Award plaques are a timeless way to commemorate achievements, recognise hard work and express appreciation. They could be for displaying recognition or special milestones and offer a personalised way to celebrate accomplishments. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of award plaques, highlighting their unique features, designs and applications.
1. Achievement Plaques
One of the more common award plaques is the achievement plaque. These honour individuals or teams for their accomplishments. With the option for custom engraving and logos, achievement plaques are usually personalised to include names, dates and the accomplishments achieved.
You’ll find achievement plaques in public spaces like offices, schools or clubhouses. They are often made from durable materials such as wood, metal or glass and may also include colour print displaying company logos or specific award details. Whether for personal or corporate use, these plaques are tailored to reflect the significance of the accomplishment.
2. Recognition Plaques
Recognition plaques acknowledge ongoing dedication, performance or milestones within an organisation. They are often used for employee recognition, highlighting years of service, sales achievements or other significant contributions. Executive plaques are a popular subcategory, used to honour senior leaders or standout employees in a more formal and prestigious manner.
Recognition plaques vary in design and material, from traditional wooden designs to sleek, modern plaques with metal or acrylic finishes. You might see these plaques presented during ceremonies to celebrate corporate achievements and, by incorporating custom designs and logos, the plaques are branded and personalised to the recipient’s role and contribution.
3. Appreciation Plaques
If you’re looking to express gratitude, appreciation plaques are the way to go. Whether for volunteers, clients or long-standing employees, these plaques say “thank you” in a meaningful way. Custom design options allow for bespoke messaging, and appreciation plaques are often made from both wood and glass – giving them a sophisticated look.
Non-profit or volunteer-based organisations make use of appreciation plaques to recognise contributions, which also helps to boost morale.
Their design often reflects the personality and spirit of the person being honoured, with features like engraved text, decorative borders or artistic designs that make each plaque unique. Whether given to an employee for years of dedication or to a partner who helped with a major project, appreciation plaques communicate genuine gratitude.
4. Glass Plaque Awards
Glass plaque awards exude elegance. As such, you’ll see many examples of them at corporate ceremonies or prestigious events. They can be customised with a mix of engraving and colour print to add depth and personalisation. Crystal glass trophies are another high-end option for those seeking a sophisticated presentation for important awards.
Glass plaques reflect light and create a sleek, contemporary look. They often have bevelled edges or are mounted on wooden or metal bases for added stability. These plaques are frequently used for top-tier awards, such as executive plaques or corporate awards, and are well-suited for framing important achievements with elegance and class.
5. Wood Wall Plaque Awards
Wood wall plaque awards made from oak, mahogany or walnut offer a more traditional approach – and often add a natural touch to the recognition. With custom designs and engraving options, you can create a plaque that reflects both the importance of the award and the style of your organisation. Wood plaques are a versatile option, suitable for both corporate and personal achievements.
In addition to their natural beauty, wood plaques can be enhanced with metal plates or inserts for engraved text and logos. They provide a sturdy, long-lasting option for displaying in offices and boardrooms. You’ll likely find these plaques in industries that value tradition, such as academia or community service – but they are versatile and can be designed in a way that is both classic and contemporary.
6. Artistic and Modern Plaques
If you prefer a unique and creative touch, artistic plaques offer endless possibilities. Using various materials like metal, acrylic or glass, these plaques can incorporate abstract patterns and bespoke designs to create a standout piece. Modern plaques are popular in tech and creative industries for their sleek lines that reflect contemporary aesthetics.
Artistic plaques push the boundaries of traditional plaque design, incorporating vivid colours, textured materials or unconventional shapes. These plaques are ideal for honouring achievements in industries like design, media or the arts, where creativity is paramount. By combining multiple materials and innovative techniques like laser engraving or digital printing, artistic plaques are a fresh and eye-catching way to recognise success.
7. Trophies and Medals
While plaques are popular, many opt for trophies and medals to celebrate success, whether it’s a small medal of appreciation or a large, impressive trophy for a major accomplishment. Many big trophies are famous sports achievements, while medal awards add a formal touch to ceremonies.
Trophies come in a wide range of sizes and styles, from engraved awards to fully custom-designed pieces that incorporate branding or personal touches like medals with logos. Trophies are made from materials such as resin, metal or glass, with each adding a different feel to the award.
8. Custom Logo and Design Options
Award plaques can be fully customised. Whether you need a custom logo or a completely bespoke design, these plaques can be tailored to fit the occasion and recipient.
Custom design options allow for creativity, from combining different materials to experimenting with engraving techniques or colour print. Many companies choose to incorporate their brand colours and logo into the design of plaques. For special events or awards, bespoke designs are crafted to reflect the specific theme or purpose – ensuring that the plaque stands out and resonates with its intended audience.
9. Engraved Award Plaques
Engraved award plaques remain a popular choice for their timeless elegance. With options for logo and text customisation, these plaques can match the style and messaging of any organisation or event.
Engraving offers the benefit of permanence, as the text or logo is etched into the material, and the award remains sharp and legible over time. In addition to wood and metal, glass plaques and crystal trophies can also feature laser engraving for a sophisticated finish. Engraved plaques are versatile enough to be used in formal award ceremonies, corporate milestones or individual recognition.
Conclusion
Award plaques come in many forms, from recognition plaques to artistic plaques, and they can be made from materials like wood, glass and metals such as brass or stainless steel. Whether you’re looking to honour an employee, recognise an achievement or say thank you, custom-designed award plaques offer many possibilities.
With so many types of plaques available, including engraved plaques and modern designs, there’s an option for every occasion. Whether it’s a medal award, a trophy plaque or a wood wall plaque, the right award will celebrate achievements in a meaningful and memorable way.
Do you require award plaques for celebrating achievements or recognising hard work? At Impact Signs, we provide a wide range of plaque options to suit any need you may have. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
