Presenting awards is a key part of many events — from school competitions and sporting events to corporate galas. Organisers face a choice: pick catalogue awards, available off-the-shelf in many designs, or invest in custom awards made to order?
In this guide we compare both options — explaining how they differ, outlining their advantages and drawbacks, and suggesting when it’s worth opting for customisation. This will help you decide which type of award will best meet your needs.
Catalogue Awards – What Are They?
Catalogue awards are ready-made pieces available as part of a manufacturer’s standard range. They include classic cups, medals and trophies in standard designs that can be ordered almost immediately. Such awards are usually mass-produced — manufacturers hold hundreds of units of a given model, often in various sizes and colours.
Thanks to this, organisers have a wide choice of ready-made designs, from simple, budget-friendly cups to more ornate, prestigious awards, depending on the stature of the event.
Importantly, catalogue awards can be partially personalised — for example by adding an engraved plate (with the award name, winner’s name, date, etc.) or a small emblem with a logo. However, the core design is set in advance by the manufacturer.
The most popular catalogue awards include sports cups (metal cups on a base), cast trophies (figures depicting different disciplines or award symbols) and glass trophies with universal shapes. At Winmed, all of these products are available in our catalogue — we offer a wide selection of awards in various sizes and variants that can be ordered straight away, without waiting for production.
So if you need awards quickly or you have a limited budget, ready-made catalogue awards will be the natural first choice.
Custom Awards – What Does Customisation Involve?
Custom awards are created to individual order, based on a unique design. Instead of choosing from ready-made models, at Winmed you can work with our team to create a new, one-of-a-kind concept tailored to the occasion. It might be a trophy with an unusual shape, a cup that echoes the event logo, or a medal designed from scratch to your idea.
In practice, customisation means you decide how the award looks — from the material (metal, glass, wood, acrylic, etc.), through the shape and size, to the finishes, colours and wording.
The possibilities are almost limitless: the award can include the company or event name, a dedication, the winner’s name, and can even take a form that reflects your logo or the event theme. The result is an award perfectly matched to the character of the event.
The process of creating a custom award usually includes preparing a design, your approval, and then production using suitable technologies (e.g. laser cutting, 3D printing, casting, engraving, etc.). Each award is made from scratch, which means you receive a truly one-of-a-kind piece — no one else will have an identical one.
At Winmed we specialise in custom awards and create solutions for people who expect more than a standard cup or generic prize. Although the process requires a little more involvement than buying a ready-made award, the final result often exceeds expectations.
Comparison Table: Catalogue Awards Vs Custom Awards
| Criterion | Catalogue awards | Custom awards |
|---|---|---|
| Visual impact | Classic, familiar designs | Unique, tailor-made |
| Uniqueness | Low – the same model appears at many events | High – a design created just for you |
| Branding (logo/colours/shape) | Usually a plate / engraving | Full integration with the event identity |
| Fit with the theme | Limited | Any theme and form |
| Lead time | Very fast | A few to several days (depending on the design) |
| Unit cost | Lower | Higher (design + production) |
| Minimum quantity | 1 item | 5 items |
| Materials and techniques | Standard | Wide choice (metal, wood, glass, UV printing, etc.) |
| Impression on recipients | Adequate | Strong “wow” effect |
| Risk / certainty | Proven models, few surprises | Requires design approval, greater involvement |
| Version flexibility (e.g. categories) | Choice of size / colour | Full control over variants |
| Best when… | Time and budget matter | You want to stand out and strengthen your event brand |
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Catalogue Awards
Advantages:
- Fast availability
- Lower price
- Wide selection
- Tried-and-tested look
Disadvantages:
- Lack of uniqueness
- Limited customisation
- Less prestigious feel
- Aesthetic compromises required
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Custom Awards
Advantages:
- Uniqueness
- “Wow” effect
- Alignment with the occasion and brand
- Full control over the design
- Greater emotional value
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost
- Longer lead time
- More involvement required
- Risk of revisions during production
When Is It Worth Considering Custom Awards?
- When you want to stand out and make an impact.
- For prestigious galas, anniversaries and championships.
- If consistency with your branding matters.
- When catalogues don’t offer anything suitable.
- For recurring events with growth potential.
- When you have sufficient time and budget.
Summary
Catalogue and custom awards both have their place — the choice depends on your priorities. If speed, simplicity and a low price are key, choose catalogue options. If originality, prestige and a “wow” effect matter most, opt for custom awards.
