Are you trying to decide between custom medals and custom awards?
We get it! Medals can sometimes feel too casual, while awards might be too formal for certain occasions. Luckily, you've come to the right place for answers.
At MedalStudio, we have years of experience crafting high-quality medals and awards. So we know to help you make the right decision.
In this article, we'll help you decide whether medals or awards are the best choice for your occasion by comparing their pros and cons.
Are you ready? Let's dive in!
Custom Medals vs Awards: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between custom medals and custom awards can be a bit tricky. Both can help recognise important achievements and create long-lasting memories, but they differ in their design and impact.
To help you make the right decision, we have created this table summarising the key points you should keep in mind when choosing between bespoke medals and custom awards.
| Bespoke Medals | Custom Awards | |
| Customisation | You can add names and even logos. However, long sentences will not fit. | You'll be able to add more detailed engravings since awards have greater space for inscriptions. |
| Portability | Medals can be worn around the neck and are lightweight. | Transporting awards can be more difficult since they're larger and can easily get scratched. |
| Cost | Medals are ideal for events with many participants, as they can be more affordable. | Awards should be given to a smaller group as they tend to be more expensive due to their size and advanced customisation. |
| Recommended uses | Sports, school events, marathons, recreational events, military and service recognition, etc. | Corporate awards, high-level sports, artistic recognition, academic excellence, etc. |
To learn more about each option, keep reading!
Custom Medals
If you want to recognise or commemorate a special achievement, medals are an excellent choice. They not only hold great symbolic value but also offer several benefits.
Medals are small and lightweight, making them ideal gifts for large events as they are easy to transport. Additionally, they are usually presented with a personalised ribbon, allowing recipients to wear them with pride.
When is it Appropriate to Give Medals?
We recommend choosing medals when rewarding multiple people or when an event includes different categories, such as first, second, and third place.
In tournaments with many participants, personalised awards can be costly. In these cases, medals provide a more affordable alternative while still maintaining the significance of recognition.
Although medal prices vary depending on the material, their compact size makes customization more accessible. For example, at MedalStudio, you can personalise medals from just £2.04!
Personalisation Options
Medals can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, hybrid, acrylic, cast, and eco-friendly options. Regardless of the material you choose, you can engrave words, logos, or any other details relevant to the event.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Medals
Despite their advantages, there are a few limitations to consider. Due to their small size, medals have limited space for long messages. If you want to include an extended dedication, you may need to explore other recognition options.
Additionally, medals tend to appear less prestigious compared to larger awards. If you're looking for a corporate or professional recognition piece, a more sophisticated award may be a better choice.
How to Create a Custom Medal
Customizing medals at MedalStudio is quite simple, you just have to:
- Visit medalstudio.com and select from our wide range of materials. For those seeking something unique, we also offer custom-shaped medals to add a creative touch to your achievement.
- Select your preferred medal model. Browse through our collection of models and choose the one that suits your style or event requirements.
- Choose your ribbon colour. Our ribbons are included in the cost of your medals and are pre-fitted, so no additional loops or catches are needed.
- Upload your design in a single file using one of the following formats: png, jpg, gif, ai, psd, svg, pdf, eps.
- Share your vision for the medal with our designers, including any text you’d like to feature and how it should complement your logo or design.
Bespoke Awards
Unlike medals, custom awards are widely used in corporate settings as they project a more elegant and prestigious image.
One of their main advantages is their size, which allows for more extensive engravings, logos, and inspiring messages. This not only highlights the achievement but also turns the award into a meaningful keepsake that the recipient will cherish.
Personalisation Options
Custom awards offer a wide range of design options. On our website, you can choose from different materials, such as acrylic, wood, or a combination of both.
You also have the option to select creative and unique shapes, making each award even more special.
When is it Appropriate to Give Awards?
Another benefit is their decorative function, as they can enhance any space and add a touch of distinction.
Custom awards are ideal for recognising specific achievements in the corporate world or high-level competitions. For example, if you want to honour the Employee of the Month, an award featuring their name and a message of appreciation will be a meaningful and motivating gesture.
Consider the Cost Factor
However, it is important to note that custom awards tend to be more expensive than medals due to their larger size and the complexity of engraved details. For this reason, they are not usually the most suitable option for large-scale events.
How to Create a Custom Award?
- Visit medalstudio.com and select from our wide range of materials and sizes. Remember that we also offer special shape awards to make the recognition even more special.
- Upload your design in a single file using one of the following formats: png, jpg, gif, ai, psd, svg, pdf, eps.
- Share your vision with our designers. Tell us what text you'd like to include and how you'd like it to appear around any logo or image. Remember to give as much information as possible.
- Select if you'd like a double-sided print.
- Select the event date. Please keep in mind that our normal turnaround time is 2 weeks from your approval of artwork.
Custom Medals or Awards? The Verdict
Remember that if you need to reward many people and want a budget-friendly option, you should choose medals. However, if the recognition needs to be exclusive with an elegant appearance, we recommend choosing bespoke awards.
If you have any questions regarding our bespoke medals, please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected] or call us at 01377250449.
Updated: 21/02/2025