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Monograms are a huge trend in weddings, to the point where they
feature strongly in some, and in others, provide the 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.
Ideas for including monograms
You'll 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 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 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:
You'll 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 you're 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 bride's initial goes first in a monogram. When the bride takes
the groom's last name, the order is: bride's first initial, shared
last initial (usually larger), groom's first initial.
If the bride keeps her own last name, one option is four-initial
monogram (bride's first, bride's last, groom's last, groom's first).
Or just join the couple's first names with an ampersand (Jenny &
Mike).
Some etiquette tips:
It's somewhat frowned upon to use your couples monogram before
you're actually married. So, your reception's 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:
DIY monogrammed aisle runner
It's 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 you're 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, it's 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. It's 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. It's easy to
overdo monograms, so mix them up contrasting touches, such as soft
and romantic floral arrangements, to warm up the monogram's cool and
classic feel.
About The Author: Blake Kritzberg is editor at "FavorIdeas.com." Stop by for a huge selection of wedding favors, Bridezilla's weekly adventures, and free resources for brides: save-the-date eCards, screensaver, wallpaper and web site templates.
http://www.favorideas.com
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