Here in Louisville monogramming, although never out of style in any southern town, is back – big time! Even the windows of some Southern SUVs are now sporting our initials (And that may be going a bit too far. Just saying…). Many of us are never formally taught the rules. So once again, Louisville, you are welcome!
FORMAT: Traditionally, block lettering is reserved for men, cursive for women or couples, rounded for any of the three, and script for women only. Today's standards are less strict and it is generally up to the individual's personal taste.
Women's monograms should be small first initial, larger last initial, small middle initial. Men's monograms are in the same order but all the same size. A monogrammed gift for a single woman should include her first, middle and last initials or if she is married, her first maiden name and married name initials. Tradition dictates that a lady’s maiden monogram will always be acceptable even if/after she marries. So for Katherine Elizabeth Taylor, her monogram would be KTE and she may correctly use items with this monogram throughout her life. When Katherine marries Ben Shields, her monogram then becomes KST.
A married couple's monogram would be wife's first initial small, larger joint last initial, husband's first initial small. For hyphenated names, include the first initial of each name, in order, in the center. For names with an apostrophe, like O'Reilly, use the letter before the apostrophe, the O. Monograms may also be either the first or last initial by itself. For people with no middle name, it would be their first and last initials the same size and in that order. The same monogramming rules apply for children as for adults.
Off the record: when naming your children you might want to consider using the same initials of certain family members. The benefits are twofold: 1. you are honoring the relative and, 2. if you chose wisely your child will be in line to inherit or receive all the heirloom monogrammed items that share his/her initials. Also, when naming your child, consider the how the initials will look in a monogram and avoid and unintentional words that might result from the order of the letters. No one would enjoy receiving a monogrammed julep cup that reads “BOB” or “TIT”.
USE: Currently just about anything - jewelry, dishes, handbags, SHOWER CURTAINS, bedroom walls – have been monogrammed. Linens such as napkins and towels monogrammed with a couple's initials are a traditional wedding gift. Monogrammed tie tacks, money clips or cuff links may suit a man. Children and babies often receive monogrammed or personalized gifts at birth or to commemorate special occasions such as birthdays, christenings, communions and bar mitzvahs.
Single-letter monograms are more casual and multiple letter monograms are formal. Children's monograms are often the first initial only, except for keepsake items, which may have a full monogram. For married couples using the single monogram, choose the last initial for joint household items and the first initial for personal items. Monograms are also a way to personalize a child's belongings without revealing her name to strangers.
Read more: www.marthastewartweddings.com, www.monogrammomma.blogspot.com and Monogramming Tips | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5349294_monogramming-tips.html#ixzz17Hnxs9IU
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