Monogrammed Stationery

• An engaged couple may choose to have separate monogrammed stationery or shared stationery. If you have separate stationery, the bride should use stationery that is monogrammed with the initials of her maiden name prior to the wedding. She should only use stationery monogrammed with the initials of her married name after the wedding takes place, assuming she takes her husband's last name. Shared stationery that is used after the wedding takes place may have the single initial of your shared last name or both of your individual monograms separated by a diamond. If both monograms are used, stationery with the bride's married monogram should only be used after the wedding.
  
  

Monogramming Gifts

• Traditionally, wedding gifts purchased and sent before the wedding takes place are monogrammed with the bride's maiden initials, particularly linens. Today, this point of etiquette still makes sense as many brides do not change their name after marriage and, unfortunately, not all marriages outlast the gifts. Although today's bride does not often assemble a trousseau of hand embroidered linens and towels, if you do, you should use your maiden initials when embroidering a monogram on sheets and towels. Silver is typically monogrammed with the groom's initials while crystal may be monogrammed with either initials.
  
  

Monogrammed Invitations and Wedding Elements

• Less traditional styles of monogramming such as designs featuring solely the bride and groom's first name initial are popular for use on wedding invitations and elements of the wedding itself, such as table decorations and favors. Many couples use their custom monogram on place cards, favor boxes or even to decorate their wedding cake. You can use any combination of first initials or first and last initials to create a custom look for your wedding; however, for invitations you should not use the bride's married monogram. Instead choose a design that incorporates your first initials only or your maiden initials with your husband's initials.
  
  

Monogramming Gifts for the Wedding Party

• Monogrammed gifts, from silver trinkets to beach totes, are a popular gift from bride to her bridesmaids and groom to his best man and ushers. Select a gift your attendees will enjoy and ask them about their preferred monogram before having the items engraved. Monogramming a flask for a non-drinking groomsman or a sterling silver bangle for a bridesmaid who only wears gold jewelry makes for a one of a kind gift that will never be used. Don't use your maid of honor's husband's initial to monogram her gift if she did not take her husband's name; it's best to check as some women use their own name professionally but not socially and may prefer a different monogram depending on the type of gift.