Monograms really are a huge trend in weddings, to the point where they have strongly in some, and in others, provide the actual theme. And what’s not to like about monograms? They’re elegant, understated, versatile, along with a dramatic visual reminder of the new life together.
Suggestions for including monograms
You will find them popping up in additional and much more places throughout the reception, or even prior to it. Here are some methods brides include monograms:
- embossed, stamped or printed bridal stationary
- custom postage stamps (see funstamps.com)
- stationary seals or stickers
- painted aisle runners
- printed bridal bouquet ribbons
- bridal underwear or garter
- bridal handkerchief
- accent to bridal train, veil or gown
- ring bearer’s pillow
- stamped or printed out-of-town bags
- bridesmaids’ totes
- guestbook
- engraved guestbook pen
- tablecloths
- chair covers
- place cards and menus
- cocktail napkins
- coasters
- centerpieces
- engraved cake server set
- cake embellishment
- wood, wire, metal, chocolate or acrylic monogram cake topper
- monogram wreaths of silk or real flowers
- fabric wall or door banners
- champagne flutes
- water in bottles labels
- “tears of joy” packs
- monogrammed wedding mementos: cookies, ornaments, shot glasses, votive candles, chocolates, petit fours, notepads, favor boxes
- party area “gobo” projections
How do you obtain a monogram?
You are making it! Many brides find they are able to “roll their own” utilizing a readily-available software program such as Ms word or PowerPoint. A high level graphic designer or get access to high-end tools, you would prefer Adobe Illustrator, but Word or PowerPoint are also fine. If you have played around but don’t such as the results, ask an arty friend.
To create your monogram in Ms word:
Choose Insert -> Textbox. Type and format the letter wish it. Do that three times.
Now click all textboxes and choose Format->Textbox.
Choose Color: No Fill (so you can overlap letters) and Line: No Line.
Select all letters, right click, and judge Group to lock in the arrangement.
You can now copy your image into Microsoft Paint and save in several formats, for example JPEG.
To create your monogram in PowerPoint:
You’ll want to use “Word Art” to create your letters. Click the blue tilted “A” on the bottom toolbar for each letter. Format them to your liking. When you’re done designing, select all of the letters, right-click, and choose Grouping->Group. Now you can click on your image and right-click for Save as Image. PowerPoint enables you to save directly in formats like JPEG, PNG and TIFF.
More design tips:
The bride’s initial goes first in a monogram. Once the bride takes the groom’s last name, the order is: bride’s first initial, shared last initial (usually larger), groom’s first initial.
When the bride keeps her own last name, one option is four-initial monogram (bride’s first, bride’s last, groom’s last, groom’s first). Or just join the couple’s first names by having an ampersand (Jenny & Mike).
Some etiquette tips:
It’s somewhat frowned upon to apply your couples monogram before you’re actually married. So, your reception’s clearly a green light, but you might want to skip using it on your invites. The ceremony is kind of a Ms. Manners gray area. Some brides uphold the spirit (if not the letter) from the “law” by including the monogram inside a not-so-public ceremonial spot, like a garter, or within the dress.
Of course, these being present times, some brides just range from the monogram whenever and wherever they want.
DIY monogrammed aisle runner
It’s not hard to create your own monogrammed aisle runner, also it constitutes a big splash. For those who have a machine, you can purchase and hem the material for alongside nothing. You now just need some fabric paint in black or perhaps your wedding colors, a pencil, an exacto knife plus some cardstock. You also need to decide in which you want to place the monogram. Some aisle runners have a monogram at the end, in which the procession begins; the top, where the couple stands; as well as in the center.
Print your monogram and mess it up as much as your desired size on the copying machine. (If your aisle fabric is around the sheer side, now you can trace your monogram directly to the fabric with pencil. Fill in with fabric paint, and you are done.) Otherwise, tape the enlarged monogram onto the cardstock and cut out the shape with an exacto knife. Trace within your new template lightly with pencil. Fill in with fabric paint. Follow the same procedure to make your own monogrammed table runners or even chair covers.
The party area monogram
A dramatic and memorable way to incorporate your monogram is to project it onto the dance floor throughout the reception. As fun because this is, though, it’s not cheap and often difficult. To project a monogram, you have to purchase a custom metal plate, called a “gobo.” Custom gobo manufacturers are easily obtained online. The gobo itself usually costs over $100, but when made, after this you need specific lights equipped with a pattern holder to use the gobo. It is possible that the venue, or your DJ, will be able to provide these lights or assist you to choose a place from which to rent them.
Your final tip
Now that you have some ideas for incorporating monograms in your wedding, recall the essence of elegance is restraint. It’s easy to overdo monograms, so mix them up contrasting touches, such as soft and romantic floral arrangements, to warm up the monogram’s cool and classic feel.