Monogram Etiquette

Do you absolutely LOVE the look of a monogram, but aren’t sure about proper monogram etiquette? Don’t worry, you are not alone! I’m here to help!

The most common question I see has to do with monogram etiquette. I’ve compiled a few basic “rules” to help you in your monogramming journey.

Here are a few of the most common questions:

What the heck is a monogram, anyway?

What order do I use for the initials?

What style should I use?

Do I choose a fancy font or a basic font for my friends monogram?

What do I do if I have FOUR initials…every monogram I see only uses THREE?

Is it proper to use a monogram for spouses?

Have you asked yourself one of these questions? Keep reading to find your answers.

Traditional Monogram Etiquette

 

The traditional monogram that you see consists of three letters in the following order:

**first LAST middle**

For example, the names Elizabeth Suzanne Richards and Mark Thomas Richards would look like this…

 

 

 

This holds true for both the married and the single.

 

There are times, though, when a married woman would prefer to use her maiden name rather than her middle name. In that case, the monogram would look like this for Elizabeth Suzanne Holtz Richards (Holtz being her maiden name)…

 

 

Same Size Monogram Etiquette

 

Another popular choice for monograms is having the three initials all the same size. When using the same size, the initials would appear in the following order:

 

**FIRST MIDDLE LAST**

 

In this instance, the names Elizabeth Suzanne Richards and Mark Thomas Richards would look like this…

 

Four Initial Monogram Etiquette

 

BUT, what happens when a person has four initials? Either having two middle names or choosing to keep their middle name AND maiden name in their monogram? This is a unique option…one that you don’t see very often, unfortunately.

 

In this instance, the names Elizabeth Suzanne Richards and Mark Thomas Richards would look like this…

 

Married Couples Monogram Etiquette

 

Married couples have two options for their monogram. It really comes down to personal preference, honestly.

 

There are those that think the man’s name should be first and others that think the woman’s name should be first (women first?). You will have to come to that decision on your own. 

 

Here are the two options:

 

**woman first LAST man first** or **man first LAST woman first**

 

For the couple named Mark and Elizabeth Richards the monogram would look like one of these…

 

 

Font Choice ~ Monogram Etiquette

There are literally thousands of font options to choose from for you monogram. Here are a few things to consider before making your font choice:

1 – What is the monogram being placed on?

If you are placing a monogram on something fancy like a handkerchief or a doily, I would recommend using a fancier style script (like Vine font).

If you are placing a monogram on something more casual, you would be fine with a more basic font (like Roman or Rose font)

2 – Who is the gift for?

You really need to consider who will be receiving the gift and make sure the monogram matches their personality. Are they a frilly, fru fru kind of person? Someone that likes the “finer” things? Or are they more laid back and casual? Make sure if you are giving a gift you think about THEIR personality and not just your own personal preference. 

3 – Is this gift for a child?

Keep in mind the age of the child. A younger child may not be able to read fancy, cursive writing, so it would be wise to use a basic standard font (like Georgia).