Both bunting and advertising flags add colour and movement to an outdoor space — the eye is drawn to things that move, which is exactly why they work. But they solve different problems. Bunting creates festive atmosphere across an area; advertising flags put a single brand message high and visible at a specific spot. Choosing the wrong one means a celebratory shop opening that looks like a closing-down sale, or a brand message lost in a row of triangles. This guide settles it. It is part of our complete banner printing guide.
What bunting does
Bunting is a string of small flags or pennants, hung in a line or zig-zag across a space. Its job is atmosphere over an area, not a single message. It says "something is happening here" — festive, welcoming, celebratory. Use bunting for:
- Shop openings and sales — strung across a frontage or car park.
- Festivals, fairs and markets — overhead across walkways.
- Events and parties — quick, cheap, colourful coverage of a big area.
Bunting is cheap per metre and covers a lot of space, but it carries little detailed branding — it is mood, not message.
What advertising flags do
Advertising flags — feather (tall, curved) and teardrop (rounded) — are single tall flags on a pole and base, carrying one bold graphic. Their job is branded visibility at a point: drawing the eye to an entrance, a stand or a roadside from a distance. Use an advertising flag or feather flag for:
- Marking an entrance or a booth so people find you.
- Roadside and forecourt visibility for a shop or event.
- A repeating row of the same flag along a frontage for impact.
Flags carry a real message and brand; they are reusable, portable, and they stand tall above the crowd.
Side by side
| Bunting | Advertising flags | |
|---|---|---|
| Job | Atmosphere over an area | Branded visibility at a point |
| Message | Minimal — colour and mood | One bold graphic, readable |
| Height | Overhead / across | Tall, above the crowd |
| Cost | Low per metre | Higher per unit, reusable |
| Best for | Openings, festivals, sales | Entrances, roadside, booths |
When to use both
The two are not rivals — many businesses use them together. A shop opening might string bunting across the frontage for festive atmosphere and place two feather flags either side of the door for brand visibility from the road. The bunting says "come and celebrate"; the flags say "this is who we are, and here is the door". Together they create both mood and message.
Designing each
- Bunting: keep it simple — brand colours, maybe a repeated logo or simple shapes. Detail is wasted on small, moving pennants.
- Flags: one bold message, big, high-contrast, readable from a distance — design like a banner for distance, and check sizes against the advertising flag sizes guide.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between bunting and flags? Bunting is a string of small pennants for festive atmosphere over an area; advertising flags are single tall flags carrying one bold branded message at a point.
Which is better for a shop opening? Both — bunting for festive atmosphere across the frontage, and a couple of feather flags by the entrance for brand visibility from the road.
Are advertising flags reusable? Yes — the flag and its pole-and-base kit are portable and reusable; just store them dry and rolled.
What size flag do I need? It depends on viewing distance and the spot; see the advertising flag sizes guide. Compare both in the banner range.
