Personalize It!

Monogramming is in!   Making something personal is making it special.  It’s quite trendy to monogram everything from wedding invitations to pillow shams and linens to cutting boards and huggies. And monogramming is no longer strictly confined to initials.  It can be the bride’s name, the couple’s names, even their wedding date.

Originally, monograms were used as a signature for artists and their prints.  The monogram was either part of the design or added later as a separate stamp.  In addition, the publisher and printer might add their identifying marks or monograms, some being very creative or simply initials.  Primarily, the monogram was strictly to identify, yet with a clearly decorative function.

More so, in ages past, a young girl collecting linens for her hope chest had her linens embroidered with her maiden name.  It was a matter of practicality; she had no idea who the groom would be.

Today, etiquette says that a young woman use her maiden name/initial on her invitations and everything until the reception.  At that point, she is married and can incorporate her husband’s initial into anything dealing with the reception or later…menus, programs, cake toppers, chocolates and thank you notes.

Traditionally, the groom’s last name/initial goes in the middle and is larger with the other two initials on either side and smaller.  According to etiquette, the bride’s first name/initial is on the left with the groom’s first name/initial on the right of the middle initial.

But, who wants to stick to tradition all the time?  Now-a-days, you can monogram a name or nickname, address, date, anything sentimental.  What’s fun are the choices of color, type and monogram styles.  And you can monogram just about anything and for anyone.

For your bridesmaids do something unique, like a tote bag with their monogrammed initial.  This is practical for carrying everything from beach gear to overnight essentials.  Speaking of beach, if you’re having a beach wedding, how about monogramming beach blankets for all your attendants?  This is something that will be appreciated, not to mention practical.  For the sentimental type, your bridesmaids will cherish a monogrammed handkerchief that can later be made into a baby’s bonnet.

Taking the time to monogram or personalize is a special touch that can make any gift unique and personal and something the recipient will remember long after the wedding day.