Monogram which initial

Only the first initial of the individual's first name or the first initial of their last name is used depending on preference and the object being monogrammed. For a personal monogram with a hyphenated last name, the style of the monogram dictates the direction. When a block monogram is used, the initials are placed in their natural order with a hyphen between the initials of both surnames.

When a traditional monogram is used where the middle initial is slightly larger than the others, a woman would place the first initial of her married name in the center. So the monogram order would be first initial, married surname initial, maiden name initial. An illustrative emblem, like the one above, would artistically entwine the letters.

If you're taking your partner's last name, modern monogram etiquette consists of your first initial, the first initial of your spouse's last name, and then their first initial. Typically, these initials are placed in a line from left to right with the wife's name first, but the order of first initials can be altered depending on the couple's preferences.

The middle letter is displayed larger than the letters on either side, symbolizing the joining of your names. In this instance, the middle two letters would be larger than the two on the sides, again, representing the last names. A four-letter monogram may be a bit too letter-rich for some.

A simplified approach would showcase just the hyphenated last name in a two letter monogram. So the first initial of each surname would be displayed with a hyphen in between. Put together your monogram using the first initial of both of your last names, without any ampersand, plus sign, or unifying design element. For example, John Doe and Jane Smith would become SD, with the wife's initial traditionally taking first place in the order.

This would look similar to the two-letter hyphenated last name monogram but without the hyphen, or you can stack each of your personal initials for a more contemporary aesthetic.

To really simplify your monogram, see how it looks with just single initials. Use your first initial, followed by an ampersand, with your partner's first initial at the end.

For a more modern visual, you can use a plus sign or other design element in lieu of the ampersand. Or, choose to just do a single initial monogram, using the first initial of your shared last name.

With hand-lettering, personal symbols, meaningful color schemes, and illustrations, customized monograms up the ante from mere initial order to full-fledged coats of arms and emblematic family crests that reflect the very essence of your shared or individual identity. Monograms are a timeless way to make wedding details feel customized.

In fact, they have been utilized for centuries. And the coat of arms emerged around the 12th century, as a form of identification for knights," says Menocal. We also want to empower people to design their own monograms and family emblems—the more scrappy and rudimentary, the better. Just be sure to exercise some restraint and inject small monogrammed accents rather than go all out with monogrammed everything. Porcelain and fine china are classic registry items that will accompany you and your spouse on your journey through life together.

What better way to enjoy all of your cherished family meals together or celebrate dinner parties than with personalized items? Plates, mugs, even flatware or glassware, offer great opportunities to utilize a joint last name or single initial monogram. But again, it's better to choose one item to emblazon with your initials rather than the entire tablescape.

Stationery is quite possibly the most traditional canvas for monogram use. We acknowledge that not every couple does things "traditionally," these days. Feel free to contact us if your couple does not fall into the "traditional" category. When placing order, be sure to state you would like, "traditional married couple monogram," to ensure proper initial placement. And if these don't suit your fancy, come on in the store and check out our books filled with hundreds more!

Here are the basic guidelines to follow. Single-Initial Monogram Single-initial monograms can be a person's first or last initial. Traditional 3-Letter Monogram This format is as follows: first name initial, last name initial, and middle initial.

Monograms put a personal spin on everything from tote bags and cufflinks to silverware and shams to pillows and pocket squares. Monograms can also be tricky. Mastering the order "What goes in the middle? But knowing how to present them is key to telling your personal story. And once you get it right, the options are endless on how to make them look great—and just like you. There are so many different shapes, sizes, and weights. And so many color options too. For example, a single woman with a double-name will have a monogram that looks incredibly different than a single woman without a formal middle name.

What's the proper order? Should everything be an upper case letter? We're here to set the record straight. Start Slideshow. Traditional Monogram Format. Credit: Mary Elizabeth Davis. Three Letter Monogram Format. Place the initials in order first, middle, last at the same size for an individual monogram.