Whether you’re saving the date or embellishing your linens, the stationery expert behind Emma J Design holds the secrets to this time-honored Southern tradition. | By Emily McCarthy
Monogram Styles
(Top row, left to right)
The Three-letter Monogram
When representing a single person, the first name is indicated by the letter on the left, the middle name is indicated by the letter on the right, and the last name is indicated by the letter in the middle. Example shown: Emily Joy McCarthy
The One-letter Monogram
Single letters may be used to represent either a first name or a last name. Example shown: Mary or McCarthy
The Marriage Monogram
When representing a marriage, the wife’s name is indicated by the letter on the left, the husband’s name is indicated by the letter on the right, and the last name is represented by the larger letter in the middle. This style is not used until after the wedding ceremony. Example shown: Emily and Patrick McCarthy
(Bottom row, left to right)
The Two-letter Monogram
When representing two first names, a first and last name or a joint household with two different last names, interlocking letters may be used. Example shown: Emily Phillips, Emily and Patrick or Emerson-Phillips
The One-letter Interlock Monogram
Single letters may be duplicated and interlocked to represent a first name or last name. Example shown: Mary or McCarthy
Two-letter Interlock Monogram
When using vintage interlocking letters as shown here, it is acceptable to represent one letter twice to create a more symmetrical appearance in the monogram design. Example shown: Kevin McCarthy or Katie and Kevin McCarthy
