What’s worse than getting someone a gift they don’t like? Getting someone a personalized gift with an incorrect monogram! Wait, there is a wrong way format your monogram? We’re here to help with a handy guide to nailing monograms!

While your name may read first, middle, then last, your monogram can actually be different depending on the size. If you are single and all the letters are the same size, you put the letters in the order of your name. However, if you choose the large surname monogram, the last name will be the biggest letter in-between the first and middle initials. Your monogram would then read first, last, then middle initials.

When you get married, your monogram traditionally changes. As a married woman, your monogram drops the middle initial and adds the new last name initial keeping your maiden name. So instead of first, middle, married last name, your monogram becomes first, married last name, maiden name. The married gets a monogram using both names; both partner’s initials go on either side of the surname in the middle. In the South it is always "ladies first" so the correct order would be wife's initial, last name initial and the husband's initial.

Many people wonder where monogramming originated. History tells us that monogram started as a royal signature or seal on currency. Initials were carved on coins to mark the reign of Roman and Greek rulers. Later, during the Middle Ages, many artists began to use their initials to personalize their work. In the Victorian era, monograms became a symbol of aristocracy.

Many upper class families began to use monogram letters on their linens, cutlery and serving dishes and other household goods, believing it was a sign of aristocracy. Soon every household had a use for monograms, from embroidered monogram letters for noblemen to simple personalized stamps for the lower class.

So now that you know where Monograms originated, cut loose and find your monogram style!! Many people have unique names or situations that can get confusing. We have been monograming products for over 5 years and can help you figure out exactly how your monogram looks best!