Custom Ink is many couples' first search for wedding party shirts. It is a reasonable starting point, but the minimum order requirements, setup fees, and per-item pricing create friction for small bridal parties and anyone who wants each bridesmaid to order their own size without central coordination. Bear Grips Pro Shops operates without minimums, without setup fees, and with free shipping on every order. Here is a direct comparison.
Custom Ink charges setup fees per design, requires minimum order quantities (typically 6 or more pieces for most products), and does not have a store model that lets each person order their own size and pay independently. For a bridal party of four bridesmaids in different cities, this creates a coordination problem: the bride needs to collect sizes, pay upfront, and distribute shirts.
For larger parties, the minimum is less of an issue, but the per-item pricing at Custom Ink tends to be higher than print-on-demand alternatives at comparable quantities, and there is no mechanism for an ongoing store where parents, family members, and out-of-town guests can add items after the initial order.
A side-by-side comparison of the key factors for wedding party shirt ordering:
| Feature | Bear Grips Pro Shops | Custom Ink |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order | None | Typically 6+ pieces |
| Setup fee | None | Per-design setup cost |
| Shipping cost | Free | Varies by order |
| Each person orders own size | Yes (store model) | No (central order) |
| Store stays open for latecomers | Yes (indefinitely) | No |
| Per-item price (women's tee) | From $19.88 (VIP) | Varies, typically $20-$30+ |
| US printing | Yes | Yes |
| Turnaround time | 3 to 5 business days | Varies, rush options available |
The core difference is the store model. Bear Grips Pro Shops lets you share a link and have each person order independently. Custom Ink requires a single coordinated order with a defined quantity and sizing decision upfront.
Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.Bear Grips Pro Shops is the stronger option in these situations:
Custom Ink has genuine strengths in specific scenarios:
For standard getting-ready shirts, bachelorette tees, and wedding weekend casual apparel, Bear Grips Pro Shops covers all the use cases without the limitations that make Custom Ink frustrating for small and distributed wedding parties.
No minimum, no setup fee, free shipping. Share a store link and each bridesmaid orders their own. Tees from $19.88 base.
Start FreeFor small orders (under 12 pieces), Bear Grips is typically less expensive because there is no setup fee and no minimum order penalty. For larger orders, pricing is comparable but Bear Grips includes free shipping and the store model that Custom Ink does not offer.
Both use US printing facilities. Bear Grips Pro Shops prints on premium brands (Bella+Canvas, Sport-Tek, Next Level, Bear Grips) with the same design-to-shirt quality as Custom Ink. The key difference is the no-minimum, store-model ordering approach.
Yes. If you have a design file from a Custom Ink project, upload it to Bear Grips Pro Shops. Set up the store in under an hour and share the link with your bridal party. There is no lock-in with either service.
Bear Grips Pro Shops