Monograms are a huge trend in weddings, to
point where they feature strongly in some, and in others, provide actual theme. And what’s not to like about monograms? They’re elegant, understated, versatile, and a dramatic visual reminder of your new life together. Ways to include monograms You’ll find them popping up in more and more places throughout reception, and sometimes even prior to it. Here are some ways that brides include monograms:
- embossed, stamped or printed bridal stationary - custom postage stamps (see www.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 - bottled water labels - “tears of joy” packs - monogrammed wedding favors: cookies, ornaments, shot glasses, votive candles, chocolates, petit fours, notepads, favor boxes - dance floor “gobo” projections
How do I get a monogram? You make it! Many brides find they can “roll their own” using a readily-available software program such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. If you’re a graphic designer or have access to high-end tools, you’d probably prefer Adobe Illustrator, but Word or PowerPoint are also fine. If you’ve played around but don’t like results, call on an arty friend.
To design your monogram in Microsoft Word: Choose Insert -> Textbox. Type and format letter way you like it. Do this three times. Now click on 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 choose Group to lock in arrangement. You can now copy your image into Microsoft Paint and save in several formats, such as JPEG.
To design your monogram in PowerPoint: You’ll want to use “Word Art” to create your letters. Click on blue tilted “A” on bottom toolbar for each letter. Format them to your liking. When you’re done designing, select all letters, right-click, and choose Grouping->Group. Now you can click on your image and right-click for Save as Image. PowerPoint lets you save directly in formats like JPEG, PNG and TIFF.
Some more design tips: The bride’s initial goes first in a monogram. When bride takes groom’s last name, order is: bride’s first initial, shared last initial (usually larger), groom’s first initial.
