Monogram Etiquette

Wedding and registry trends may come and go, but the monogram—from elaborately scribed icons bordering on art to relatively austere single-letter imprints—has been a constant for generations. While some traditional “rules” of monograms (the husband’s monogram should grace the barware, while the wife’s should grace the bed linens) seem charmingly antiquated, some guidelines do bear repeating. Here is the protocol for every stage:

SINGLE FEMALE

First, last, middle; with the center initial larger than the flanking initials.

• Ashley Elizabeth Smith = aSe

MARRIED FEMALE

First, last, maiden; with the center initial larger than the flanking initials.

• Ashley Smith White = aWs

SINGLE OR MARRIED MALE

First, middle, last; with all initials being the same size.

• John Robert White = JRW

SINGLE-LETTER MONOGRAMS

Monograms for unmarried people are also often just the single first-name or last-name initial.

ENGAGED COUPLES

Traditionally it is not appropriate for an engaged couple to use the last name before their wedding ceremony. Instead, use a duogram incorporating the couple’s first-name initials only. Once they are married, they may use the full combined initials. In this case, we suggest our 2-letter couture font.

• Ashley Smith & John White = AJ

MARRIED COUPLES

If you do want to create a duogram, the tradition of “ladies first” holds true. Use the wife’s first initial, the couple’s married last name in the center, and the husband’s first initial last.

• Ashley and John White = aWj