For most companies, buying a plaque isn’t just a simple transaction; it’s part of a broader system linked to promotions, sales targets, and anniversaries that unfolds month after month. Custom award plaques are most effective when they’re designed with intention from the start. Just as a logo has its own value, a custom award plaque offers a unique form of brand recognition.
A plaque has the same basic design, where the small details are customized for the person receiving it.
Plan a Recognition Program, Not Just a Plaque
Companies that have ongoing recognition programs often rely on a solid framework that includes:
A base template that works for various occasions, rather than just one specific award category.
Materials that can endure high-volume orders without sacrificing quality.
A supplier who keeps detailed records of previous designs, so that reorders are consistent with the original quality.
When this structure is in place, it can save a ton of time, particularly for HR teams that find themselves ordering plaques multiple times a year.
What Makes Memorial Plaques Different
Memorial plaques are quite different from the standard award plaques you might be used to. Since they often end up outdoors or in places where visitors gather for many years, picking the right material is key. That’s why bronze and granite are favored choices—not only do they look formal and elegant, but they’re also built to withstand the elements, resist sun fading, and keep their engraved details for a long time. A material that works well for a desk plaque wouldn’t last in a courtyard setting.
Placement is just as vital as the material choice. Memorial plaques can be attached to walls, benches, or garden stones. The method of mounting and the depth of the engraving should be tailored to the location to ensure the plaque remains legible. This needs to be sorted out early on, just before production starts.
Choosing the Right Way to Engrave a Plaque
Choosing the right engraving method can really make a difference in how a plaque looks and how long it lasts. Before you make a choice, it’s essential to understand the basics of engraved plaques.
Laser engraving is a great option for producing sharp, detailed text and logos, and it works beautifully on materials like metal, wood, and acrylic.
If you want something with a finer line, diamond-drag engraving is perfect for elegant scripts or delicate lettering.
For stone and glass, sandblast etching is ideal, giving you a lovely, permanent frosted finish.
On the flip side, subsurface engraving places the design just beneath the surface of glass or crystal, keeping it safe from wear and tear.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here. For example, a wood plaque for an office wall doesn’t need the same engraving technique as a granite memorial plaque. The best choice really depends on the material, where the plaque will be displayed, and how detailed you want the design to be.
Choosing Awards and Plaques That Make an Impact
A custom award plaque, a memorial plaque, and an engraved plaque each have their own unique purpose, even if they all appear side by side in a catalog. One is crafted for ongoing use in a recognition program, another is built to withstand the elements outdoors. The last one uses the engraving technique that perfectly complements its material and environment.
At Awards A Plus, we take great pride in managing all three types with the utmost care. We see each project as a unique opportunity, making thoughtful decisions instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach for every order that comes our way.