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The Ultimate Guide to Custom Plaques & Awards

PlaqueMaker

If you work in an organization that deals with turnover, then you know it costs more to hire new employees than it does to retain current ones. Often, when employees opt to leave an organization, they’ll say it was because they didn’t feel supported or that their effort wasn’t being recognized. Makes sense. Who doesn’t like feeling recognized when they are doing a good job or reaching important milestones? And that’s just not in a business environment. It applies everywhere.

One way to recognize people is with a plaque or award that has been customized to commemorate their effort. Because plaques and awards are meant to be seen, you’ll want to make sure your customizations lead to a finished product that is worthy of display.

That’s what we are covering in this guide. By the time we conclude, you’ll have the confidence to make customization decisions throughout the entire process. Along the way, you’ll see how PlaqueMaker’s free engraving, free proofs, waiving of setup fees, and fast turnaround make it easy to have the perfect customized plaque or award in your hands in a hurry.

Why Custom Plaques & Awards Matter

There is no shortage of ways to recognize teams and team members. From company Christmas parties to individual gift cards and beyond, the list is long. Sometimes, the gestures don’t have to be grand. In fact, sometimes a simple, handwritten thank-you note will mean more. Why? Because it’s personalized. Individual recognition can be a transformative act, for the person receiving the recognition as well as for the whole team that sees people are noticing when they do well.

That kind of recognition, however, doesn’t have to come with flashy perks like a parking spot near the entrance or substantial bonuses (although those are nice). A personalized plaque or award is a permanent reminder of an important accomplishment. You can touch it. You can see it hanging on a wall or a shelf in an office. It’s a proclamation that, “This mattered. You matter.”

While we’ve been using the office environment for recent examples, customized plaques and awards can be used to recognize people in a myriad of different environments. Nonprofits recognize volunteers and donors. Schools use them to recognize students achieving academic excellence or to recognize retiring teachers. In families, they are used to commemorate important events, such as weddings and anniversaries, as well as memorializing loved ones who have passed.

In all of these situations, the recognition that comes from a customized plaque or award means the same thing.

It’s gratitude crafted into a lasting, tangible form.

Different Types of Custom Awards & Plaques

When it comes to plaques, there are as many unique options as there are unique people receiving them for as many unique reasons. Let's take a closer look at some of the more common types of plaques and awards people are customizing at PlaqueMaker.

Corporate Recognition

What better way to show that your business values achievement, loyalty, and growth than with customized plaques? In this environment, plaques and awards are more than decoration; they are a statement from the organization. 

Here are some common examples of corporate recognition plaques and awards:

  • Employee of the Month. It’s a classic. They’ve even made a movie with the title - and for good reason. Whether it’s employee of the month, quarter, or year, these types of awards are great for team morale when handed out regularly. The key to these types of plaques is customizing them with the name and the accomplishment, such as “For Outstanding Customer Service in July 2025.
  • Years of Service. Now, more than ever, loyalty in the workplace is difficult to come by. When you have a team member who believes in the cause and shows up day after day, year after year, they deserve more than a pat on the back. The value of long-time employees should never be overlooked or taken for granted. A plaque marking “10 Years of Excellence” is more than a thank you. For the receiver, it’s a point of pride. It lets the receiver know that their commitment is valuable and they want everyone to know.
  • Leadership and Promotions. When an employee is promoted into an important position within the company, that moment should be marked. That was a promotion that was earned. Leadership, however, comes in many forms that could all benefit from public recognition, such as stepping up for a major initiative or successfully guiding the team/company through a particularly challenging situation.

Appreciation & Farewell Awards

To this point, we’ve defined some milestones and quotas that are worth acknowledging with customized plaques and awards. Sometimes, though, the most important plaques are the ones that say, You made a difference.

  • Volunteer & Donor Recognition. Nonprofits and community outreach organizations often rely on the generosity of others who contribute their time, their talent, and sometimes even their hard-earned money just to continue operating. A custom plaque shows appreciation and may even encourage further engagement from them… and maybe others, as well.
  • Retirement or Farewell Plaques. Above, we mentioned years of service as being a plaque-worthy event. Perhaps nowhere else are years of service as recognizable as when a person is retiring. When an employee moves on after, say, 25 years with the company, 10 years on the board, or a lifetime educating others, a personalized retirement plaque is a very tangible thank you. In such situations, you’ll want to be sure to include more than just a name and service dates; add a few meaningful words about the actual impact of their efforts and the differences that effort has made.

Memorials & Dedications

Sometimes, it’s not a job well done that deserves recognition. Sometimes, it’s about a life well-lived.

  • Memorial Plaques. Often made of bronze, titanium, or granite, customized memorial plaques often adorn a bench, garden, or building to preserve someone’s memory in a respectful and enduring way. A short quote or inscription can speak volumes on these types of plaques.
  • Dedication Plaques. A dedication plaque marks the significance of a place for all to see. Whether it’s a new wing of a school opening, a tree planted, or a meditation/prayer room named for a donor, dedication plaques serve two purposes: honoring an individual and educating future visitors who come and go from that space.

Specialized Plaques & Awards

Not all plaques or awards need to be the classic “rectangle on the wall” type of plaque. Special situations call for special plaques and awards.

  • Perpetual Plaques. Perfect for recurring recognition, perpetual plaques are designed with multiple nameplates for updating. These functional and affordable plaques are perfect for a variety of applications, including scholarship award winners, quarterly sales winners, or even bowlers who rolled a 300 game.
  • Gavel Plaques. While clearly popular for legal situations, gavel plaques have long been popular to commemorate outgoing presidents or board chairs. They traditionally feature a wooden gavel mounted on a plaque with a metal plate for a personalized message.
  • Freestanding Desk Awards. When you want an award to be displayed front and center, a glass or acrylic award that sits on a desk is an ideal option. These types of awards tend to be quite popular in startups or other young companies.

Matching Awards to Moments

While the above-mentioned plaques and awards are among the most popular, they are far from the only options. The type of plaque you choose should ultimately depend upon the occasion and environment. Retiring after 40 years deserves a walnut plaque with gold engraving. Something more whimsical or free-spirited could call for a clean, colorful freestanding acrylic award. 

A customized plaque or award really becomes a part of someone’s story. Presenting just the right type of award shows you have been paying attention, not just to what someone has accomplished, but, more importantly, who they are.

Personalizing Award Plaques

The act of presenting a plaque or award is an important gesture. Customizing that plaque or award in just the right way makes it a meaningful gesture. Instead of picking up dinner for you, it’s as if someone discovered what your favorite meal is and prepared it from scratch just for you. The thought, the time, and that care that goes into it speak to the gravity of the occasion and the esteem in which the recipient is held.

So let’s take a look at what goes into customizing a plaque.

Wording is Important

The engraving is really the central component of any award plaque. Much like a news reporter does, it should convey the who, what, and why of the presentation. When done with care, recipients feel appreciated and truly seen. 

What to include for wording:

  • Recipient Name - Double… no… triple-check the spelling.
  • Title or Role - whether it's “President” or “Dietary Coordinator.”
  • Reason for Recognition - a concise description of the milestone, achievement, etc.
  • Dates / Timeframe - either the specific date of the award for event commemoration or the years of service (e.g., “1995-2025”).

Some tips to help capture the right tone include:

  • Pair the tone to the occasion. Plaques marking longevity or retirement should be warm and formal, while team awards might be better served with a fun or whimsical approach.
  • Keep it concise and specific. Noting “Leadership During Covid-19” or “Successful Launch of Branch.”
  • Don’t get too wordy. Quality is better than quantity.

Sample Phrases for Inspiration

Here are some examples to help get you thinking. Clarity and thoughtfulness are key. 

  • Lifetime Achievement – Diane Sedlar – Honoring a Career of Extraordinary Contributions
  • Leadership in Diversity – Zoe Adams – Promoting Inclusivity and Equity – 2025
  • Dedication to Education – Ramona Eger – For Empowering Others Through Knowledge
  • Sales Excellence Award – Daryl Bland – For Surpassing Targets with Dedication – Q2 2025

More than Words

While words really are the heart of a plaque or award, they are not the only aspect of a well-crafted plaque; visuals are the perfect enhancement to any plaque or award. Consider adding photos, logos, or other significant imagery that can add another layer of personalization.

Consider the following visual elements:

  • Organization logo - ties the person to the brand and the award to a mission.
  • Photo of award recipient - particularly popular on plaques honoring retirements, memorials, or even personal gifts.
  • Clip art - Different settings have visual elements that are congruent with the environment, such as gavels, stars, flags, or even religious symbols.

Pro tip: Be sure to use high-resolution images for plaques that will feature laser engraving or UV color printing. Logos are best served with vector files, such as .EPS or.SVG files.

Designing Down to the Details

If you want to make your plaque really seem polished, consider adding some basic design extras.

  • Frames and Borders - subtle lines of gold or silver add a touch of refinement for some plaques.
  • Layered text formatting - bold certain elements, such as the name or the title of the award, to establish a visual hierarchy on the plaque.
  • Custom shapes and/or cutouts - Oval or arched plaques can be quite unique.

PlaqueMaker Makes it Easy.

This can all seem like a lot if you are approaching it for the first time. That’s okay. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed. PlaqueMaker offers a very customer-centric process to help remove any potential guesswork. The process includes:

  • Free engraving. Deliver your heartfelt message just the way you want it at no extra charge.
  • One free image. Include a photo, logo, or piece of clip art for free on most items.
  • Four (4) free digital proofs. You have the ability to review, tweak, and perfect your design. 

Professional assistance. A professional designer will look at your submission and help to lay it out in the most appealing way. You don’t need any design experience, just an idea!

Design Tips for a Professional Look

A well-designed plaque is a combination of what it says and how it appears. Elements like layout, topography, and balance can take heartfelt words and deliver them in a way that looks as important as they truly are. As mentioned above, you don’t need to be a graphic designer to craft a good-looking plaque. PlaqueMaker helps you through the process. That said, here are some design tips to keep in mind as you are customizing a plaque or award.

Choosing the Right Font

Fonts have character. For instance, Comic Sans and Garamond evoke two completely different sentiments. In general, Arial, Helvetica, and other sans-serif fonts evoke a modern, clean feel. Times New Roman and the aforementioned Garamond offer a more formal and traditional look. While script fonts carry an air of sophistication, they can be difficult to read when small.

Some guidelines to keep in mind include:

  • The main text should be fairly simple and not too decorative. Professional and legible fonts are the goal for the main text.
  • The recipient's name or the name of the award should be the only place you use large and/or bold text.
  • Avoid clutter and possible confusion by sticking with one font when possible. Multiple fonts in a limited space tend to look a little messy.

Pro tip: If opting to use multiple fonts, opt for a clean sans serif font for the name and a simple serif font for the message. This contrast establishes a hierarchy while still being easy on the eyes.

Create a Visual Hierarchy

The concept of a visual hierarchy has been mentioned a few times already and warrants a little more explanation. In short, think of your plaque as a small page… or a billboard that people are driving by. It should be easy to read, and people should be able to quickly understand the message.

Text hierarchy is a great way to organize your information:

  • Large font - Reserved for the title of the award
  • Medium font - perfect for the name of the recipient
  • Small font - Essential support text (e.g., date, quote, or reason for the award).

Also, remember that line breaks and kerning (the space between letters) can help prevent your text from being all smooshed together.

Maintain a Balanced and Aligned Layout

The human eye naturally favors symmetry. This certainly applies to plaques. Symmetry is attractive and makes a plaque look and feel polished. In general, a centered alignment will suffice for most awards. If you opt to include a photo, clip art, or logo, though, be mindful that it should be balanced with the text. This could mean putting the imagery centered above the text or off to the side, with consideration for spacing. 

It’s also best to steer clear of large chunks of text. Strategic line breaks keep the text looking clean and easy to scan.

Color and Logo Placement

If you are looking to customize a plaque with full-color printing, such as UV printing or sublimation, you can add some additional appeal without going too far.

  • Use colors sparingly - opt for accents rather than full backgrounds.
  • Logos should go beneath text or in an upper corner - layout depending.
  • High-resolution and vector logos help to prevent pixelation.

If you are considering a wood plaque or metal plaque, contrast can come not from not just colors, but from finishes (e.g., polished or brushed) and the style of engraving. A PlaqueMaker team member will be happy to help guide you through these options.

Reviewing Proofs

If there is a step in the process that cannot be emphasized enough, it’s this one: always review the proof carefully. Prior to any customized plaque or award going into production, you’ll receive a digital proof of the layout. This is where you check (and double-check, and triple-check) for the following:

  • Spelling and grammar
  • Inconsistencies in spacing and/or alignment
  • Layout “clutter”
  • Logo placement and image resolution

Keep the Golden Rule in mind when reviewing proofs and ask yourself two questions:

  • Would I be proud to present this to someone as a recognition of their accomplishment?
  • How would I feel if this were presented to me?

Because this step in the process is so important, PlaqueMaker will provide you with up to four (4) free digital proofs for review. Fine-tune to your heart’s content.

Well-designed plaques and awards do more than deliver a message; they amplify and enhance that message. Options like fonts, layouts, and materials offer plenty of flexibility to enhance that message in a way that fits the person and occasion perfectly. And the process is actually easier than you think!

Let’s Talk Materials and Finishes

When it comes to the right look and feel of a plaque or award, the material and finish do much of the heavy lifting. For instance, consider the difference between polished rosewood and brushed aluminum. The former feels traditional and warm, whereas the latter conveys a more modern, sleek feel. Choosing the material means considering the purpose, the environment/culture, and yes… the budget.

In short, the material should be consistent with the overall tone and meaning of the plaque or award. To that end, let’s take a deep dive into materials, including woods, metals, acrylic, glass, and stone/marble. Then we’ll touch on options for the finish.

The Traditional and Timeless Appeal of Wood

There is a natural organic element to wood plaques that you can’t replicate with other materials. For that reason, it remains one of the primary plaque materials year in and year out. Another reason is that wood comes in a variety of different options that provide more room for customization based on the situation.

Some common wood options include:

  • Walnut - With its deep brown hue and smooth grain, walnut is often chosen for retirement and service awards.
  • Cherry - Like the fruit it bears, cherry wood has a red color that offers a warmth that other woods don’t.
  • Eco-friendly woods - Bamboo (technically a grass, not a wood) and reclaimed wood can promote sustainability while still looking as beautiful as other wood choices.

Wood plaques and awards are often preferred for long-service awards/retirements, and more formal settings, such as corporate offices or schools. To really dress it up, consider pairing the wood of your choice with an engraved metal plate for a refined look–gold- and silver-sunlimations options are almost always a winner.

The Sleek Durability of Metal

Polished and professional, metal plaques are also very durable, making them a popular choice for outdoor mounting. This is especially true for stainless steel.

Some common metal options include:

  • Brass: The golden tone of bronze evokes a sense of elegance and luxury.
  • Bronze: Common for memorials and dedications, bronze carries an air of tradition. Great for outdoor applications.
  • Aluminum: Its lightweight and corrosion resistance are coveted. That it is offered in brushed or polished finishes makes it a great option for many different occasions.
  • Stainless Steel: It’s sleek. It’s modern-looking. It’s ideal for outdoor areas or areas that see a lot of foot traffic.

Metal plaques are a sterling choice for recognition in workplaces that feature a modern decor. Outdoor signage, including building dedication plaques, also lends itself to metal plaques. 

Pro tip: To make metal plaques and awards really pop, consider using laser engraving for a crisp, clean finish. Metal plaques are also the ideal canvas for UV color printing of logos or colorful designs.

The Affordability of Acrylic

One of the absolute biggest benefits of acrylic awards and plaques is that they offer the clean and clear appearance of glass, without the fragility of glass. Pair that with their budget-friendliness and their ability to be colored and/or molded for a 3D appearance, and you’ve got yourself a dynamic option for awards. 

We often see acrylic awards used for team awards, youth sports, and in startups or other “modern” office settings.

The Elegance of Glass & Crystal

The ability for crystal and glass to reflect light often makes them a great choice for special occasions. While they present similarly, there are some notable differences between crystal and glass.

Crystal is a heavier and more luxurious option, making it ideal for a prestigious occasion or ceremony. To increase the visual appeal, crystal can be cut into a variety of different shapes to help reflect the occasion at which it is being presented. To that end, we have several shapes in stock form which to choose.

Glass, on the other hand, is a little “lighter” than crystal. It’s also a little easier on the wallet than crystal. While it can’t be shaped like crystal can, glass awards and plaques can achieve differentiation through frosting, etching, and color printing.

Common uses for glass and crystal awards include recognition for executive-level employees, presentation at black-tie events, and lifetime achievement celebrations.

The Beautiful Endurance of Stone & Marble

While many of the plaque and award materials discussed thus far have been related to achievement, stone and marble plaques are the best option for displays that are intended to be permanent. 

Some of the most common options include:

  • Granite - Because of its durable nature, granite is commonly used for outdoor markers.
  • Marble - Its natural veining offers an elegant look and is also suitable for outdoor presentation.

Places you’ll frequently find stone and marble plaques include memorials and dedications, at civic installations (e.g., courthouses, city buildings, etc.), religious institutions, and the ever-popular historical markers.

Add a Final Touch with Flexible Finish Options

Whatever material you choose, from wood to marble, different finish options can take your plaque or award to a whole new level. A couple of finish styles include:

  • Glossy - For a ceremonial look and feel, a glossy finish will add a lovely, shiny polish.
  • Brushed - To add the illusion of depth (particularly with metal materials), a brushed finish creates a textured surface.

The Right Material for the Right Moment

We’ve discussed many options up to this point, but when deciding which material is right for the occasion, you should start with three simple questions.

  • What is the tone of the recognition? Is it formal? Casual? Personal? Something else?
  • Where will it be displayed? Is it for indoor or outdoor display? If indoors, will it be in a display case, mounted to a wall, or sitting on a desk?
  • How long is it intended to last? Will this be a lifetime keepsake or a seasonal award that comes down and gets replaced in the next quarter?

Materials really help convey the intent of the award in the most appropriate way. Taking some time to explore materials options can help ensure you get a plaque or award that is perfect for any occasion.

How we helped:

Plaquemaker has you covered!

Plaquemaker has you covered!

I have done business with Plaquemaker for several years now. This year, I needed an anniversary plaque that was similar to our Festival (music) plaques. I sent my idea, they came up with a proof the next day. I needed to make 2 small changes for clarity, and those changes were made the same day. Plaques were created and in my hands in a week! They look great and they were priced well within our budget. Thank you, Plaquemaker!

Elise M., Aluminum Plaque
Easy Process & Quick Delivery!

Easy Process & Quick Delivery!

My sponsor LOVED her plaque. Plaque Maker made this so easy and the delivery time was quick too! Thank you!

Stephanie M., Custom Picture Frame Plaque
Beautiful Workman's Award

Beautiful Workman's Award

This beautifully crafted item, is called The "WORKMAN'S AWARD". It has long been given to those protagonists who have spent over 2 decades giving of their time, talent and treasure to those within communities, churches, and families. They have shown care, kindness, and all-around outstanding support and are edified and highlighted annually in front of a large group of banquet attendants.

Laura, Custom Shaped Acrylic Award

Budgeting & Cost Considerations for Plaques & Awards

We’ve spent a lot of time talking about how to create the perfect customized plaque or award for any situation or occasion. We haven’t touched on cost yet, which is especially important if you are ordering in bulk or on behalf of a company, nonprofit, or school. At PlaqueMaker, we take pride in offering affordable pricing without sacrificing the quality or appearance of the end product. 

To that end, there are a few factors that really drive the cost of the personalized plaques and awards. Hopefully, this information will help you make the best decisions for appearance and budget as you are in the creation process.

Factors that Affect the Price of Custom Plaques & Awards

By now, you know all about materials, engraving options, images, and more. Let’s take a closer look at those factors (and some others) and how they factor into the cost of a custom plaque or award.

Sizes

Larger plaques often cost more because they require more material and often have more space to place additional engravings. For example, a 12x15-inch presentation piece meant to be displayed in a common area will generally cost more than a standard 8x10-inch wall plaque.

Materials

There is a spectrum of costs related to materials. At the more affordable end of the spectrum, you’ll find materials like acrylic and aluminum. Middling materials would be walnut, crystal, and bronze, because of the durable nature of the materials. Your top end of the price spectrum is where you’ll find marble and granite, as well as any specialized materials that are often used for outdoor displays.

Engraving

Longer messages with multiple lines of text and/or different fonts can add layers of complexity to the finished product. Added complexity adds time to the process, which can incur more cost. It’s worth noting that not all vendors charge more for this, including PlaqueMaker, so keep that in mind during the creation process and check with your vendor.

Images & Logos

Most vendors will let you add a logo at no extra charge, but additional images may come with a surcharge (generally $10-$20 per image). Color printing options, such as laser engraving or laser metal, can sometimes cost more than UV or sublimation printing or UV printing, particularly when working with materials like glass or acrylic.

Volume

Like most products, a lower order quantity costs more per unit. Bulk pricing can afford you savings on a per-plaque basis, making it a better option for annual award programs and the like. This is where planning ahead can be a budget-friendly option.

Shipping & Delivery

For most vendors, standard shipping is free for orders that exceed a certain cost. For PlaqueMaker, that cost is $99. Rush shipping, while available, will add to shipping costs. The tighter the deadline or the larger the item, the higher the cost will be.

Ways to Save

Now that you know the different factors that go into the final cost of customized plaques and awards, it’s time to talk about ways to keep those costs down without sacrificing the look and quality of a premium plaque or award.

All-Inclusive Pricing

Some vendors–PlaqueMaker included–offer a base price that includes free engraving, one free image, and zero setup fees. Other vendors charge by the line (or even the character). Believe us, that can add up fast!

Minimize the Number of Images and/or Revisions

Find one image (maybe a logo, even) that really encapsulates the spirit of the plaque or award. PlaqueMaker, for instance, offers one image for free, but additional images will incur an extra charge. 

PlaqueMaker offers four (4) free proofs for your review before production. More than those four involve a small fee per additional proof. So pay close attention to the first proof and make notes to include changes you feel necessary (if any).

Order in Bulk When Possible

The price comes down per plaque/award when you order in bulk. This is ideal for when you are presenting to teams or when you have recurring events with plaque/award presentations, such as annual award banquets or regular Employee of the Month awards.

Compare Materials

Some materials are similar in appearance but different in cost. For instance, you can get the polished appearance of crystal from an acrylic award at a substantially lower price. Brushed aluminum can be a suitable alternative to bronze; same modern look at a more affordable price point. Wood or bamboo plaques with laser engraving are great for many occasions, eco-friendly, and quite affordable.

A Budgeting Primer

If you are planning a bulk order, here is a general guideline for pricing that out with PlaqueMaker or any vendor.

  • Plaque = $30-$150+
  • Standard Shipping = $0-$20+
  • Shipping Rush Fees = $20-$50+
  • Extras (additional images, extra proofs, etc.) = $10-$30 each

So, for example, if you are looking to order 10 mid-range plaques that feature engraving and one logo/image, the cost would break down like this:

  • $65 per plaque x 10 = $650
  • Free shipping (on orders of $99 or more)
  • $0 in extra fees when engraving and images are in the scope of the base pricing.

It would also be smart to plan an additional 10-15% buffer for any last-second changes that may occur, or perhaps upgraded shipping if the revision process takes longer than initially planned.

A Word About Budget Transparency

When many businesses quote pricing, they do so without including additional fees that are part of the process. You think you are getting a $35 plaque out the door, only to be hit with a $25 setup fee, $15 for shipping, and $1 per engraved letter. Just like that, your $35 plaque is now $100.

At PlaqueMaker, we make every effort to be upfront and transparent about our pricing. This is what that looks like.

  • No hidden fees
  • Free engraving with no character limit
  • One (1) image included per plaque/award
  • No setup charges for most products
  • Four (4) free proofs
  • Free shipping on orders $99+

You will know exactly what you are paying for at every step of the process and won’t get sticker shock when it’s time to hit the “submit” button. We value our customers and work hard to be their plaque provider of choice. That starts with being very clear about pricing.

Have a Plan for Recurring Recognition

Different organizations handle recognition differently. For instance, one plaque is for a celebration. A series of plaques is a statement about your culture. Ordering plaques and awards for recurring events requires more planning than one-off plaques. The good news, however, is that when you are repeating your orders, you can create a repeatable process that minimizes the time spent when you need new customized plaques or awards.

Let’s explore what the steps in that process look like.

Standardizing Your Format

Some may feel that a standard format means a plaque or award will be generic. It’s quite the opposite. Standardizing your format ensures cohesion, which is a signature of the organization or brand. For instance, maintaining the same size, material, layout, and design keeps visual consistency when on display, reduces the time spent designing awards, and reinforces the brand with a professional touch.

A common theme we see at PlaqueMaker, for instance, is for companies that have Employee of the Month programs. The standardization would be an 8x10-inch walnut plaque with a centered logo and the name bolded every time. While the personalization changes based on who has won the award, the format stays the same.

Saving Proofs & Art Files

Once you have finally nailed down a plaque or award format and design you like, save that digital proof as well as any associated art or text for future plaques and awards. This can be a real timesaver when you are ordering plaques regularly, but at longer intervals, such as quarterly or annually. While those are recurring, it can be just long enough between orders to forget how you did it the previous time. 

PlaqueMaker saves your past orders and designs in your account by default, but not all vendors do. 

Pro tip: Keep a document or folder with award titles, engraved messages, image files (e.g., logos, icons, photos), and a list of recipients. This simple task can save a lot of time and make it easier to share details with stakeholders.

Plan your Dates in Advance

Setting a recognition schedule has a two-fold benefit. First, it ensures that nobody is forgotten. Next, with dates planned in advance, you can order in ahead of time and never have to worry about extra costs associated with rush shipping. 

For monthly programs, set a recurring reminder on your calendar. Say, on the 20th of each month, you need to place your order. If you are planning for an annual event, add 3-4 weeks lead time to plaque production to avoid chaos as the event date nears.

Create a Calendar Explicitly for Recognition Efforts

Just about any business or organization tracks KPIs (key performance indicators) to see if they are reaching their goals. Well, recognition is related to KPIs and could warrant its own calendar. You can even load important dates into a project tracking tool or calendar app for greater visibility and sharing capabilities.

What to include on a recognition calendar:

  • Award titles and frequency of presentation
  • Submission deadlines for plaques and awards
  • Design approval deadlines 
  • Dates of events or presentations
  • Recurring re-order reminders

Find a Trusted Vendor

Finding a trusted vendor and sticking with them can save a lot of time and headaches. (Of course, we’d love it if you chose PlaqueMaker as your vendor of choice.) Sticking with one vendor establishes a relationship history that can pay off through:

  • Quality consistency
  • Saved design files - perfect for fast updates rather than redesigning all over again with a new vendor
  • Trusted and familiar customer support
  • Ease of re-ordering

With PlaqueMaker’s inclusive base pricing, you can get a fast turnaround with no unexpected fees.

Consistency is Important

Recognition becomes a better tool to motivate performance and boost morale when it's not just a one-time gesture, but an ingrained part of your organization’s culture. When recognition is promoted regularly, it lets employees know that excellence isn’t just a buzzword. Excellence is noticed, it’s appreciated, and it’s a genuinely meaningful endeavor worth striving for at every level of an organization.



In Conclusion

If you have stayed with us to this point, thank you. Yes, it’s a lot to digest, but it’s not called an ultimate guide for nothing! We just wanted to add a few more notes to wrap up.

It’s been shown time and time again that recognition matters. It motivates people to “keep up the good work” by making them feel seen and not like a nameless face that keeps the cogs turning. That, in turn, can help reduce turnover, which can save organizations like yours considerably more time and money than recognition does. 

To that end, choosing the right plaque is about more than fonts and materials. It’s really about understanding the gravity of the event, what it means to the giver and receiver, and then delivering a customized plaque or award that reflects it, one that will be displayed with pride now and in the future. 

It says, “You matter, and you are valued.”

Why Choose PlaqueMaker? 

We’ve mentioned it already in this guide, but it bears repeating. At PlaqueMaker, we continually strive to keep and improve our customer-centric approach. We’d love to be your vendor of choice, but more importantly, we want you to get exactly what you want, even if we are not the vendor you choose.

That’s why we offer:

  • Free engraving (with no character limits)
  • One included image or logo
  • Four free digital proofs
  • No setup fees on most products
  • Free shipping on orders $99+
  • Quick turnaround times with expedited options available

Ready to Get Started?

We encourage you to start browsing customizable plaques and awards. If something strikes your fancy, upload your design ideas and get ready to see your first digital proof within just one business day! 

If you have any questions, as always, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer care team. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’ll work to earn it at every step of the process.