10 Wording Ideas for Appreciation on Plaques

A custom plaque is a great way to recognize and honor someone's achievements, contributions, or milestones. From anniversaries to outstanding community service, there are so many reasons, ways, and words to express appreciation.

If you've struggled to know just the right words for a special occasion or inscription on a plaque, you’ve come to the right place! We have assembled some excellent ways to effectively communicate your appreciation, admiration, or recognition for a range of occasions. Make sure that you include the name of the person you appreciate and, when possible, a date to signify when they received the plaque.

Here are some ideas for why you might want to award someone with a custom plaque and what you can have inscribed to convey the appreciation you feel. Use one of these or be inspired to come up with your own, unique message.

Job Well Done/Major Project Completed

When an employee does a great job and you want to show your appreciation, a custom plaque is an impactful gesture. A full-color walnut-printed plaque is a great choice for this kind of award.

Here’s what you can say:

● For exceptional work and a job well done

● Your hard work is deeply appreciated

● Your hard work makes a huge difference. Thank you for what you do!

● We couldn’t have pulled off the [...] project without you—your creativity and problem-solving saved the day. Thank you!

Wording for Personal Milestone Plaques

Wording for Retirement Plaques

Honor individuals who are retiring after a long and successful career, commemorating their contributions and achievements. A clock plaque is a great reminder that their time is now theirs. Here are some inscriptions you could use:

● You’re off the clock for good now—we will miss you!

● You’re off the clock and on to fishing! Congratulations on your retirement.

● Thank you for all the time you spent with us. We wish you all the best in your retirement!

● Congratulations on a wonderful career. We wish you all the best in your retirement!

● It’s all your time now! Congratulations on your retirement!

● Cheers to your second act! May it be even more fantastic than the first.

Wording for Plaques: Special Anniversaries

Celebrate significant personal milestones such as weddings, partnerships, or anniversaries. Here are some words that would be appropriate for some of those occasions:

● Every year you’ve been with the company makes the company better! Congratulations on your tenure!

● Mary and Thomas May you build a blissful life together

● [Company Name]: To a prosperous and meaningful partnership Founded in 2023

Community Service and Philanthropy

Wording for a Plaque for a Community Champion

Honor individuals who have made a positive impact on their community through volunteer work, charitable initiatives, or advocacy efforts. A circular glass plaque would be a perfect gesture of recognition. Here are some examples of wording that would work for such a plaque:

● For your selfless service to our beloved community, you have our gratitude

● For the lives that you’ve touched through your selfless service, we thank you

● Our community is a better place because of you—we appreciate your service

● You make our quirky community even weirder, and we would like to formally thank you for that!

Wording for Humanitarian Awards and Plaques

Recognize those who have dedicated themselves to helping others and making the world a better place. Here are some words to express admiration for someone who selflessly serves:

● When the people needed it most, you showed up. Thank you for your selfless service.

● Your selflessness is sincerely felt and makes a difference.

● Thank you for giving so selflessly. You are deeply appreciated.

Employee of the Month

You don’t have to host a Dundees Awards to show your employees that you appreciate them.

Having an employee appreciation plaque is a great way to recognize your staff and the wonderful things they do to keep the company running smoothly. Consider a perpetual plaque that can be added to month after month, quarter by quarter, or year over year:

Leadership and Mentorship Plaques

An engraved aluminum plaque is a great way to show appreciation for leadership and mentorship in the office. Here are some examples of wording for that kind of plaque:

Wording for Leadership Excellence Awards & Plaques

Acknowledge those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, motivating and guiding their teams to achieve remarkable outcomes.

● We wouldn’t get very far without great leaders like you. Thank you for forging ahead and showing us the way!

● Without great leaders, we would be lost. Thank you for taking the reins while we were growing.

● Great leaders make great companies and communities. Thank you for what you do!

Mentorship Award

Recognize individuals who have served as valuable mentors, providing guidance and support to help others grow and succeed.

● Every company needs great mentors who can help teach and train. We’re grateful for your help!

● Mentors ensure that training is effective and thorough. Thank you for taking the time to keep our team on track!

● Communities need mentor figures to help the underprivileged. We are grateful for your service and support!

Appreciation Plaque Wording: Dedications & Thank Yous

A plaque intended to dedicate a place, an intention, or an endeavor can add meaning and significance and thank you plaque wording and dedications can be as specific as you like. Here are some ideas for dedicatory plaque inscriptions:

● With thanks to the many donors who made this exhibit possible. May all who visit be inspired.

● All gave some, some gave all. We humbly dedicate this park in reverence for the soldiers who bravely fought and died. Your sacrifice is recognized with reverence and gratitude.

● [Company Name] May all who work here bring their genius to bear and contribute to our overall success. You are the ones who keep us going.

Academic and Educational Achievements

Every student wants to know they are on the right track. Make sure you keep the fire of learning bright by acknowledging great students and academic progress.

Wording Ideas for Top Student Awards

Award students who have achieved the highest academic performance in their class or school. A bamboo plaque would make a great statement, along with a thoughtful inscription:

● Your hard work is paying off. Great work in your academic career!

● We applaud your academic dedication—keep it up!

Outstanding Research Plaques: Wording Ideas

Recognize researchers or scholars who have made significant contributions to their field through groundbreaking research.

● Breakthroughs are made by knowledgeable, persistent people. Congratulations on your discoveries!

● Thank you for your outstanding contribution to science and innovation.

● Your research and contributions have been felt throughout the scientific community—we applaud you!

Wording for Sports and Athletics Plaques

Everyone wants to be an MVP. When an exceptional athlete comes along, be sure to keep them going with encouragement. A glass plaque with a heartfelt inscription could be just the thing to inspire more greatness:

● You’ve led us to victory once again! Here’s to a long and fruitful [sport] career!

● Way to go on your success in [sport]. We are excited to see where this takes you!

● Keep going and pushing yourself. We believe in you!

Plaque Wording for Appreciation

Remember, the key to a meaningful custom plaque is tailoring it to the individual's achievements and contributions. Depending on the accomplishment, the individual, and the context, you can be as specific, as silly, as serious, or as profound as you like. Personalized messages and designs make awards meaningful and memorable.

If you would like advice on how to choose the right award or have questions about wording for customized plaques and inscriptions, please reach out–we would love to talk!