Home | E-mail

| | | | |

Monogram Etiquette

Proper etiquette for monograms has not changed much since the 19th century, when the rules for monograms were first created. Though we live in a time when blending and hyphenation of names occur on a regular basis, the most often used monogram technique is the traditional one: The first name initial is placed first on far left. The surname or last name is placed in the center and is larger than the other two initials. The middle name initial is placed on the far right. Thus, the name "Elizabeth Ann Stokely" would be expressed as ESA in monogram language (Figure 1). When a couple is married, sometimes they choose to blend names to create a family monogram. Therefore, Paul and Sandra Roberts would be expressed as: PRS in monogram language. Sometimes, the ladies name is requested as the first initial on linens and personal items. Often, the couple is honored using only their single initial monogram on towels, napkins and placemats. Monograms are typically created using one, two, three and occasionally four initials. In the strictest sense, a monogram does not have to be initials only. Personalization can include an entire name (Figure 2). When it comes to young children's monograms, most people agree that displaying their names may not be best for safety concerns.

Frames

Home | E-mail