The Basics
What is a monogram? A monogram tells a story. It suggests who we are or want to be,
puts forth our views on marriage, tradition, and individual identity not to mention
the wonderful things it does for linens, stationery and silverware.
A monogram consists of a person's initials — usually a variation on the first,
middle, and last name—and much has been written about proper monogram etiquette.
To help you get started, we've provided traditional guidelines to monogramming
along with a healthy serving of non-traditional ones (called 'M+G says'),
so you can make your own monogram tell a story about you.
Guy Or Gal Monograms
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Initials,
Same Size{ first, middle, last }
-
Initials,
Center Larger{ first, last, middle }
-
Single Initial
{ last }
gal monogram
example: "LILY FRANCESCA NEWMAN"
-
Initials,
Same Size{ first, middle, last }
-
Initials,
Center Larger{ first, last, middle }
-
Single Initial
{ last }
guy monogram
example: "DOUGLAS RICHARD KEANE"
Married Couple Monograms
-
Initials,
Center Larger{ wife's first, married last, husband's first }
-
Single Initial
{ married last }
married woman, hyphenates last name
example: "LILY FRANCESCA NEWMAN" and "DOUGLAS RICHARD KEANE"
-
Initials,
Same Size{ first, maiden, last }
-
Initials,
Center Larger{ first, married last, maiden }
-
Single Initial
{ married last }
married woman, keeps maiden name
example: "LILY NEWMAN KEANE"
{ for personal items, stationary, bed linens }
Because Equal Rights Rule
-
Initials,
Same Size{ both men's last }
-
Single Initial
{ both men's first }
-
Initials,
Same Size{ both men's last }
same-sex married couple
"DAVID JOSEPH TURNER" and "PETER SIMON MATTHEWS"
-
Initials,
Same Size{ both women's last }
-
Single Initial
{ both women's first }
-
Initials,
Same Size{ both women's last }
same-sex married couple
"EVE HOLLANDER" and "EMMA WILLIS"
Last Name Changes
-
Initials,
Same Size{ last only }
-
Initials,
Same Size
individual with Von, Du or any capitalized article making a two-word last name
"ANNE JAMES VON HANSEL"
-
Initials,
Same Size{ first, middle, last }
-
Initials,
Center Larger{ preposition in
center } -
Preposition,
Same Size{ prepositon only }
individual with O', Mc or Mac but one-word last name
"PATRICK DAVID McNAMARA"
-
Initials,
Center Larger -
Single Initial
{ hyphenated last }
married woman hyphenates last name
"LILY NEWMAN KEANE" and "DOUGLAS KEANE"
-
Initials,
Same Size{ wife's first, husband's last, wife's maiden }
-
Single Initial
{ both last names }
woman keeps her maiden name
"LILY NEWMAN KEANE" and "DOUGLAS KEANE"
-
Initials,
Same Size{ article, last name }
-
Initials,
Same Size{ article, last name }
-
Initials,
Center Larger{ wife's first, husband's last (no article), husband's first }
couple with Von, Du or any capitalized article making a two-word last name
ex: "ANNE VON HANSEL" and "CAROL VON HANSEL"
-
Initials,
Center Larger{ wife's first, husband's last (no preposition), husband's first }
-
Single Initial
{ preposition only }
couple with O', Mc or Mac but one-word last name
ex: "ANNIE O'NEILL" and "PATRICK O'NEILL"
Texting And Tweeting Inspirations
The world of texting and tweeting has gone acronym crazy — and we say: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
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drop dead
gorgeous -
dont' worry
be happy -
love of my life
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have a nice day
-
love hugs kisses
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hugs and kisses
-
hugs and kisses
and sweet dreams -
good night
sweet dreams -
single income,
two children
oppressive mortgage -
in your dreams
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if not now, when
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i love you
-
here we go again
Where Oh Where?
Ok, so now that you know how to create your monogram, the next step is all about location! location! location! But now you're probably wondering: What gets monogram initials vs. personalization? Where do either of those go? Whose initials are used for married couples? The mind reels. So we put together a little cheat sheet for you, including traditional etiquette and some alternative options to consider.
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Bedding Monograms
tradition says:
Use three-letter initials in the middle of the top sheet and single initials on shams.M+G says
Use acronyms for the text- and twitter-friendly—or something unexpected.IYD · In Your Dreams
BBL · Be Back Later -
Table Linen Monograms
tradition says:
Use single initial, typically the women's first,
married or last.M+G says
For the 'not your grandmother's monogram', use:EAT · YUM · MMM · WOW
-
Bath Towel Monograms
tradition says:
Use three-initials, center larger: first, last, middleM+G says
It's ok to have more than one monogram in the bathroom. Let everyone have their own or try something—or have fun, make it chic.YOU · ME
XY · XX -
Totes Monograms
tradition says:
Use single initial of last name.M+G says
Express yourself.LEO · MOM