How to Monogram - Initial Order Etiquette

Choosing initial placement for monogramming can be a dilemma for so many people.  The "rules" of monogramming, or initial etiquette, are based on traditional style.  However, today,  many customers choose their initial order based on their personal taste rather than tradition.  

One of the most common questions we are asked is "how do I monogram - what is the correct order for my initials"?  

When choosing a monogram that contains a larger, center initial, the traditional order is the first name initial on the left, the last name initial, larger in the center, and the middle name initial on the right.  For example, if your name is Mary Elizabeth Ford, your monogram would read MFE.

When choosing a monogram that contains letters that are all the same size, the traditional order is the first name initial on the left, middle name initial in the center and last name initial on the right.  For example, if your name is Michael Edward Ford, your monogram would read  MEF.

When choosing a monogram for a couple, the traditional order is the woman's first name initial on the left, the couple's last  name initial larger in the center, and the groom's first initial on the right.  For example, if the couple are Mary and Edward Ford, the monogram would read MFE.

Today, many customers purchase a monogram and choose the initials of their children.  In this case, customers have chosen a variety of order placements.  For example, the eldest child's first initial larger in the center, surrounded by the two younger children.  Others may choose the last name initial larger in the center, the first initials of two children on the left and right.

So, customers may follow tradition, or follow their own ideas.  Today, we have become much more creative with monogramming and design.  So make it uniquely yours - follow tradition, or follow your imagination.  It's yours!

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