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:
www.dafont.com/en/
www.chank.com/freefonts.php
www.abstractfonts.com/fonts/< /p>
instant.coffeecup.com/content/fonts/
www.1001freefonts.com
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
affordable house cleaning Wilmette ..Only in Las Vegas can you find everything for your... Read More
Selecting a wedding photographer can be a daunting task. Not... Read More
If you've been to one wedding, you've seen it all.... Read More
As we hear the music begin to play the Bridal... Read More
Just as with your first marriage, your second marriage is... Read More
The Arizona Inn is just the place that you are... Read More
Almost there! This is the third lesson of my "Invitation... Read More
One of my favorite memories from last year was not... Read More
At one time or another, most of us have had... Read More
I recall how Mrs. Ingridman taught me invaluable lessons on... Read More
Imagine the cheapest wedding you'd like. You have to pay... Read More
Marriage has to be the greatest opportunity for mindfulness on... Read More
There are many places to shop for elegant mother of... Read More
When one thinks of a promise ring it is common... Read More
"Is it better for a woman to marry a man... Read More
The look of the wedding invitations you send will not... Read More
Planning and organizing a wedding budget can greatly reduce the... Read More
What about this business of food for lovers? Is it... Read More
Believe it or not, there is etiquette on how to... Read More
Because many men do not discuss feelings as easily as... Read More
When you're married, the boundaries between yourself and your spouse... Read More
It is wrong if you thought that typical British weddings... Read More
Thousands of years ago, the Celts, a group of independent... Read More
Getting married is one of the most stressful events anyone... Read More
Jealousy has often been called the "green-eyed monster," and with... Read More
scheduled maid service Park Ridge ..Thanking your wedding party with special gifts is a favored... Read More
Give disc jockey's credit. Many of them have endured so... Read More
There are many options available to adorn your flower girl... Read More
It is wrong if you thought that typical British weddings... Read More
1. Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or... Read More
One of the top priorities on a wedding day is... Read More
You invitation is a reflection on the type of wedding... Read More
In theory, setting up a registry is simple. You decide... Read More
Too many wives with cheating husbands put up with their... Read More
Think your bridal gown is the most important garment you'll... Read More
Imagine it's Halloween evening and you've just gone to the... Read More
Remember the frenzy of the paparazzi when they caught Sarah... Read More
In Las Vegas, once you get your marriage license you... Read More
When Alicia first met Tim, she found him outgoing, charming,... Read More
The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls... Read More
In the last article, we concluded by saying that keeping... Read More
This is intended as a guide to help you plan... Read More
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of... Read More
Buying engagement rings online doesn't have to be confusing or... Read More
Every bride would agree that her wedding dress should be... Read More
When I was the owner of a major wedding facility,... Read More
To keep romance alive and nurture the intimacy in your... Read More
"Til death do us part" is still the language used... Read More
For many brides, the wedding ceremony starts long before they... Read More
Your wedding is nine months away and you decide to... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |