Wording for Engraved Plaques

The best messages for engraved plaques are:

Show Thoughtfulness

Take a few minutes to think about what you’re really trying to commemorate and what why it matters to the plaque recipient. It doesn’t have to be hard or complicated, but the genuine effort you put in will show.

Keep It Simple

Resist the urge to add overly formal, flowery words. Too much formality can be confusing or come off as uptight, insincere or even condescending. Plus, it’ll use up more of your precious space.

Instead, keep the wording on plaques and awards simple and clear for the most impact.

Be Brief

For one thing, you have limited space to work with on any plaque, award or trophy. But even if you didn’t, less is more.

It’s OK if you get straight to the point. Your words may actually have a greater impact if there are fewer of them.

Compliment the Recipient

You don’t generally give out plaques and awards for mediocrity, so don’t be afraid to give the praise that’s due. Words like “excellence” and “bravery” and “generosity” are often appropriate for this context. Tell the recipient why they deserve this recognition.

Write In General Terms

You may be giving a plaque award for a very specific piece of academic research entitled “The History and Significance of Cats in Hieroglyphics Under the Reign of Cleopatra.” But plaques don’t need to be that specific. In fact, it’s often better if they’re not.

Rather than include all the details behind the recognition, try a broader summary, such as, “In Recognition of Academic Excellence.”

Stay Relevant

While general messages are OK for plaques, be careful not to get so general that your words lose relevance. For example, you wouldn’t want to just say “In Recognition of Excellence.” That raises the question, “Excellence in what?”

Also resist the urge to add miscellaneous flattery that may be true but veers off topic. Your plaque recipient may be an excellent magician as well as an excellent academic, but the two aren’t related.

Be Sincere

Make sure what you say couldn’t accidentally come off as snarky or sarcastic — unless you’re trying to be funny and you’re sure the recipient won’t be offended.

Personalize It

Plaques and awards are most meaningful when they have the name of the recipient engraved on them, even if it’s a whole team or organization’s name. If it makes sense for the occasion, you may also want to include a date or just a year.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Nothing taints a beautiful plaque award like a careless typo. Read your message carefully, then step away for a little while and check it later with fresh eyes. When in doubt, have someone else double-check your work.

Refer to Some Plaque Wording Examples

Sometimes, it helps to have an example to start from. Feel free to borrow the wording below and customize it to make it your own.

Professional and Academic Plaque Award Wording Examples