| Monograms are a huge trend in weddings, to the point | | | | done designing, select all the letters, right-click, and |
| where they feature strongly in some, and in others, | | | | choose Grouping->Group. Now you can click on |
| provide the actual theme. And what's not to like about | | | | your image and right-click for Save as Image. |
| monograms? They're elegant, understated, versatile, | | | | PowerPoint lets you save directly in formats like JPEG, |
| and a dramatic visual reminder of your new life | | | | PNG and TIFF. |
| together. | | | | Some more design tips: |
| Ideas for including monograms | | | | The bride's initial goes first in a monogram. When the |
| You'll find them popping up in more and more places | | | | bride takes the groom's last name, the order is: bride's |
| throughout the reception, and sometimes even prior to | | | | first initial, shared last initial (usually larger), groom's first |
| it. Here are some ways that brides include | | | | initial. |
| monograms: | | | | If the bride keeps her own last name, one option is |
| - embossed, stamped or printed bridal stationary | | | | four-initial monogram (bride's first, bride's last, groom's |
| - custom postage stamps (see funstamps.com) | | | | last, groom's first). Or just join the couple's first names |
| - stationary seals or stickers | | | | with an ampersand (Jenny & Mike). |
| - painted aisle runners | | | | Some etiquette tips: |
| - printed bridal bouquet ribbons | | | | It's somewhat frowned upon to use your couples |
| - bridal underwear or garter | | | | monogram before you're actually married. So, your |
| - bridal handkerchief | | | | reception's clearly a green light, but you might want to |
| - accent to bridal train, veil or gown | | | | skip using it on your invites. The ceremony itself is sort |
| - ring bearer's pillow | | | | of a Ms. Manners gray area. Some brides uphold the |
| - stamped or printed out-of-town bags | | | | spirit (if not the letter) of the "law" by including the |
| - bridesmaids' totes | | | | monogram in a not-so-public ceremonial spot, such as |
| - guestbook | | | | a garter, or inside the dress. |
| - engraved guestbook pen | | | | Of course, these being modern times, some brides just |
| - tablecloths | | | | include the monogram wherever and whenever they |
| - chair covers | | | | want. |
| - place cards and menus | | | | DIY monogrammed aisle runner |
| - cocktail napkins | | | | It's not hard to create your own monogrammed aisle |
| - coasters | | | | runner, and it makes a big splash. If you have a sewing |
| - centerpieces | | | | machine, you can buy and hem the fabric for next to |
| - engraved cake server set | | | | nothing. Now you just need some fabric paint in black |
| - cake embellishment | | | | or your wedding colors, a pencil, an exacto knife and |
| - wood, wire, metal, chocolate or acrylic monogram | | | | some cardstock. You also need to decide where you |
| cake topper | | | | want to place the monogram. Some aisle runners |
| - monogram wreaths of silk or real flowers | | | | feature a monogram at the bottom, where the |
| - fabric wall or door banners | | | | procession begins; the top, where the couple stands; |
| - champagne flutes | | | | and in the middle. |
| - bottled water labels | | | | Print out your monogram and blow it up to your |
| - "tears of joy" packs | | | | desired size on a copying machine. (If your aisle fabric |
| - monogrammed wedding favors: cookies, ornaments, | | | | is on the sheer side, you can now trace your |
| shot glasses, votive candles, chocolates, petit fours, | | | | monogram directly onto the fabric with pencil. Fill in with |
| notepads, favor boxes | | | | fabric paint, and you're done.) Otherwise, tape the |
| - dance floor "gobo" projections | | | | enlarged monogram onto the cardstock and cut out |
| How do I get a monogram? | | | | the shape with an exacto knife. Trace inside your new |
| You make it! Many brides find they can "roll their own" | | | | template lightly with pencil. Fill in with fabric paint. Follow |
| using a readily-available software program such as | | | | the same procedure to make your own |
| Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. If you're a graphic | | | | monogrammed table runners or even chair covers. |
| designer or have access to high-end tools, you'd | | | | The dance floor monogram |
| probably prefer Adobe Illustrator, but Word or | | | | A dramatic and memorable way to include your |
| PowerPoint are also fine. If you've played around but | | | | monogram is to project it onto the dance floor during |
| don't like the results, call on an arty friend. | | | | the reception. As fun as this is, though, it's not cheap |
| To design your monogram in Microsoft Word: | | | | and sometimes not easy. To project a monogram, you |
| Choose Insert -> Textbox. Type and format the | | | | need to buy a custom metal plate, called a "gobo." |
| letter the way you like it. Do this three times. | | | | Custom gobo manufacturers are easily found online. |
| Now click on all textboxes and choose | | | | The gobo itself usually costs over $100, but once |
| Format->Textbox. | | | | made, you then need specific lights equipped with a |
| Choose Color: No Fill (so you can overlap letters) and | | | | pattern holder to use the gobo. It's possible that your |
| Line: No Line. | | | | venue, or your DJ, will be able to provide these lights or |
| Select all letters, right click, and choose Group to lock in | | | | help you locate a place from which to rent them. |
| the arrangement. | | | | A final tip |
| You can now copy your image into Microsoft Paint | | | | Now that you have some ideas for incorporating |
| and save in several formats, such as JPEG. | | | | monograms in your wedding, remember the essence |
| To design your monogram in PowerPoint: | | | | of elegance is restraint. It's easy to overdo |
| You'll want to use "Word Art" to create your letters. | | | | monograms, so mix them up contrasting touches, such |
| Click on the blue tilted "A" on the bottom toolbar for | | | | as soft and romantic floral arrangements, to warm up |
| each letter. Format them to your liking. When you're | | | | the monogram's cool and classic feel. |