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It’s no secret Southern weddings are all about monograms. They’re the perfect embellishment for napkins, favors, invitations and programs, adding class and a sense of tradition. But like any tradition, there can be some tricky etiquette rules to follow. Here, we sat down with Lindsey Stiegler, local stationery expert and owner of Soireé Signatures, to discuss wedding monogram etiquette and the most common mistakes couples make.
What to Avoid
SINGLE-LETTER MONOGRAM “The biggest rule is to wait until after the wedding to use the single-letter monogram, which is traditionally the first letter of the groom’s last name, ” says Stiegler. Since the couple will not be married at the time the wedding stationery is in use, the single-letter monogram is misleading because the bride’s last name is not yet the same as the groom’s.
TRIPLE-LETTER MONOGRAM These monograms, when used for weddings, generally have the groom’s last initial in the center with the bride’s first initial on the left and the groom’s first initial on the right (So, Jane Doe and Tom Smith’s monogram would be jSt). But, prior to the nuptials, these triple-letter monograms also go against proper monogram etiquette for the same reason: the bride’s last name will not be the same as the groom’s at the time of use. “I would suggest waiting until after the wedding to use the triple-letter monogram, ” Stiegler says.
What to Use Instead
TWO-LETTER MONOGRAM The two-letter monogram usually consists of the bride’s first initial and the groom’s first initial. This technique does not insinuate that the bride and groom have the same last name at the time of use and is therefore the go-to option during an engagement.
FOUR-LETTER MONOGRAM Couples who wish to use their last names in the monogram without infringing on monogram etiquette can request a four-letter monogram. This would include the first and last initials of both the bride and the groom. “You can really use however many letters you want in custom monogram situations, ” Stiegler adds. “Each monogram is custom made – a small work of art.”
For more information about monogram etiquette or help designing your wedding stationery, contact Lindsey Stiegler for a consultation.
