Every successful event deserves to be recognised appropriately -- but the selection of an award can transform it from a memorable experience to an opportunity missed. Whether it be a school sports day, a corporate recognition event, or a community culture fest, an award sends a statement about the definition of the event and specific appreciation for each participant.
The three most common awards are trophies or medals, or plaques. Each has its own purpose and has a different impact on the recipient. This guide will be comprehensive, outlining the unique benefits and best usage of plaques, medals, and trophies for your next ceremony.
Why Choosing the Right A![]()
ward Matters
The award does more than just acknowledge performance — it fosters meaningful memories and emotional connections. Award recipients often keep their awards for years, proudly displaying them in their homes or workspaces. An award that is carefully considered elevates a moment of recognition to something truly significant.
Award selection, beyond having a compelling emotional impact, also shows the professionalism and attention to detail of the event. When awards are well considered, they enhance the reputation of your event. An award shows participants of your event that their performance is genuinely appreciated and valued. There are also other practical considerations, such as your budget and limitations on logistics associated with presenting the award.
Overview of Each Award Type
Trophies: The Classic Choice
There is a good reason why trophies are the most common and popular option for recognition. These three-dimensional awards offer an impressive range of options, including classic metal, modern acrylic, elegant wooden, and eye-catching crystal selections. Additionally, many trophies can be cut to fit the theme of your event, so it can be a true "one-of-a-kind" keepsake that commemorates the event.
You will see trophies dominating all levels of sporting, corporate achievement ceremonies, and cultural events where a worthy accomplishment warrants commemoration. Their size takes up space, makes noise, showcases the trophy for all to see, and has significant symbolic value as a milestone accomplishment.
Advantages:
- Strong visual presence that stands out
- Highly customizable shapes, sizes, and materials
- Substantial symbolic value for significant achievements
- Perfect for display purposes
Drawbacks:
- Bulkier to transport and store
- Generally higher cost per unit
- May require more careful handling
Medals: Portable Recognition
Medals are a wonderful blend of honour and utilitarian value as they are lightweight, awardees can wear them immediately after the awards ceremony for a sense of pride and accomplishment, and awardees will appreciate the "wearable" quality of the medal when receiving an award or taking pictures.
Medals tend to be selected for school competitions, marathons, athletic competition contexts, and cultural honouring of achievements, as they provide a more distilled and less expensive way to honour accomplishments. Medals are also a great option if you want to start multiple recipients at once, and again, cost is a consideration.
Advantages:
- Easy and quick to distribute
- Cost-effective for large groups
- Personal keepsake that recipients cherish
- Lightweight and easy to transport
Drawbacks:
- Less impressive display impact than trophies
- Limited customisation options compared to trophies
- It may seem less prestigious for significant achievements
Plaques: Professional and Permanent
Plaques offer a refined, classy aspect to recognition events. Their flat nature means they can be either hung on a wall or displayed on a desk after the recognition event is complete, for a visible recognition award. Plaques have a clean, minimalist aesthetic that befits formal recognition experiences.
Plaques are especially popular in corporate contexts for service awards, employee recognition programs, or appreciation gifts. Their professional appearance blends effortlessly in business settings, plus they are built to last for decades.
Advantages:
- Professional appearance suitable for business settings
- Excellent longevity and durability
- Space-efficient design for easy display
- Cost-effective for formal recognition
Drawbacks:
- It has a less celebratory feel compared to trophies
- Limited excitement factor for younger recipients
- Fewer customisation options for creative designs
How to Decide Which One to Choose
Event Type
Naturally, different events require different types of awards. Sports events are often presented with trophies only for winners and medals for everyone else. Corporate events establish a more traditional culture of presenting plaques for professional recognition and trophies for significant achievements. Cultural events can simply adopt any format, depending on the occasion and audience.
Audience Size
Large events with many participants typically believe medals are the most practical option given their price point and ease of distribution. The expense of the trophies or plaques that may await at a smaller, personal event might feel justified, as fewer awards will usually be handed out.
Budget Considerations
Medals are usually the most affordable way to acknowledge a large number of recipients. Plaques give you good value in terms of professional recognition that's cost-effective. Trophies are often more expensive, but for greater accomplishments, the higher cost adds value, making the expense worthwhile.
Display and Longevity Needs
If award recipients will display their award in their home or office, trophies or plaques will have a visual impact that will be longer lasting. Trophies tend to go best in residential or personal spaces, and plaques will look better in a business or professional space. Medals, although smaller than trophies or plaques, do serve a purpose of creating a personal keepsake that the recipient can often cherish for years.
RD Custom Awards: Your Recognition Partner
At RD Custom Awards, we understand that each celebration is unique, so we provide complete solutions in all three award categories. Whether you're looking for exquisite trophies, unique medals, or professional plaques, we will develop custom designs tailored to your event's identity and brand.
Our bulk order options enable schools, corporations, or sporting organisations, regardless of size, to provide value and affordability to recognition events. We partner with the event organiser in every detail to ensure participants understand the significance of the event and the value they place on their achievements.
From the design phase to final production and delivery, RD Custom Awards has every aspect of your recognition solution covered, allowing you to focus on creating memorable moments for your participants.
Making Your Final Decision
While not every type of award is appropriate for every occasion, the ticket to success is to ensure that you select an award that is appropriate to the purpose of your occasion, keeps the audience's expectations in mind, and fulfils the functional purposes. Reflect on what emotional connection you want to create and what business-like image you want to create, while keeping an eye on the budget ranges you can work within.
The award that is the best fit not only supports the voice of your event, but it will also create positive and lasting memories for the recipient of the award. Whether you select the dramatically high-profile attributes of trophies, the emotional connection of medals or the overall professional allure of plaques, the correct type of award will enhance the entire context of your recognition program.
Would you like to make your next event a valuable experience? Start browsing RD Custom Awards' complete selection of trophies, medals and plaques today to discover how the great recognition choice can make your event a meaningful event.
