Custom-made medals are a fantastic way to recognize achievements, commemorate events, or create meaningful awards. They can be designed for sports competitions, corporate milestones, educational achievements, military recognition, or personal celebrations like anniversaries or birthdays. Here’s a breakdown of how you can approach creating custom medals:
1. Purpose of the Medal
- Sports Awards: For tournaments, championships, or individual performance.
- Corporate Recognition: For outstanding employees or achievements.
- Ceremonial or Commemorative: For significant events like anniversaries, retirements, or military honors.
- Personal Gifts: Customised medals for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or memorials.
- 2. Design Considerations
- Shape: Most medals are round, but you can opt for custom shapes (e.g., stars, shields, or other themed designs).
- Material: Medals can be made from a variety of metals (e.g., gold, silver, bronze, nickel, or zinc alloys) and can be finished with different textures, such as matte, glossy, or antique.
- Size: Medals can range from small lapel pin sizes to large, heavy awards, depending on the occasion.
- Edge Design: Edges can be smooth, serrated, or patterned to add a unique touch.
- Color and Finish: You can incorporate color with enamel fills for logos or text. Gold, silver, and bronze finishes are popular for awards, but you can also choose black nickel, satin, or antique finishes.
- Text & Logos: Personalized engraving is a key feature. You can engrave names, dates, event titles, or other meaningful text.
- Image or Symbol: Include custom artwork, such as logos, crests, or other relevant imagery, either embossed or etched into the metal.
Custom Made Medals
3. Customisation Process
- Consultation: Work with a manufacturer or supplier to discuss your design ideas and the purpose of the medals.
- Artwork Submission: If you have a logo, mascot, or other graphic designs, you’ll need to provide them in a high-resolution format (typically vector files like AI or EPS).
- Prototypes: Many companies offer a prototype or mock-up for approval before full production.
- Production: After final approval, the medals are cast, stamped, or minted. The design can be enhanced with engraving, or other techniques.
4. Ribbon and Packaging
- Ribbon Options: Choose the style and color of the ribbon that suits the theme or your brand. Satin, silk, or polyester are common materials.
- Packaging: If you want to present the medals in a special way, consider custom boxes or cases. Velvet-lined boxes or pouches add an elegant touch.

5. Where to Order Custom Medals
- Online Custom Medal Makers: Many companies specialize in producing custom medals, including Bespokesportsmedals.com and custommedalsuk.co.uk
- Local Trophy Shops: These shops may offer customization services and have a more hands-on approach.
- Specialized Manufacturers: If you need unique designs or high-volume orders, working with a manufacturer who specialises in custom-made awards can give you the best options.
6. Lead Time & Costs
- Lead Time: Custom medals usually take 2-4 weeks to produce, depending on complexity and volume.
- Costs: Prices vary widely based on material, design complexity, quantity, and finishing options. Generally, expect costs to start around 1.90-£3 per medal for basic designs, but customizations and premium materials can push prices higher.
Tips for a Successful Custom Medal:
- Clear Vision: Ensure your design concept clearly reflects the purpose and theme of the event or award.
- High-Quality Artwork: Provide detailed, high-resolution artwork to avoid any issues in the final product.
- Test Before Ordering in Bulk: If possible, order a few samples to ensure quality and satisfaction before committing to a larger order.
- Consider the Weight: Heavier medals often feel more prestigious, but they can increase shipping costs and may be difficult to wear for events like marathons.
Would you like more details on specific suppliers or assistance with a design idea?