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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/
www.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. |
