Many Marriages start with Monograms and Marshmallows and end with Moments of Merriment.
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A monogram is a lovely nod to the two people the wedding is about. It can add a special little touch and brings the two of you together in an elegant way. A monogram can incorporate different styles and images and can almost be like a wedding ‘logo’. The best part is you don’t have to stop at your wedding – you can print it onto personal stationery.
Monograms can include any variation you can think of including names, wedding dates, initials surnames – it’s up to you! US designer Kimberley at The Event Essentials designs gorgeous monograms and she told me:
‘Monograms are fun. Coming from a marketing / advertising background of 9 years, I try to tell my brides to think of their monogram like a logo for a business. Do something that says “YOU” not “MARTHA STEWART” (I Love MS, by the way!!!)
A monogram is more like a logo for a couple, so incorporate anything fun that basically states the couple. And find a way to use design elements that you can continue to use in the future. Like on your mail, photos, etc. I will also do a monogram that shows the couple utilizing their two names together and then using their two names together and new last name.
Etiquette states the last name or initial shouldn’t be used in anything prior to the ceremony. Those rules can bend a little, however, if it’s important to a couple, I will always create two monograms for their use. One with just their first names (or initials) and the same exact design with their last name to use in pieces after their ceremony (menus, gobos, etc.)’
Here are some of Kimberley’s monograms to get you inspired-
Monograms usually start with your wedding invitation – this is the prelude to your event and can set the tone so using a monogram on your invitation can set the scene!
Flourish Invitation from Alannah Rose Stationery
Your monogram can then become a feature throughout your wedding.
From your Stationery…. Order of service booklets, place cards, menu cards and guest books
Order of service, place cards and menu card from brides.com. Guest book from Jenni Bick Bookbinding
Other ideas include water bottle labels, thank you cards, thank you tags, coasters, tissue packets
…….To your wedding day look- dress, parasol, bouquet
Wedding dress label from The Gartermaker, Monogram parasol from Martha Stewart, bouquet from Martha StewartOther ideas include a charm around your neck or hanging from your bouquet,
……To the reception…. serving plates, entrance ways, dessert, table runners
Dessert plates by marthastewart.com, Hanging letters from Martha Stewart graced the party entrance at this wedding, small cakes adored with the couples married initial by Martha Stewart, table runner from Filigree Monograms
Other ideas include hanging letters, champagne flutes, dance floor design, cake knife, chocolate letters, napkins, coffee toppings, guest book pens.
…….To your wedding favours
….And Your Wedding Cake
Melissa & Brian’s Wedding Cake from Theknot.com, Monogram cake from Martha Stewart, cake from brides.com, Kristen and Billy’s wedding cake from theknot.com
Also consider a cake topper using steel, crystals or wooden letters.
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There are even companies that specialise in bringing your monogram to life. Wonderful Graffiti Wedding is a company that creates beautifully designed vinyl pieces which you can adhere to almost any surface – flooring, walls, glass windows and more! It removes easily and can create the most beautiful touch to your wedding!
Wonderful Graffiti Wedding can even ship to Australia! Their website is chock full of ideas and creative ways to use your monogram and they can even design one for you. Worth a look!
For The Newlyweds
If you’re a wedding guest- why not get the newlywed’s monogram put onto something special for them. Ideas include:
- towels
- sheets
- pillowcases
- napkins
- tablecloths
- table runners
- placemats
Want more? Check out these posts from the archives
- The ABC Of Weddings Recap
- ABC Of Weddings- The Full Alphabet
- ABC Of Weddings: L is For Lolly Buffet
- ABC Of Weddings: G Is For Guestbook
- ABC Of Weddings: T Is For Tables
March 14, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I’d just like to point out that guests should be absolutely certain (aka ask the bride directly) that she will be changing her name before going out and purchasing anythig monogrammed as a gift. It’s becoming more and more common to not change your name, and 4 of the last 5 weddings I’ve been to, the bride kept her maiden name. While nice in theory, I would probably wind up throwing out any of the above mentioned idea should someone have bought them with an initial that represented only my husband’s last name but not mine.
March 14, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Thankyou for your feedback Julie! It is something that should be considered with each couple
Another idea is to just put the couples first initial monogram onto the wedding gift (if you’re choosing that route!)
March 15, 2008 at 12:42 am
So many good ideas there!!! Love your images. But, then, I always love your images!!
March 19, 2008 at 2:43 am
Ahh thanks for the post. It looks wonderful!!
And, yes, it’s true, as noted above! Some brides aren’t changing their last names and that’s why custom monograms have gone from initials only to more of a logo design type element. We have started creating them on a first name basis only and incorporate a super cool design that represents their personalities
August 1, 2008 at 10:41 am
[...] M Is For Monograms [...]
June 29, 2009 at 3:01 am
I am also a wedding stationary and favors designer, and i LOVE yr blog
you can see my monogram line here I have stamps and stickers ,
custom monograms which can easily be changed
Monogram Stamps**
Monogram Stcikers
feel free to advertise any of my designs in your articles, if you want
thx
November 27, 2010 at 8:16 am
Wah mantap sekali gan.