1. How to Design an Event Ticket: Tips for Professional Results

    A printed event ticket does more than grant admission — it's often the first physical touchpoint an attendee has with your event, and it sets expectations for what's to come. A well-designed ticket communicates professionalism, builds anticipation and gives attendees something worth keeping as a memento. In this guide, we cover everything you need to design event tickets that look great and work practically.

    Decide on Your Ticket Format

    The format of your ticket depends on the nature of your event and how it will be used:

    • Standard flyer-size ticket (A6 or DL) — a flat printed card without perforation. Simple and cost-effective. Works well for events where tickets are checked visually rather than torn. See our flyer printing range
    • Perforated ticket with stub — a DL flyer with a perforated stub that tears away at the door. The main portion is kept by the attendee as a record or memento; the stub is retained by the door team for admission tracking. The most widely used format for professional events. See our perforated flyers
    • Booklet or programme with ticket — for premium events, a perforated ticket within a stapled programme or booklet gives a more substantial, premium feel. See our stapled booklet printing

    What Every Event Ticket Must Include

    A ticket needs to communicate all the essential information clearly — both to the attendee and to whoever is checking admission at the door:

    • Event name — large and prominent. The headline element of the ticket
    • Date and time — clearly displayed, unambiguous. Include day of the week as well as the date to prevent confusion
    • Venue name and address — full address including postcode. Some attendees will need to navigate to the venue
    • Door time vs start time — if different, state both clearly. "Doors 7pm / Show 7:30pm"
    • Ticket type or category — General Admission, VIP, Early Bird, Under 18 etc.
    • Price — optional, but often included for the attendee's records
    • Terms — age restrictions, no refund policy, ID requirements. Keep these brief and in small text
    • Ticket number or reference — for numbered or limited events

    Designing the Perforated Stub

    If you're using a perforated ticket with a tear-off stub, the stub needs to contain the key admission information independently of the main ticket portion — because the stub is what the door team retains:

    • Event name
    • Date and time
    • Ticket type or category
    • Ticket number (if applicable)

    Keep the stub design clean and uncluttered — it needs to be read quickly at the door. The stub is typically the smaller section of the ticket — for a DL perforated flyer, the stub is 70mm wide with the main ticket portion making up the remaining length.

    Design Principles for Event Tickets

    Build Anticipation

    A ticket is a promise of an experience. The design should communicate the mood and character of the event — the energy of a music night, the elegance of a gala dinner, the fun of a festival. Use imagery, colour and typography that reflects what the event will feel like, not just the factual information about it.

    Hierarchy of Information

    Not all information is equally important. The event name, date and venue are the primary elements — large, prominent and immediately readable. Supporting details — time, ticket type, terms — are secondary and can be smaller. The design should guide the eye to the most important information first.

    Consider Both Sides

    Double-sided printing gives you more space. The front can carry the event branding and key visual; the back can carry the full event details, terms and conditions and any other supporting information. This keeps the front clean and impactful.

    Make It Worth Keeping

    For premium or memorable events, design the ticket as something worth keeping. A well-designed ticket becomes a souvenir. This means using quality stock and print, a distinctive design and care with the overall presentation.

    VAT Note

    Printed tickets for admission to events may be subject to VAT depending on the nature of the event and the VAT status of the organiser. If your artwork includes pricing information, ensure the correct VAT treatment has been applied. If in doubt, consult your accountant before printing. Note that some printed flyers and leaflets used as tickets may also be subject to VAT — check our FAQs for guidance.

    Artwork Setup

    • Bleed: 3mm all round. See our guide: What is Bleed and Safe Zone?
    • Safe zone: 3mm inside all trim edges. Also maintain a safe margin either side of the perforation line
    • Resolution: 300dpi minimum. See our guide: Understanding DPI for Print
    • Colour mode: CMYK. See our guide: What is CMYK and Why Does it Matter?
    • Format: PDF with fonts outlined or embedded
    • Perforation position: For DL perforated flyers, the perforation is at 70mm from the left edge. Keep important content clear of the perforation line on both sides
    • Proof check: Check all dates, times, addresses and ticket details carefully. See our proof checking guide

    Print Your Event Tickets in Brighton & Hove

    Dipol Print produces flat and perforated event tickets for events across Brighton & Hove and the wider UK. Collect from our print shop at 97 St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1TP or order online for UK-wide delivery. Need advice on format or artwork setup? Get in touch with our team.