What is the Proper Way to Monogram?

There are a number of reasons you may want to monogram something. Towels, wedding invitations, even pillows and linens all can be enhanced with a monogram. However, there is no one right way to monogram. The accepted standards differ depending on what initials are being included.

There are a few different ways to monogram and Etiquette School of Ohio explain several options.

Monogramming the names of a "modern" married couple is done by placing the wife’s first name initial on the left hand side of the monogram, with the couple’s last name initial in the center, and the husband’s name on the right hand side of the monogram. 

In a "traditional" married monogram, the husband's initial is in the center, with the wife's first name initial on the left and the wife's maiden name initial on the right. 

Single Monogram

If you are creating a monogram just for yourself without a spouse's name on it:

• The first name initial goes on the left hand side.
• The last name initial is done in the center.
• The middle name initial is on the right hand side of the monogram. 

Mongrams are often, but not always, done traditionally in a scroll-work type lettering. There are, however, variations of the traditional monogram style, including block letter monograms, two initial monograms, and calligraphy or script monograms. Often, stores where you go to have monogramming done,  like jewelry stores or gift shops, will know and understand the conventions for the proper way to monogram. If you order linens or other items like a backpack that come with a monogram, you'll usually just input the initials necessary and the company will properly format the monogram the way that particular type of monogram should be formatted.