What to Have Engraved on a Plaque (And How to Say It Clearly)
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
When you’re ordering a recognition plaque, the hardest part is often deciding what to have engraved. You want it to sound professional, be easy to read, and still feel personal.
At Action Awards, we commonly help customers with plaque wording. In this post, we’ll walk through simple structures, wording ideas, and real examples so you can feel confident about what goes on your plaque.
1. Action Awards Basic Structure of Plaque Wording
Most plaques follow a simple, proven structure:
Heading or title
Recipient’s name
Reason for the award
Details (dates, role, event, organization)
From / Presented by line
A classic layout might look like this:
In Appreciation
Presented to
Jane Smith
For outstanding dedication and service
Action Awards
2026
This structure keeps everything clear and easy to read at a glance.
2. Wording Ideas by Occasion
Different occasions call for slightly different plaque wording. Here are some ideas and ready‑to‑use examples.
Appreciation & Service Plaques
Use these when you want to thank someone for their time, effort, or support.
Heading ideas:
In Appreciation
With Gratitude
In Recognition Of
Thank You
Sample wording:
In Appreciation
Presented to
John Doe
For your many years of loyal service and dedication to our business
Action Awards
2026
Years of Service & Retirement Plaques
These plaques highlight the length of service and the person’s contribution.
Heading ideas:
Years of Service
In Recognition of Dedicated Service
Honoring Your Retirement
Sample wording:
In Recognition of
25 Years of Dedicated Service
Presented to
Mary Johnson
Thank you for your commitment, leadership, and outstanding contribution
Action Awards
2001–2026
Achievement & Award Plaques
Perfect for “Top Performer,” “Coach of the Year,” or contest winners.
Heading ideas:
Achievement Award
Excellence Award
Top Performer
Coach of the Year
Sample wording:
Excellence Award
Presented to
Michael Brown
For outstanding sales performance and commitment to excellence
Action Awards
2026
Memorial & Dedication Plaques
Memorial plaques should be respectful, simple, and sincere.
Heading ideas:
In Loving Memory
In Memory Of
Dedicated To
Sample wording:
In Loving Memory of
Sarah Thompson
Whose kindness and service encouraged everyone around her
1980–2026
3. Choosing the Right Tone
Think about both the person and the situation when choosing your tone.
More formal/professional:
“In recognition of outstanding leadership and dedicated service.”
“For exceptional achievement and commitment to excellence.”
More friendly/personal:
“Thank you for always going the extra mile for our team.”
“Your hard work and positive spirit make a lasting difference.”
You can also blend the two:
“With gratitude for your leadership, guidance, and friendship.”
That way your plaque feels both respectful and warm.
5. How to Send Your Engraving Text (So It’s Done Right)
To make sure your plaque looks exactly how you want it, it helps to send your engraving text clearly. Here’s what we recommend:
Type your engraving exactly as you want it to appear
Use capitalization the way you want it on the plaque.
Double‑check spelling, titles, and dates
If you’re unsure, send us your rough wording and we’ll suggest a clean layout
6. Not Sure What to Engrave? We Can Help.
If you’re stuck on the wording, you’re not alone. Many people know they want to recognize someone, but they’re not sure how to say it on a plaque.
At Action Awards in Orleans, MI, we help customers:
Choose a plaque size and plate style that fit their message
Edit long or complicated text into something clear and professional
Choose Premium plate options and borders
Whether you need one special recognition plaque or a full set for an event, we can help you through wording, layout, and design.
Ready to Order Your Plaque?
If you’re ready to create a plaque but still unsure about the exact wording, we’re here to help.
Browse our plaques and premium engraving plates
Send us your ideas, and we’ll help you turn them into polished engraving text
We’ll make sure your plaque looks clean, professional, and meaningful
Contact Action Awards today to get started on a custom plaque with wording that says exactly what you mean.
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