Follow Proper Monogram Etiquette for a Touch of Tradition in Projects

Monogramming adds a personal item to whatsoever project: piped icing on cake designs, embroidered stitches on home decor, stamped initials on stationary, even custom details on quilt or sewing projects. And these days, you tin pretty much design your monograms however you want. But if you lot desire to go on things more traditional, there are a few monogram etiquette rules to consider following.

Unmarried-Letter Monograms

Photograph by Alison Caporimo

Traditionally, single-letter monograms like in the bookmark to a higher place stand for the surname (aka concluding name). That goes for both men and women. Merely you can as well monogram the starting time letter of a first proper name — this is specially common among single women.

Three-Letter Monograms

Three-letter Victorian monograms is what you're probably most familiar with. The letter arrangement depends on marital condition and letter sizes inside the monogram.

Same Size Letters

Single men and women use the first letters of their first, middle and last name, in that order.

Big Surname Letter in the Middle

Photo by Jodie Rackley

Single men and women use the commencement letters of their first, last and middle names, in that guild. The surname is always centered and in a larger font, as in the pajamas above.

For married women, it'south tradition to employ her married name initial as the centre initial in 3-letter of the alphabet monograms, with her first initial on the left and maiden name initial on the correct. Married men or women could also use their outset, married and heart name initials, in that gild.

Single men and women apply the get-go letters of their kickoff, last and middle names, in that order. The surname is ever centered and in a larger font, as in the pajamas in a higher place.

For married women, it'southward tradition to use her married name initial as the middle initial in three-letter monograms, with her commencement initial on the left and maiden name initial on the correct. Married men or women could as well employ their first, married and middle name initials, in that order.

Monograms for Couples

For married couples, the surname initial goes in the centre and the individuals' start initials go on either side. This mode is often used on linens, glasses and tableware. Traditionally, the married man's name goes beginning (on the left), and the wife's is on the end (as in "Mr. and Mrs."). But at that place are those who switch the placement and put the married woman'south proper noun first (equally in "ladies first").

Same-sex partners can follow whatever of the rules above. If both are keeping their last names, both showtime initials of the partners' last names are used together as the surname.

Monograms for Children

Rules for creating monograms for children are the aforementioned equally those for unmarried adults.

Choosing Fonts for Monograms

When selecting a font for your monogram, be mindful of how information technology volition be used. While a highly decorative script may look but fine as a unmarried letter, it could be extremely difficult to read when used in traditional three-letter monograms. Option your fonts wisely earlier you brainstorm your piece of work — and don't forget to match information technology to the recipient's personality!