Do you have monogramming questions?  We hope this helps! 

So, you have decided you'd like to start personalizing gifts for your friends, family, and yes, even for yourself. You can do that too!  Good for you!!  Making sure you get the monograms right can be a little confusing.  So lucky for you, PHINE & Whimsey has the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about monograms.  Here's our little “cheat sheet”  or suggestions for making sure you never commit a monogramming faux pas.

What is the difference between a Traditional Monogram and a Block Monogram?

With a Traditional Monogram, the middle letter (the last name of the person) is LARGER and in the center.  It is flanked by two smaller letters representing the first name on the left and either the middle or maiden name on the right.  Traditional Monograms are usually used for women or couples. However, you can use this for a male - we would just suggest using a more masculine font. Here is an example of a monogram using our Interlocking Font:

With a Block Monogram all the letters are the SAME size.  Block Monograms are usually used for men.  However, you can most definitely use block monograms for women if that is what you would like to do!  We do not suggest block monograms for a married couple.  Here is an example of what a block monogram will look like using our times block font for Thomas Peter Doyle.

How do you arrange personalization for Women, Men and Couples (sharing a common last name)?

Please note these are our suggestions.  You can do ANYTHING you wish!  If you want to use a monogram for a man - DO IT!  If you want to use initials for a woman - DO IT!  It is your gift to give and do it your way!

Women’s Monogram: For most, the conventional personalization for woman is a monogram, consisting of three letters with a larger letter in the middle flanked by two smaller letters on each side. Traditionally, the larger middle letter is for the last name, the smaller letter on the left is for the first name and the smaller letter on the right is for either the middle name or maiden name. Check out our handy little example below: 

          Name: Julie Amber Sullivan

          Now, if Julie got married to Jonathan Michael Bluffton and she kept her maiden name as her middle name here’s what happens.  

         Name: Julie Sullivan Bluffton

          Monogram: JBS 

Men’s Monogram: The traditional personalization for a man are his horizontal initials also known as a block monogram. Each letter is the same height and appear in the same order as the actual name – first name, middle name, last name.

          Name: Jonathan Michael Bluffton

          Block Monogram: JMB (all letters being the same usually in a block font)

Couple’s Monogram: This is where it starts getting a little tricky for a lot of people. Traditionally when the bride takes the groom’s last name, the monogram is Bride’s First Name, Common Last Name, Groom’s First Name. However, it is totally up to the bride and groom how they’d like their married initials to appear, so it is always good to check with the couple beforehand. If you are in a pinch, just monogram the last initial – it still looks great and they will have no clue how befuddled you were. Here’s an example or a traditional couple’s monogram:

          Couple’s Name: Sarah Marie Anderson marries Edward Howard Jones          

          Blended Monogram: SJE 

What if you just want to use a Single Initial, which one do you use?  

Here are our suggestions: 

The Single Letter Initial: Since we have monogrammed thousands of items over the years, we feel really comfortable suggesting when to use the first initial and when to use the last. Remember, these are just our suggestions – you’re the one giving the gift… 

          Jewelry, Handbags, Bath wraps and other accessories for Women: Use the first name of a woman or her monogram if you are                 going to monogram any of these items.

          Glassware, Soap, or Candles: Use the last name of a woman, man or couple if you are planning to monogram with a single initial.

          Stamps: This one is tricky! For a woman, if you are putting a single initial, you can use either the first or last initial but we tend to lean more                   towards the first name initial. If the stamp is for a man or a couple, we suggest using the last name.  

          Towels: I bet you never knew these can get you into hot water! We suggest following the same rule that we mentioned for stamps. You can use either initial for a woman’s towel (using a single initial) with the first name being our preference. For a man, or couple, we think using the last name is more appropriate.  Here in the South, it can also be customary to use the woman's monogram on the towels (first, last, maiden), so as you can tell, this can be tricky, but well worth the effort for such a fun and sophisticated gift.

Does that help?  We hope so!  If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-888-995-3710 or 770-495-3710 or mailto:customerservice@phineandwhimsey.com.