divides it into two parts - typically a larger main ticket (3.5-4 inches) and a smaller stub (1.5-2 inches). The stub usually duplicates the ticket number and event details. Stubs serve as receipts for the attendee and as tracking tools for the organizer. Raffle tickets, coat check tickets, and drink tickets all commonly use this format.

VIP and Tiered Tickets

Events with multiple pricing tiers need visually distinct tickets for each level: general admission, VIP, platinum, sponsor tables, and so on. The easiest way to differentiate tiers is by color (general admission on white, VIP on black or gold). Premium tiers often use heavier stock, metallic finishes, or foil accents to match the elevated price point. If a VIP ticket costs $250 and looks identical to a $50 general admission ticket, you have undercut the perceived value of the upgrade.

Wristband Alternatives

For multi-day festivals, outdoor events, and venues where re-entry is common, wristbands often replace traditional tickets. Tyvek wristbands are waterproof, tamper-evident (they break if removed), and can be printed with sequential numbers, barcodes, and full-color graphics. They are not paper tickets in the traditional sense, but many event ticket printers produce them on the same variable-data digital presses.

Ticket Printing Options

Once you know the type of ticket you need, the next decisions are physical specifications: size, stock, numbering, perforations, and finishes.

Size

Size	Format	Best For
2 x 5.5 in	Standard ticket	Raffle tickets, general admission, drink tickets
2 x 6 in	Standard with stub	Raffle tickets with tear-off, coat check
2.75 x 8.5 in	Concert/theater format	Reserved seating, concert admission, galas
3.5 x 8.5 in	Oversized	Premium events, souvenir tickets, VIP passes
Custom	Die-cut to any shape	Branded events, themed parties, product launches

The 2 x 5.5 inch format is the industry standard and the most economical because it nests efficiently on press sheets. Going to a custom size requires die cutting, which adds $150-$500 for the die plus a per-piece surcharge.

Paper Stock

• 80lb text - Lightweight, flexible, economical. Best for high-volume raffle tickets where cost per ticket matters more than durability. Feels similar to a standard flyer.
• 65lb cover - A step up in stiffness. Handles well, resists casual bending. Good middle ground for admission tickets that do not need to feel premium.
• 100lb cover - Noticeably sturdy. Holds up in pockets, purses, and wallets without going limp. The go-to choice for standard admission tickets and fundraiser tickets.
• 14pt card stock - Thick, rigid, professional. This is what business cards are printed on. For gala tickets, VIP passes, and any ticket priced over $50, 14pt sends the right signal.
• 16pt card stock - Maximum rigidity. Used for ultra-premium tickets, often with soft-touch lamination or foil. Feels luxurious in the hand.

Numbering

Sequential numbering is printed as variable data - the press changes the number on every impression automatically. Numbers can appear on the main ticket, the stub, or both. Common formats include simple numerals (0001, 0002, 0003), prefixed numerals (GA-0001 for general admission, VIP-0001 for VIP), and barcode-encoded numbers for scanning.

The cost difference between numbered and unnumbered tickets is minimal on a digital press because variable data is native to the technology. On older offset presses, numbering required a separate crash-numbering step after printing, which added time and cost. Digital eliminated that bottleneck entirely.

Perforations

Perforations are created by a scoring wheel that cuts a dotted line across the ticket, allowing clean separation of the stub from the main ticket. Standard perforation is a straight horizontal or vertical line. The perforation position determines stub size - typically 1.5 to 2 inches from one end. Perforations add $20-$40 to a job, regardless of quantity, because it is a single machine setup.

Premium Finishes

• Metallic toner - Gold or silver metallic ink applied in a single pass on presses like the Xerox Iridesse. Creates foil-like effects without a separate foil-stamping step. Dramatically reduces cost compared to traditional hot foil stamping.
• Clear gloss accent - A clear toner layer applied selectively to create a raised, glossy texture on specific elements (logos, borders, ticket numbers). Adds a tactile premium feel.
• Spot UV coating - Similar to clear gloss but applied as a liquid UV-cured coating. Creates high contrast between matte and glossy areas.
• Soft-touch lamination - A velvety matte film applied to the entire ticket. Transforms the feel from "printed card" to "luxury product." Popular for gala and black-tie event tickets.
• Die cutting - Custom ticket shapes cut with a steel-rule die. A guitar-shaped ticket for a music event. A star-shaped ticket for an awards ceremony. Die cutting turns a ticket into a keepsake.
• Foil stamping - Metallic foil pressed onto the stock with a heated die. The traditional premium finish. Available in gold, silver, copper, holographic, and custom colors. More expensive than metallic toner but produces a different visual effect with a mirror-like reflectivity.

How Much Does Event Ticket Printing Cost?

Pricing varies widely based on quantity, stock, and features. Here are realistic ranges so you have a baseline before requesting quotes.

Ticket Type	Specs	500 pcs	1,000 pcs	5,000 pcs
Raffle Tickets	2x5.5, 80lb text, 1-color, numbered, perforated	$80 - $150	$100 - $200	$180 - $350
Raffle Tickets (Full Color)	2x5.5, 80lb text, 4/0, numbered, perforated	$120 - $200	$150 - $280	$250 - $450
Admission Tickets	2x5.5, 100lb cover, 4/4, numbered	$150 - $300	$250 - $500	$450 - $800
Admission w/ Stub	2x6, 100lb cover, 4/4, numbered, perforated	$180 - $350	$280 - $550	$500 - $900
Gala/Premium Tickets	2.75x8.5, 14pt, 4/4, metallic foil, numbered	$400 - $800	$550 - $1,000	$900 - $1,600
VIP Passes	3.5x2 (badge size), 16pt, 4/4, spot UV, numbered	$200 - $400	$300 - $550	$500 - $900
Tyvek Wristbands	1x10, full color, numbered, tamper-evident	$60 - $120	$80 - $180	$150 - $300

What Drives the Price

• Quantity - The single biggest factor. Per-ticket cost drops steeply between 500 and 5,000. A raffle ticket that costs $0.20 each at 500 might cost $0.04 each at 5,000.
• Paper stock - Moving from 80lb text to 14pt card stock roughly doubles the paper cost per ticket.
• Color - Single-color (1/0) is the cheapest. Full-color front only (4/0) is moderate. Full-color both sides (4/4) costs the most. For raffle tickets, 1-color or 2-color is usually sufficient.
• Numbering - Adds $20-$60 to a digital print job. Essentially free on runs of 1,000+ because the variable data is handled in the same pass as the rest of the printing.
• Perforations - A flat $20-$40 setup fee. Negligible on anything but the smallest orders.
• Premium finishes - Metallic toner adds 30-50% to the base price. Hot foil stamping adds 50-100%. Die cutting adds the cost of the die ($150-$500) plus $0.02-$0.10 per ticket.
• Turnaround - Rush production (2-3 days) typically adds a 25-50% surcharge.

Real-World Budget Examples

School booster club raffle: 2,000 tickets, 2x5.5, 80lb text, 2-color, sequentially numbered, perforated. Budget: $120-$220.

Nonprofit gala dinner: 400 tickets, 2.75x8.5, 14pt card stock, full color with metallic gold accents, sequentially numbered, perforated stub. Budget: $350-$650.

Music festival general admission: 5,000 tickets, 2x5.5, 100lb cover, full color, unique QR code on each ticket, no perforation. Budget: $500-$900.

For a broader look at printing costs across all product types, see our commercial printing services guide.

Design Tips for Event Tickets

A ticket has two jobs: look good and communicate clearly. Every design element should serve one of those goals. Here is what to include and how to lay it out.

Essential Information

• Event name - The largest, most prominent text on the ticket. This is what someone sees first.
• Date and time - Include day of the week ("Saturday, March 15, 2026") because people remember days more reliably than dates.
• Venue name and address - Full street address, not just the venue name. Attendees will hand this ticket to a rideshare driver.
• Ticket number - Visible on both the main ticket and the stub (if applicable).
• Ticket type/tier - "General Admission," "VIP," "Table Sponsor," etc. Use both text and color coding.
• Price - Required for raffle tickets in most jurisdictions. Helpful on admission tickets for refund and resale clarity.
• Organization name and logo - Establishes legitimacy and serves as branding.
• Sponsor logos - If sponsors are part of the deal, their logos belong on the ticket. Allocate space during the design phase, not after.

Optional But Valuable

• QR code - Links to the event page, digital check-in system, or donation portal. Keep it at least 0.75 x 0.75 inches for reliable scanning.
• Barcode - For scanning at entry points. Standard Code 128 or QR format.
• Dress code - Saves the "what do I wear?" phone call. One line: "Black Tie" or "Business Casual."
• Parking/entry instructions - "Enter via South Gate" or "Valet parking available on Oak Street."
• Legal disclaimers - Required for raffle tickets ("Need not be present to win," license numbers, age restrictions).

Layout Principles

Tickets are small. A 2 x 5.5 inch ticket has roughly the same printable area as a business card turned sideways. Every element competes for attention, so hierarchy matters. Use font size to establish priority: event name at 14-18pt, date and venue at 10-12pt, fine print at 6-8pt. Leave breathing room between elements. A cramped ticket looks amateur regardless of how expensive the stock is.

If the ticket has a stub, mirror the ticket number on both sections and include the event name on the stub. The stub is what the attendee keeps - if it does not identify the event, it is useless as a receipt or keepsake.

Keep your organization's branding consistent with other event materials (invitations, programs, signage). The ticket is part of the event experience, not a separate afterthought.

Variable Data: Sequential Numbering and Barcodes

Variable data printing (VDP) is what makes modern event ticket printing fundamentally different from running 1,000 identical copies. With VDP, every single ticket in the press run can carry unique information - a different number, a different barcode, a different QR code, even a different name - all printed at full press speed without stopping to change plates or make adjustments.

How Sequential Numbering Works

The press operator sets a starting number and an increment. The digital press automatically advances the number on every impression. Ticket 0001 prints, then 0002, then 0003, all the way through the run. Both the main ticket and the tear-off stub print the same number simultaneously because they are on the same sheet before perforation. The entire process happens at the same speed as printing identical tickets - there is zero production time penalty.

Numbering formats can be customized: plain numerals (0001), prefixed (GA-0001, VIP-0001), or encoded into a barcode. For events with tiered ticketing, different prefixes for each tier make sorting and reconciliation simple at the end of the night.

QR Codes and Barcodes

A unique QR code on each ticket can encode the ticket number, a URL, or a data string that links to your event management system. When an attendee arrives, a volunteer scans the QR code with a phone or tablet, the system marks that ticket as "used," and duplicate entries are flagged instantly. This is faster than manually checking numbers against a list and far more accurate.

Barcodes (Code 128, Code 39) work the same way but require a dedicated barcode scanner rather than a phone camera. They are more common in high-volume venues with permanent scanning infrastructure (theaters, stadiums, convention centers).

Why This Matters for Security

Sequential numbering creates a closed system. If you printed tickets 0001 through 0500, any ticket numbered 0501 or higher is an obvious counterfeit. Any duplicate number scanned at the door flags the second entry as fraudulent. For high-value events (galas at $200+ per ticket, fundraisers with prize drawings), this level of accountability protects both the organizer and the attendees.

Combined with premium stock and specialty finishes (metallic toner, embossing), variable data makes counterfeiting economically impractical. A counterfeiter would need to match the exact stock weight, the exact finish, the exact numbering sequence, and the exact barcode encoding. That is not happening for a $100 gala ticket.

Ordering Timeline

The number one mistake event organizers make with ticket printing is ordering too late. Tickets feel like a small detail compared to booking a venue and hiring a caterer, so they get pushed down the to-do list until someone panics two days before the event. Here is a realistic timeline.

Standard Timeline (Recommended)

Milestone	When	What Happens
Finalize ticket design	3-4 weeks before event	Approve all text, layout, numbering format, and stock selection
Submit print-ready files	2-3 weeks before event	PDF with correct bleed (0.125"), CMYK color, 300 DPI, fonts embedded
Proof approval	2 weeks before event	Review digital proof carefully - check numbering, spelling, dates, perforation placement
Production	5-7 business days	Printing, numbering, perforation, cutting, quality check
Delivery/pickup	1 week before event	Tickets in hand with buffer time for distribution

Rush Timeline

If you are behind schedule, most printers offer rush production at a 25-50% surcharge. Rush turnaround is typically 2-3 business days after proof approval. Simple jobs (raffle tickets, single-color, standard size) can sometimes ship next day. Complex jobs with metallic finishes, die cutting, or large quantities may not be rushable at all - the equipment time simply is not available on short notice.

How Many to Order

Order 10-15% more than your expected attendance. Those extra tickets cover:

• Will-call and box-office sales on event day
• Replacement tickets for attendees who lose theirs
• Complimentary tickets for sponsors, VIPs, and media
• A small buffer for misprints or damage during distribution

The incremental cost of 100 extra tickets on a 1,000-ticket order is almost negligible because the press setup, numbering, and perforation costs are fixed. Running out of tickets the week before your event, on the other hand, means placing a rush reorder at premium pricing - and hoping the numbering sequence picks up correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does event ticket printing cost?

Pricing depends on quantity, stock, and features. General ranges: 500 single-color raffle tickets on 80lb text run $80-$150. 1,000 full-color admission tickets with sequential numbering on 100lb cover cost $250-$500. 500 premium gala tickets with metallic foil on 14pt card stock run $400-$800. Perforations add $20-$40 per job. Volume discounts are significant - 5,000 raffle tickets often cost less per ticket than 500.

What is the standard size for event tickets?

The most common event ticket size is 2 x 5.5 inches, which fits standard ticket holders and is comfortable to carry. Other popular sizes include 2 x 6 inches (with tear-off stub), 2.75 x 8.5 inches (concert/theater format), and 3.5 x 8.5 inches (oversized for premium events). Custom sizes are available with die cutting.

Can you print sequential numbers on every ticket?

Yes. Variable data printing allows every ticket to carry a unique sequential number printed during the same press run - no hand-stamping or separate numbering step. Numbers can appear on both the main ticket and the tear-off stub simultaneously. This is standard on digital presses and is essential for raffle tickets, numbered admission, and audit trail purposes.

How long does event ticket printing take?

Standard turnaround is 5-7 business days from proof approval. Rush service (2-3 business days) is available at most printers for a 25-50% surcharge. Simple raffle tickets without specialty finishes can sometimes ship in 1-2 days. Complex jobs with foil or die cutting may require 7-10 business days. Always order at least 2 weeks before your event to build in time for proofing and shipping.

What paper stock should I use for event tickets?

For standard raffle tickets, 80lb text or 65lb cover stock works well - sturdy enough to handle but economical for large quantities. For admission tickets that need to survive a night in a pocket, 100lb cover or 14pt card stock holds up better. Premium gala tickets look best on 14pt-16pt card stock with a coating (matte, gloss, or soft-touch). The thicker the stock, the more premium the ticket feels - and the harder it is to counterfeit.

Do I need perforations on my tickets?

Perforations are essential if you need a tear-off stub. The stub stays with the attendee as a receipt or souvenir, while the main ticket goes to the event organizer for tracking. Raffle tickets almost always need perforations so the stub goes into the drawing bowl. Admission tickets benefit from perforations when you want to track attendance counts at the door. If your tickets are purely for entry without a stub, perforations are optional.

Can event tickets include QR codes or barcodes?

Yes. Variable data printing can place a unique QR code or barcode on every ticket, linking to a digital check-in system, event webpage, or registration confirmation. Each code is different, tied to that specific ticket number. This bridges physical tickets with digital event management - attendees scan at the door for instant check-in while organizers get real-time attendance data.

How many extra tickets should I order?

Order 10-15% more than your expected attendance. Extra tickets cover will-call replacements, last-minute walk-ups, VIP comps, and the inevitable lost-ticket situations. Since the per-ticket cost drops significantly at higher quantities, the marginal cost of 100 extra tickets on a 1,000-ticket order is minimal. Running out of tickets at the door is far more expensive than printing a few extras.