How to Choose and Personalize an Award PlaqueIf you are choosing an award plaque for a colleague, volunteer or team, you may already know what you want to thank them for but still be deciding how to put it into words. Start with the occasion and where the plaque will be displayed, then compare the materials and plan a message that names the contribution you appreciate.
An award plaque is a personalized display that records an achievement, contribution or milestone. It usually includes a recipient’s name, a message of recognition and the presenting organization. Wall-mounted plaques keep that recognition visible in an office or shared space; a freestanding award may suit a desk or shelf.
For example, a service award for a colleague can focus on their years of contribution, while a volunteer plaque can name the programme they helped make possible. A certificate display has a different task: it needs room for the document and a format that makes it easy to read. Choose the display first, then write for the available space.
Award plaques on the wider market are made from glass, crystal, wood, metal, stone and acrylic. That list describes general options, not the materials available in every Eclipse design. In our wall plaque collection, compare the specifications of each model before ordering. Wood and glass offer different finishes and marking options.
Cascadia Wooden Wall Plaque is a wall-hanging design in solid maple with a natural bark edge. Its product page lists four sizes and laser engraving. Consider the visible grain and the space needed for your inscription.
Black Glass Plaque can be displayed in portrait or landscape format. Its product page lists five sizes and the available engraving or printing options. Compare the layout with your logo and message before choosing a size.
For a photograph or certificate, explore Integrity Glass Wall Frames. For names added over time, compare the 12-Term Spotlight Perpetual Plaque. Check the relevant product page for dimensions and mounting details; do not assume every plaque includes the same hardware.
A useful inscription says who you are recognizing and what they contributed. You do not need to describe their whole career: a few specific lines are easier to read and often feel more personal. These five questions can help you decide what belongs on the plaque:
The examples below are original sample inscriptions for inspiration, not quotations from customer orders. Adapt the names, dates and contribution to the person you are recognizing.
Years of service: “Presented to [Name] in appreciation of [X] years of service and the care you bring to our team. [Organization], [Year].”
Volunteer appreciation: “With thanks to [Name] for the time, care and commitment you have given to [Programme]. Your contribution has helped make this work possible.”
Team achievement: “Presented to the [Team Name] in recognition of [Achievement]. Thank you for the skill and collaboration behind this result. [Date].”
For more sample inscriptions, read our award plaque wording examples.
Plaque prices depend on the selected model, size, quantity and marking options. Check the current price on each product page, then review any additional surfaces, printing, services, shipping and taxes before completing your order. A single price range would not describe every option in the catalogue.
A catalogue plaque gives you an established shape and size to work with. Choose a model from the wall plaque collection, then use the ordering guide to prepare your wording and artwork. The available marking method depends on the selected material and model.
If your brief needs an original shape or dimensions beyond the catalogue options, contact our team before ordering. Share your quantity, budget, required arrival date and any sketches. The brief may need to account for:
Before commissioning an original design, agree on the project scope:
If you have a budget in mind, tell our team which elements matter most: the material, dimensions, artwork or presentation. That makes it easier to discuss suitable options.
Ready to compare designs? Browse the wall plaque collection and use each product page to check the size, marking and price.
Check the currency shown in your selected store and review the delivery and tax amounts displayed for your order before checkout.
Before ordering award plaques online, gather these details:
You can place a catalogue order online using the wall plaque collection. If you need help with the design, quantity or schedule, contact our team before ordering. These are the available ways to get started:
However you choose to order from us, the first thing you will see is an email order confirmation that summarizes your order and timeline. Then, once we've gathered the logos and wording details for your award plaques, we begin a design process to create the custom artwork for your order, which we email you as a digital artwork proof (pdf).
Upon review of your artwork proof, you can either approve it if everything looks good, or request changes. You can request unlimited design revisions at no charge, until you approve the artwork proof. We will never start engraving your order until you have approved your design.
Once you have approved your artwork, production can begin. If you discover a change after approval, contact our team immediately to check what is still possible. We engrave or print the plaques, inspect them and pack them for shipping, then send a shipping update.
You will receive order updates during the process. If you need to check the status or clarify a detail, contact our team with your order reference.
You can place your order before every personalization detail is ready. Tell our team what is still outstanding and confirm how that affects your schedule.
When comparing an online supplier with a local plaque shop, ask how the order will reach you and who will help with your artwork. Eclipse’s online plaque catalogue lets you review designs before contacting the team. Provide your delivery location and required arrival date so the schedule and shipping options can be confirmed for your order.
Before committing to a supplier, check the proofing process, included marking, delivery terms and contact options. These details matter as much as the appearance of the plaque.
When choosing a plaque supplier, ask these questions:
Award plaques can recognize an individual milestone, a team result or an ongoing programme. Choose a format that suits the occasion: a certificate display for a document, a wall plaque for a lasting message or a recurring-recognition model for future names.
Consider presenting personalized award plaques for any of the following occasions or programs:
For wood designs, explore the wooden wall plaques collection. If the plaque is for a desk or shelf, check that the chosen model is designed for freestanding display rather than assuming a wall plaque will stand on its own.
Eclipse Awards has been creating personalized recognition awards since 1998. You can compare established designs in the catalogue and work with the team on the artwork for your selected model.
Your message and logo are arranged into an artwork proof for review. Check the names, dates, layout and marking details before you approve it.
The product pages show each model’s material, dimensions and available personalization options. Use the completed examples in the product galleries to see how different messages and logos fit.
For our current approach to materials, energy and ecosystem restoration, read the sustainability commitments. Check the selected product’s specifications when sourcing requirements are part of your brief.
Learn more about Eclipse Awards and our team, or contact us to discuss your plaque order.
Review our guarantees and policies for the terms that apply to your order. Confirm your timeline and delivery details with the team before ordering.
Eclipse offers an on-time delivery guarantee. Confirm the agreed arrival date and review the current guarantee terms for your order.
For an order packed by and shipped directly from Eclipse Awards, the safe-delivery guarantee covers replacement of pieces damaged in transit. See the policy for details.
Review your artwork proof carefully before approval. Our accuracy guarantee explains what happens if the finished marking does not match the approved artwork.
Our current sustainability programme includes support for local, Indigenous-led ecosystem restoration. Read the commitments and programme details rather than relying on a general label for every product.