Custom Plaque Awards

How to choose a plaque

Start with the achievement, then the size

Match the plaque to the moment. A 12-inch walnut plaque carries weight for a retirement or a 25-year milestone. A 7- or 8-inch one is right for a monthly winner or a team thank-you. Bigger isn't always better — an oversized plaque for a small gesture reads as trying too hard. Most of ours run 7 to 15 inches, and you can compare sizes on every product page before you commit.

Pick a material that fits the tone

Wood is the classic. Walnut, cherry, and rosewood look at home in any office and age well. For something more modern, glass and acrylic plaques catch the light and feel lighter in the hand. Metal and stone read as the most formal and the most permanent. There's no wrong answer here — it's about whether you want classic, contemporary, or heirloom.

One award, or one that keeps going?

If you're recognizing a single person for a single thing, any plaque on this page works. If you're building something that repeats — Employee of the Month, an annual sales award — look at perpetual plaques instead. They hold a row of nameplates you add to over the years, so one plaque becomes a running record of everyone who's earned it. Want a photo on it? Photo plaques put the moment right on the award.

Types of Award Plaques to Choose From

Our extensive range of award plaques, custom designs, and variety of personalization options cater to various recognitions and ensure you find the perfect match for your event.

Perpetual Plaques for Ongoing Corporate Awards

Perpetual Plaques are ideal for ongoing corporate awards, such as Employee of the Month or Annual Sales Achievements. Designed to be updated regularly, these plaques allow for the addition of new names and dates, creating a legacy of excellence within your organization.

Single Plaques for Individual Achievements

Single plaques are tailored for individual achievements, recognizing personal milestones or specific accomplishments. These custom plaques and awards are personalized for the recipient, making each a unique award plaque that is a memorable token of appreciation.

Custom Plaque Maker: Make Me a Custom Plaque

Selecting the best plaque award for your event involves considering the nature of the event and the achievement. Think about the message you want to convey and choose a plaque that reflects the significance of the accomplishment and the esteem of the recipient. Personalization is key in making an award truly special. Our customization options ensure that your plaque award is unique and meaningful.

How to Select Size and Colors

The size and color of your plaque should complement the achievement it represents. Larger plaques suit more significant recognitions, while smaller ones are ideal for personal or team achievements. Color choices can align with your brand or the theme of the event.

Material and Design Varieties

Our plaques come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, stone, acrylic awards or even desktop glass plaques, each offering a different aesthetic. The design should reflect the event's tone and the award's stature. Choose from traditional designs for a classic look or contemporary styles for a modern touch. Wall plaques can last a lifetime and be a cherished gift for your employees. For your design, consider whether you want them to be made from a more durable material like marble or walnut. If you want a more elegant award plaque, glass is a great option.

Free engraving, and a proof before we make it

Engraving is included on every plaque — name, date, a line or two of thanks, whatever you want it to say. We can put your company logo straight onto the plate, and you choose from three fonts for the text. Keep the wording short and specific. "For 15 years of steady leadership" lands better than a paragraph nobody reads twice.

Before anything goes into production, you'll see a proof of exactly how it'll look and approve it. If something's off, we fix it then, not after it ships. You're only billed once it's on its way to you.

Not seeing the right fit? Our designers can build a custom award from scratch. Call 1-800-4-AWARDS (800-429-2737) and tell us what you're recognizing — we'll point you to the right plaque or design one for you.