How to choose trophies for an awards ceremony
Choose a trophy by its material, weight and design, and by how it will be presented. Vary awards by size rather than quality, and approve a sample and a proof once names and spellings are locked.
In short
- Pick the material, weight and design first, then decide how the trophy will be presented.
- Vary awards by size, not quality. Every category deserves a well-made trophy.
- Confirm names, lock the spellings and approve a sample and a proof before the full order is made.
Choose the material
Material sets the first impression and the price. See samples in person, and hold them.
- Crystal and glass
- Heavy, clear and formal. Suits annual awards and senior recognition. Check edges and the base for chips.
- Metal
- Brass, steel or plated finishes in cups, statues and plaques. Durable and classic. Ask how the plating is applied and whether it tarnishes.
- Acrylic
- Light, easy to shape and print in colour. Good for large numbers of awards or travel. It scratches more easily than glass.
- Wood
- Warm and traditional. Often combined with metal plates. Suits long-service and heritage awards.
Tie the design to the theme
An awards night carries a message, such as customer first or one team. Work the theme into the trophy's shape, motif or colour so the winners keep that message on a desk all year.
Include your logo with care. A small, well-placed mark looks like recognition. A large one looks like advertising.
Size the awards by category
Most ceremonies have a top award, category awards and special mentions. Make the top award the largest and tier the rest down in steps.
Change the size, not the finish. A smaller trophy built with the same care tells its winner that the award matters.
Get the engraving right
Poor engraving spoils an expensive trophy. A misspelt name is worse.
- Names
- Freeze the winners' list as late as you can, then check each spelling against HR records. Ask the supplier to engrave from your written list, not from an email chain.
- Proof
- Approve a printed proof of the plate text and the layout before engraving starts.
- Spares
- Order one or two blank spares with the plates unfixed. They cover a last-minute change or a damaged piece.
Choose and brief the supplier
Ask for a sample of the exact material and finish, not a catalogue picture. Compare quotes on the same specification so that weight, finish, packaging and engraving are priced alike.
Agree the delivery date in writing. Ask who replaces a piece that arrives damaged and how soon.
Set the budget with the event
The event lasts a few hours. The trophy stays on a shelf for years. Put the trophy budget into the plan at the start, so it is not what remains after the venue and stage are paid.
Order in time
Work back from the ceremony date. Fix the categories, approve the design, order the sample, then place the full order once the sample is approved.
Have everything delivered a week early. Unpack, count, check each piece and store them under lock.
Trophies are one part of a ceremony. Categories, nominations, venue, stage and permits come with it, and the award ceremony management page shows how ICE India runs all of them as one project. See trophies at work in NBHC's employee awards, Gilbarco's Udaan awards day and Oxford International's symposium.
