Monogram Etiquette For Personal Gifts

Have you found that special gift and you want to personalize it? Monogram etiquette can help you make that perfect gift specialized and customized to the recipient. Follow these tips to ensure that the monogram is done correctly. 

Monogram Etiquette

A lot of how you personalize the item with a monogram depends on who you are going to give the gift to. 

If you are giving the gift to a married couple, or a soon to be couple, then the proper format is to put the husband's first initial, the first initial of their last name, and then her first initial. So, if the names were Ryan and Jennifer Hughes, it would look like this:

RHJ

If you were going to give the monogrammed gift to a woman, the monogram would depend on if she were married or not. If she is married, the monogram would be the first initial of her first name, the first initial of her last name, and the first initial of her maiden name. 

If the woman was unmarried, it would be the first initial of her first name, the first initial of her last name, and then the first initial of her middle name. As an example, Courtney Jordan Sellers would be:

CSJ

When you are using monogram etiquette for a man, either format is widely accepted. You could do the first initial of his first name, the first initial of his middle name, and then the first initial of his last name. I see this format used frequently with apparel like shirt cuffs and pockets. 

You can also use the same format as listed above with the women where you use the first initial of his first name, the first initial of his last name, and the first initial of his middle name.  

The type of font that is used can also have an impact. There are certain fonts that are more feminine (curvy, wavy lines) and others that are more masculine (bold, solid). Make sure you select a font that is appropriate for the person receiving the gift.

What are good gifts to give with a monogram? I prefer to monogram items that are going to last or be a keepsake for the recipient. Things like jewelry, glassware, key rings, wallets or purses, or a monogrammed mirror is also very stylish. 

These simple rules for monogram etiquette will help you give a personalized item that will be cherished for years to come.