Awards 101: Which Award Will Wow Guests at Your Event?

When choosing an award or trophy for use at a prestigious ceremony or event, it is imperative that you select an award that is in keeping with the tone and style of the event, your brand, and the recipient's expectations. For instance, you might be presenting an award to recognise an outstanding sales performance by one of your staff. In this scenario, you want the award to inspire other staff to strive for a similar achievement so it should be displayed easily, like a plaque or ornament, and should also be personalised to that indvidual, so that they feel they are being rewarded specifically for their skills and attributes.

Here is a list of the different types of awards available, listed by style and including information about materials and branding options, so that you can make the right decision about the kind of award you need.

Cups

A gold or silver cup won't be out of place at a sports event or a community fair as it has the traditional look of an award or trophy. Branded cups also look great in display cases and as decorative items on mantelpieces and desks. They come in various sizes - a larger one could be used to award first prize whilst smaller ones could be given to runners up after a sporting event.

A metal cup with large handles so it can be raised triumphantly will definitely make the recipient feel proud! Each trophy can be engraved with the individual winner's name for a personalised award.

Metal and silverplated cups are available if you are presenting an award at a football match and want it to have that traditional football trophy feel. There are square, round and lidded varieties of cup, most of which come on a wooden or metal plinth that can also be branded. Branding is usually done by engraving, for a look of understated elegance.

Paperweights

Branded paperweights have a range of uses, one of which is as awards for recognition of staff for loyalty, hardwork or an outstanding performance. Because paperweights have the specific function of keeping paper organised on a desk, they will be kept in the office and will serve as a reminder of what can be achieved at your company.

A dome shaped paperweight has timeless, classic look

Paperweights come in a range of shapes including oval, diamond and multi-functional clock shape. They also can be made from various materials such as crystal, jade, blue or cut glass. They can be engraved with an individual's name and some can be branded with an optic design.

Vases

Corporate vases make lovely retirement gifts that can be presented with flowers, and then kept and cherished for a long time afterwards. They are items that employees or customers can use in the office, or at home, so can have a more personal feel to them than other types of awards. Vases might also be used as wedding gifts or as gifts for loyal customers.

This bud vase holds only one or two buds, and has a large flat surface area to fit a longer message or more branding

You can find vases made from crystal and cut glass, and some also have wooden plinths that give them extra stability. They come in a range of shapes, from plain barrel and trumpet shapes to flat-bodied vases that just hold one or two flower buds.

Bowls

Bowls, like vases, are awards that can be used in the home, so have a personal feel and make lovely wedding and retirement gifts. Bowls also make lovely memorial awards that can reside in a display cabinet to commemorate an achievement or an individual.

The mahogany plinth gives this bowl a more ornate, stately look that goes with the cut glass design

Some bowls stand on wooden plinths whilst others are free-standing. Bowls can be made from cut glass, crystal or be silver plated. Whichever material you choose, your bowl can be engraved with the design of your choice.

Sports Glass Awards

Perfect for tournaments, competitions and company days out, these awards all have a sporting theme. There are crystal golf ball tankards, decanters, bowls and tumblers which feature a golf ball design in the base, and also rugby ball shaped glass tankards. All of these will be loved by sports enthusiasts. Optic glass awards can also feature any design relating to any sport you want!

Optic glass awards can feature complex and intricate designs to suit your needs

Sports glass awards can be fully customised to bear the name of the winning individual. They will be the highlight of your company golf tournament!

Glass Trophies

Glass trophies display an achievement and look decorative. There are lots of different types of ornamental awards, such as globe awards, star awards, and other shaped flat glass awards.

Awards can come in a range of styles, from globes to simple geometric shapes

A globe award is well suited to a ceremony that recognises individuals from across the world, whilst a star award could be used to recognise an outstanding individual performance within an industry or business. Ornamental awards also come in pyramid, cuboid and many other shapes, and can be made from glass, marble or stone.

Medals

A medal is a more informal gift and can be used as an award at a sporting event - for example if your organisation is involved in a fun run or other fundraiser, supplying medals with your branding could be a great way to reward participants and get your branding seen. Medals can also be used at company sports days.

A medal is a fun award that can be worn on the day of an event and taken home at the end of the day to display in a case or on a wall

Some medals come with silver nickel plating, whilst others are bronze, copper black or gold. Customisation can range from printing, for a bold look, to engraving or alloy moulding for a 3D design. Some medals can even be studded with diamantes for a little extra bling!

Browse Awards >>

All awards can be ordered and personalised from just a single piece, to make sure they are truly unique for the recipients. You can see more awards on our website, and if you are picturing an award that isn't listed here, please let us know and we will be happy to source it for you!