Monogram Etiquette

Household items traditionally use the monogram of the Lady of the House. She is the hostess and therefore guest towels, linens, sheets and household items would traditionally bear her 3 letter monogram with last-name initial larger in the center. Over the years, a combined marital monogram has gained popularity and is completely appropriate as well. We follow the rule of "ladies first" in this instance - Lady's first initial on the left, Last name large center, Man's first name initial on the right. Or choose one of our beautiful 2 letter styles using the couple's first names only. This is also great for couples who live together or do not have the same name - even roommates(think college gifts).

Same sized initials straight across is most traditional for men, however, any style is great! My personal favorite is to stack the first and middle initial with the last name larger on the right as in our Mac font. Often, male names are accompanied by Sr, Junior or roman numerals - we tend to show these in a smaller font again show in our Mac font. 

For boys, names or any monogram style goes. For older teenage boys to men, I typically opt for a tailored monogram style smaller than our ladies monograms - Mac, Jules, Arch. On towels, I still say large, but bags such as toiletries, I prefer small for men.

If you have a person with more than 3 initials we have other ways of showing this also! You can stack 2 on either side of the last name, you can list all the same size in name order or you can eliminate letters if you prefer. If a person has a double name, he or she may choose a 2 letter option using only those two letters. My oldest(Peanut) is Macie Margaret and she opts to use a double M for her monogram - eliminating her last name letter. This adds longevity to her most classic items too, as her monogram of choice doesn't have to change if she changes her last name upon marriage. 

Now this is truly up to you, our customer. However, if you really aren't sure, I offer these tips - for children's bags, names can be youthful, fun and adorable. As far as safety goes, I recommend not choosing a name on a school bag for a child who walks home or carries the bag without adult supervision. If you are gifting to someone approaching age of marriage or already engaged - name or first initial is great because she may be changing her monogram soon. 

In general, I like names on personal bags - purse makeup, toiletries etc - and big monograms on totes. Unless it's likely to be used as a family tote such as a beach bag, sports mom tote etc. Family last name is a great option in those instances!

The first letter of the last name is most often placed in the center with the first initial of the first name on the left and the first initial of the middle or maiden name on the right.

When entering personalization options, please enter initials as instructed. We will put them in the correct order depending on the font you choose and make sure they match the proper sizing style of that font.

It’s most appropriate to use a woman’s monogram if the gift item is for use around the house, since she is the hostess with the mostest. The couple’s combined monogram is an option with the woman’s first initial first, the man’s first initial last, and their last name large in the center.

Our team of talented designers will create some options for you to review.

No. Follow what makes you happiest.