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What's the difference between custom medals and trophies?
Custom medals are wearable awards that hang from ribbons, while trophies are standalone display pieces designed to sit on shelves or in cabinets. The main difference is portability—medals can be worn during victory laps or stored easily, whereas trophies serve as permanent desk or mantle decorations.
Size and Materials:
- Medals typically range from 2-3 inches in diameter and are available in materials such as zinc alloy, brass, or custom plastic medals, with various plating finishes (gold, silver, bronze, antique).
- Trophies vary dramatically in size from 6 inches to several feet tall, constructed from resin, acrylic, crystal, or metal, with customizable columns and figurines.
Customisation differences:
- Medals offer intricate die-struck designs, 3D elements, glitter effects, and ribbon colour combinations
- Trophies feature engraving plates, interchangeable toppers, themed columns, and structural modifications
Selecting between these award types shapes how recipients remember your event and display their achievement.
When should you choose custom medals for your event?
Custom medals work best for events with multiple participants who all deserve recognition. Marathons, soccer tournaments, swimming meets, military honours, and graduations all benefit from medals because every participant can receive one to commemorate their achievement.
The wearable nature makes custom medals ideal when you want recipients to display their accomplishment immediately. Runners can wear their marathon medal around their neck at the finish line, whilst graduates can show off their achievement during post-ceremony celebrations. This instant gratification creates memorable photo opportunities.
Personalisation options extend beyond the medal itself. Ribbons come in countless colour combinations to match your event branding, whilst special effects like glitter finishes, antique plating, or 3D raised elements add visual interest. Modern AI design tools allow you to create unique designs quickly, with no minimum order requirements, making them accessible for events of any size.
What types of events are better suited to trophies?
Trophies work best for school competitions, athletic organisations, and corporate recognition events where a single winner or top performers need to be acknowledged. These event awards create a sense of prestige that matches the formality of championship tournaments, academic achievements, or professional milestones.
The traditional appearance of trophies makes them ideal for ceremonies requiring seriousness. A shiny trophy on a podium grabs attention in ways that other awards cannot, especially at annual galas, league championships, or employee recognition dinners, where presentation matters as much as the achievement itself.
Free engraving services add personal touches without extra costs, allowing organisers to include recipient names, dates, and achievement details directly on the trophy. This permanent customisation transforms a standard award into a personalised keepsake that recipients display with pride in offices, homes, or trophy cases.
How do design, cost, and presentation compare between medals and trophies?
Design
Custom Medals design offers intricate artwork possibilities with detailed relief work, special plating finishes, and creative shapes that bring your event's identity to life. Trophies provide structural customisation through various column styles, figure toppers, and base materials, but typically feature simpler engraving rather than complex artistic elements.
Cost
Budget differences become apparent when comparing materials and dimensions. Custom Medals generally cost less per unit due to standardised production processes, if they are custom plastic medals, and their compact sizes, making them economical for large participant groups. Trophy cost comparison reveals higher expenses for larger pieces, especially those incorporating crystal, wood bases, or multiple tiers.
Presentation
Presentation methods differ significantly between the two award types. Custom Medallions arrive ready to wear with ribbons in your chosen colours, creating immediate photo opportunities during ceremonies. Trophies require careful packaging and transport, yet their substantial presence commands attention on display shelves and creates impressive stage moments during formal presentations. Free engraving services add personalisation value to trophies without additional expense.
Which option leaves a lasting impression on participants and winners?
Custom medals create immediate emotional connections through their wearable nature. Recipients can display their achievement around their necks during victory moments, share photos on social media, or hang them proudly at home. The tactile experience of holding a custom medal with intricate details and personal engravings makes the recognition feel tangible and personal.
Trophies command attention through sheer physical presence. A substantial trophy on a mantle or office shelf serves as a constant reminder of achievement, sparking conversations with visitors. Their vertical structure and reflective surfaces create visual drama that photographs well for promotional materials. Large customised trophies signal prestige and permanence, particularly for championship titles or career milestones where the award represents years of dedication.
The choice between lasting impression awards depends on your event's goals. Custom medals impact participants through personal connection and shareability, whilst trophies deliver through commanding presence and traditional gravitas.
