What Do You Typically Write on a Plaque Award?
The blank canvas is notoriously intimidating, and a blank award even more so. After all, you’ve spent a lot of effort to find the perfect plaque award to express your appreciation or to reward that special someone.
So, what wording is standard to write on a custom plaque?
We understand. It’s a challenge! The good news: most great plaques follow a simple, proven structure. Once you understand the core components, choosing the wording becomes much more straightforward.
What to Write on Employee Recognition Plaques?
Recognition plaques are meant to acknowledge effort, achievement, or contribution. The wording should be clear, sincere, and specific—without being overly long.
Most recognition plaques include:
- Title or award name (e.g., Employee of the Year)
- Recipient name
- Reason for recognition
- Organization or company name
- Date or year
Not every plaque needs all five elements, but using at least three creates clarity and balance
What to write on Single-Engraving Employee Recognition Plaques
Employee plaques should balance professionalism with appreciation. Clear, sincere language works best.
| Presented To RECIPIENT NAME For Your Leadership And Dedication To The Success of This Project Company Name Date | Presented To: RECIPIENT NAME Your Willingness To Always Go The Extra Mile Has Made All The Difference In Our Successes Thank You For It All Year | Presented To: Recipient Name In Appreciation For Your Commitment To Our Team… Thank You. You Hit a Home Run Organization Year |
| Presented To: RECIPIENT NAME For Your Excellent And Dedicated Service To The Great Success Of Our Company Thank You Date | Presented To: RECIPIENT NAME You Have Been A Valued Colleague And Loyal Friend. Thank You for Your Years of Dedication COMPANY NAME | Presented To Recipient Name Thank You For Your Continuous Hard Work And Support Company Name Date |
| In Recognition Of RECIPIENT NAME For An Unwavering Dedication, Loyalty, And Ambition That Continues To Inspire Us All Date | Presented To: RECIPIENT NAME For Your Outstanding Achievement And Dedication To Your Work. Congratulations Company Name Date | Presented to: RECIPIENT NAME In Appreciation For Your Contribution Our Work Would Not Be Possible Without Your Support. ORGANIZATION NAME Date |
What to Write on Perpetual Employee Recognition Plaques with Individual Nameplate?
Perpetual plaques are ideal for ongoing awards such as monthly or annual recognition. They feature a main plate and then a set of smaller plates. The main plate sets the theme, while individual nameplates are added over time.
| Main Plate: Employee Of The Year Shining Examples of Company Name Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Date | Main Plate: Employee Of The Month Recognizing outstanding achievement and commitment Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Date | Main Plate: President’s Award Honoring exceptional contributions to our organization Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Date |
| Main Plate: Excellence in Service Award Honoring continued dedication and exceptional service Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Date | Main Plate: Top Performer Recognition Plaque Celebrating superior results and outstanding contributions Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Date | Main Plate: Leadership Excellence Award Recognizing employees who inspire success through leadership and integrity Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Date |
What Should a Dedication Plaque Say?
Dedication plaques are often permanent fixtures—mounted on walls, buildings, benches, or displays—so wording should be timeless and easy to understand years later.
Common dedication plaque phrasing includes:
Presented by…
Dedicated to…
In honor of…
In recognition of…
What to Write on Dedication Plaques
Use a respectful, timeless, and sincere tone that clearly honors the individual or purpose without being overly emotional or casual.
| Dedicated To RECIPIENT NAME In Recognition of Outstanding Service Organization Name Year | In Honor Of RECIPIENT NAME Whose Commitment and Leadership Have Made a Lasting Impact Year | Dedicated In Appreciation RECIPIENT NAME For Vision, Dedication, and Service Organization Name Year |
| Presented In Honor Of RECIPIENT NAME For Contributions That Strengthened Our Community Organization Name Year | This Plaque Is Dedicated To RECIPIENT NAME In Grateful Recognition of Service And Commitment Year | Dedicated With Gratitude RECIPIENT NAME For Lasting Contributions and Support Organization Name Year |
What to Write on Perpetual Dedication Plaques
| Main Plate: Dedication Honor Roll Recognizing Individuals Who Serve With Distinction Organization Name Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Year | Main Plate: Wall of Dedication Honoring Those Who Made a Lasting Difference Organization Name Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Year | Main Plate: Legacy of Service Plaque In Recognition of Enduring Contributions Organization Name Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Year |
| Main Plate: Dedication & Service Recognition Celebrating Commitment and Impact Organization Name Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Year | Main Plate: Distinguished Dedication Award Honoring Service That Shapes Our Future Organization Name Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Year | Main Plate: Dedication Excellence Plaque Recognizing Those Who Inspire Through Service Organization Name Nameplate: RECIPIENT NAME Year |
Tips for Writing the Perfect Plaque
Regardless of which style you choose, these universal guidelines will help ensure your plaque message is effective:
- Keep it concise: Most plaques read best with 3–6 lines of text.
- Match the tone to the setting: Formal for corporate offices, warmer for community or volunteer awards.
- Avoid clutter: White space improves readability and perceived quality.
- Double-check spelling: Names and dates should always be confirmed before engraving.
- Think long-term: Especially for perpetual plaques, choose wording that will still make sense years from now.
Notes on Formatting the Perfect Plaque
Somewhere between “You’re GREAT” and an epic opus, there is a perfect balance of sentiment and clarity. The points below should help guide you toward a memorable and truly special plaque to show your appreciation.
- How many lines should a plaque have?
This depends on the size of the plaque. You want the number of lines to fit right within the given space. - What’s the standard plaque format?
A classic format is award or dedication title, recipient name, reason for recognition, then the date or organization. - Is it okay to use quotes on plaques?
Absolutely—quotes add a great, elegant and personal touch when clear and concise.
Final Thoughts
With all these examples and guidelines in mind, remember: the best plaques don’t just mark an event—they tell a story of appreciation, achievement, and recognition. Whether you’re choosing a single-engraving plaque for a special moment, such as this walnut finished plaque, or a perpetual plaque to honor excellence year after year, thoughtful wording ensures the message lasts as long as the plaque itself.
If you’re unsure what to write, starting with the recipient and occasion is the easiest way to create something meaningful, professional, and timeless.
