Monogram Etiquette: The Basic Rules to This Wonderful Tradition!!

Just in time for Wedding season (and baby season too)!

I have a slight obsession with monogramming! I love personalizing something- making that piece that's important to you & giving it that "stamp," makes it your own. That's why it feels so chic.

What does history tell us about this age old tradition? 
The history of the monogram dates back to ancient Greece & Rome. Royals created this passion for the monogram, marking coins with the ruler's initials to authenticate & legitimize them.
During the Middle Ages, artisans began to sign their work. In the Victorian era, monograms became a symbol of status. They began to adorn their personal & household goods with monograms. During this period, monogramming was a sign of prestige & class.

Things to Personalize:
jewelry, pillow cases, throws, towels, napkins, bags, journals, accessories…"And a Partridge in a Pear Tree"…Anything that is important to you, get it personalized!

MarkandGraham.com (one of my favorite spots to shop for personalized items), lay down the rules and basics perfectly:  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. married couple monograms. Below, are a few examples of traditional guidelines to monogramming {for more examples, head on over to http://www.markandgraham.com/resources/mark-it-guide/}.

M+G monograms EVERYTHING! They have a great selection online for that hard to buy man in your life. Things he'll actually like!

married couple monograms

married woman, hyphenates last name

example: "LILY FRANCESCA NEWMAN" and "DOUGLAS RICHARD KEANE"
• 
  INITIALS,
  CENTER LARGER
  { wife's first, married last, husband's first }
 
• 
  SINGLE INITIAL
  { married last }

married woman, keeps maiden name

example: "LILY NEWMAN KEANE"
{ for personal items, stationary, bed linens }
• 
  INITIALS,
  SAME SIZE
  { first, maiden, last }
 
• 
  INITIALS,
  CENTER LARGER
  { first, married last, maiden }
 
• 
  SINGLE INITIAL
  { married last }
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Just a few things I got personalized: {PotteryBarnKids.com  "Harper" quilt and sham, MarkandGraham.com "Rustic Leather Card Box," for my hubby}

A couple other original places that monogram are:

1. StacyBrownDesigns.com, has the cutest Hand Painted personalized bangles. 

2. ShopDandyNow.com, has adorable pieces!

Photos: shopdandynow.com, stacybrowndesigns.com

Now, go get something monogrammed! ;)

Tell me about some of your favorite pieces you've had monogrammed.

Xx-Kristen