A monogram is a statement that tells a story. It hints at who you are, suggests what chapter of life you are in, and shows others your traditional and classic taste. To achieve the perfect monogram you have to make sure you have all the correct information in the correct order. Monograms traditionally consist of one's initials --first, middle, and last name, placed in a specific order due to specific circumstances. Below we have provided you with some traditional ways to construct a monogram, and some new non-traditional monograms so everyone can tell their own story.

General Monogram Etiquette

For Her (Single): Sarah Elizabeth Taylor

• Initials Same Size: { first, middle, last } SET

• Classic Monogram: { first, last, middle } STE

• Single Initial { last } T

For Him: David Michael Johnson

• Initials Same Size: { first, middle, last } DMJ

• Classic Monogram: { first, last, middle } DJM

• Single Initial { last } J

For Her (Married) with a Hyphenated Last Name

Sarah Elizabeth Taylor marries David Michael Johnson

• Classic Monogram: { wife's first, married last, husband's first }SJD

• Single Initial {married last } J

For Her (Married) & Keeps Maiden Name: Sarah Taylor Johnson

• Initials Same Size: { first, maiden, last } STJ

• Classic Monogram: { first, married last, maiden } SJT

• Single Initial {married last } T

Because Equal Rights Rule

For Them (Same-Sex Married Couple):

Henry Jonathan Smith and Jacob David Kellers

• Initials Same Size: { both men's last } SK

• Single Initial: { both men's first } H+J

• Single Initial {both men's last } S|K

For Them (Same-Sex Married Couple):

Gayle Michelle Hendrix and Kelly Ann Stevens

• Initials Same Size: { both women's last } HS

• Single Initial: { both women's first } G+K

• Single Initial {both women's last } H|S

Clear up the Confusion

Individual with Von, Du, or any other Two-Name Last Name:

Lauren Mary Von Hansel

• Initials Same Size: { last only } V|H

Individual with O', Mc. or Mac but this a one-name Last Name:

Patrick David McKenzie

• Initials Same Size: { first, middle, last} PDM

• Classic Monogram: { first, last, middle } PMD

• Single Initial { last name } MC