Monogrammed Invitations
-By Ann Elizabeth
February 23rd 2009
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As an engaged couple, one of the many decisions that you’ll encounter is the selection of your wedding invitations/announcements. Gone are the days of choosing between just a few basic styles of invitations. Now the choices are almost endless and with the help of a designer, couples can now realize their dreams for a unique and genuinely personalized invitation. Whether your style is contemporary to classic, the inclusion of a monogram printed on your invitations is a personalized element that will never go out of style.
The elements of a monogram:
The letters and the order of letters in a monogram follow a few basic rules or etiquette. Let’s look at the most common monogram rules for a couple’s joint monogram.
In a situation where the bride will take the last name of the groom after the marriage, a couple’s monogram is composed of three letters.
· The left initial is the first letter of the bride’s first name.
· The middle initial is the first letter of the groom’s last name (or surname).
· The right initial is the first letter of the groom’s first name.
So, for a couple being married who’s names are Brooke Anne Christensen and Gregory John Wright - the combined couples monogram would be BWG. The middle initial - or the W in this case - should appear larger than the two other letters as an indication of the shared last name.
If the bride does not plan to take the last name of the groom after the marriage, the monogram etiquette is a bit different. In our example above with Brooke and Gregory, the couples monogram would be C • W - a combination of the last names Christensen and Wright.
There are several other monogram etiquette rules that include hyphenated last names and names beginning with a capitalized article like McGregor, MacDonald, VonDutch, etc. Ask your stationer for the specific etiquette in each situation.
Having a monogram designed:
The stationer that you choose to design and print your wedding invitation should be able to design an attractive monogram for you in the style of your choosing.
Script Lettering Monograms: Choosing a script typestyle is by far the most popular choice. There are many beautiful typestyles that when combined into a three letter monogram format will be a beautiful start. A good designer will add embellishments like swirls and extra loops to really polish the overall look and balance the design.
Block Lettering Monograms: A monogram designed in block lettering might be more suitable if you plan to incorporate the monogram into a modern invitation. The addition of small diamonds on the left and right sides or possibly horizontal bars positioned above and below the monogrammed letters can be added if desired to make a block lettering monogram appear even more tailored.
Custom Calligraphy Monograms: Another option is the beauty of hand calligraphy. A calligrapher typically has 2-3 lettering styles that they have perfected in their own hand. A custom monogram created from three beautifully intertwined initials is the ultimate for a one-of-a-kind creation. Once the final monogram is drawn, the completed black and white artwork will be digitized (scanned) in order to be reproduced on your invitations.
Additional costs involved:
There are two costs associated with adding a monogram to your invitations.
Design Costs: The first cost is the design of the monogram in one of the options listed above. If you are enlisting the services of your stationer to design a script or block lettering monogram, it’s a good idea to inquire if there will be any extra costs. In many circumstances, this is considered to be part of the overall design that you’ve hired the designer/stationer to create and you will not incur any extra fees.
If using the services of a calligrapher, there will certainly be a fee associated with their work. Each calligrapher will have a different rate, but you should be able to obtain a quote by phone or e-mail. Always ask to see samples of the calligraphers work prior to committing to assure that their style of lettering matches your tastes.
Printing Costs: The second cost is the printing of the monogram on your invitations. In most situations, if you are printing your invitations with, for instance, charcoal ink and you also want the monogram printed in charcoal ink - there will be very-minimal additional costs, if any. However, if your vision is to really spotlight the monogram with a different ink color or printing method like embossing there will be extra fees. Your stationer should be able to provide you with a quote well in advance of printing.
The longevity of your monogram:
Your invitations will be the first opportunity you’ll have to use your monogram, but you can enjoy using your monogram on many other items in your life for years to come. Any leftover thank you notes that you might have from the wedding that have your monogram, you can use as personal note cards and gift cards. Monogramming your sheets, pillowcases, towels and flatware is touch of elegance that will add affordable luxury to your everyday life.
To see examples of our invitations that feature a variety of monogram styles, visit our website at www.annelizabeth.com and browse through our portfolio section.
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