Opening ceremony plaques mark an occasion that usually also needs printed invitations and programmes. Boldmedia Print Zimbabwe engraves opening plaques and can print the event material in the same style. A cover for the unveiling can be supplied.
An opening ceremony plaque records the official opening of a building, branch, facility or community project. It normally names the guest who did the opening, the date and the organisation behind the project. Many are designed to be unveiled, so they are made to fit behind a curtain or cover on the day.
A good opening plaque has a formal layout and wording that has been checked, because names, titles and dates are hard to correct once the plaque is engraved. It is also made to outlast the building’s first tenants. It differs from a commemorative plaque, which marks a past event or person: an opening plaque is tied to one launch date and is usually ordered against a fixed deadline.
Where it works well
- Official opening of new office buildings
- Launch of school blocks, halls and libraries
- Clinic and community centre openings
- New retail branches and showrooms
- Sod-turning and project completion ceremonies
- Public infrastructure and municipal projects
Materials and finishes
- Cast-look or solid brass
- Engraved stainless steel
- Black granite-look acrylic with gold or silver infill
- Aluminium with etched lettering
- Timber backing boards for an interior finish
What affects the price
- Plaque size and material
- Amount of text and the number of logos
- Engraving depth and colour infill
- Formal border or decorative edge detail
- Unveiling curtain or cover, if required
- Mounting hardware and the surface it fixes to
- On-site installation before the event
Supplying measurements
Tell us where the plaque will be mounted (a wall, a plinth or a stone) and how much space is available. If it will be unveiled, send the size of the curtain frame or cover if one already exists.
Artwork requirements
Supply the full wording, with the guest's correct title and the date, and any logos as vector files (PDF, AI, EPS or SVG). We send a proof for sign-off, and the wording should be approved by whoever is hosting the ceremony.
Survey and installation
The plaque can be fixed before the ceremony with a cover over it, or delivered for your own team to mount. Masonry and stone plinths need suitable anchors, and outdoor plaques need security fixings.
Maintenance
Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap and dry it to avoid water marks. Outdoor plaques benefit from a check every year or so for loose fixings.
Frequently asked questions
How early should we order?
As soon as the guest and date are confirmed. Proof approval can take time when several people sign off, so allow for it when planning.
Can you supply an unveiling curtain?
An unveiling cover or curtain can be arranged with the plaque. Let us know when you request a quote.
What if the guest changes?
Tell us before you approve the proof. Once the plaque has been engraved, wording changes mean making a new plaque.