Monograms are a huge trend in weddings, to the point where they feature strongly in some, and in others, provide the actual theme. And whats not to like about monograms? Theyre elegant, understated, versatile, and a dramatic visual reminder of your new life together.

Ideas for including monograms

Youll find them popping up in more and more places throughout the 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 bearers 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 youre a graphic designer or have access to high-end tools, youd probably prefer Adobe Illustrator, but Word or PowerPoint are also fine. If youve played around but dont like the results, call on an arty friend.

To design your monogram in Microsoft Word:
Choose Insert -> Textbox. Type and format the letter the 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 the arrangement. You can now copy your image into Microsoft Paint and save in several formats, such as JPEG.

To design your monogram in PowerPoint:
Youll want to use Word Art to create your letters. Click on the blue tilted A on the bottom toolbar for each letter. Format them to your liking. When youre done designing, select all the 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 brides initial goes first in a monogram. When the bride takes the grooms last name, the order is: brides first initial, shared last initial (usually larger), grooms first initial.

If the bride keeps her own last name, one option is four-initial monogram (brides first, brides last, grooms last, grooms first). Or just join the couples first names with an ampersand (Jenny & Mike).

Some etiquette tips: Its somewhat frowned upon to use your couples monogram before youre actually married. So, your receptions clearly a green light, but you might want to skip using it on your invites. The ceremony itself is sort of a Ms. Manners gray area. Some brides uphold the spirit (if not the letter) of the law by including the monogram in a not-so-public ceremonial spot, such as a garter, or inside the dress.

Of course, these being modern times, some brides just include the monogram wherever and whenever they want.

Great places to get the fancy fonts brides crave, for free:

www.dafont.com/en/
www.chank.com/freefonts.php
www.abstractfonts.com/fonts/
instant.coffeecup.com/content/fonts/
www.1001freefonts.com

DIY monogrammed aisle runner
Its not hard to create your own monogrammed aisle runner, and it makes a big splash. If you have a sewing machine, you can buy and hem the fabric for next to nothing. Now you just need some fabric paint in black or your wedding colors, a pencil, an exacto knife and some cardstock. You also need to decide where you want to place the monogram. Some aisle runners feature a monogram at the bottom, where the procession begins; the top, where the couple stands; and in the middle.

Print out your monogram and blow it up to your desired size on a copying machine. (If your aisle fabric is on the sheer side, you can now trace your monogram directly onto the fabric with pencil. Fill in with fabric paint, and youre done.) Otherwise, tape the enlarged monogram onto the cardstock and cut out the shape with an exacto knife. Trace inside 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 dance floor monogram
A dramatic and memorable way to include your monogram is to project it onto the dance floor during the reception. As fun as this is, though, its not cheap and sometimes not easy. To project a monogram, you need to buy a custom metal plate, called a gobo. Custom gobo manufacturers are easily found online. The gobo itself usually costs over $100, but once made, you then need specific lights equipped with a pattern holder to use the gobo. Its possible that your venue, or your DJ, will be able to provide these lights or help you locate a place from which to rent them.

A final tip
Now that you have some ideas for incorporating monograms in your wedding, remember the essence of elegance is restraint. Its easy to overdo monograms, so mix them up contrasting touches, such as soft and romantic floral arrangements, to warm up the monograms cool and classic feel.