How real couples incorporated initials into their celebrations.
Monogramming is an age-old practice with roots in ancient nobility. What once began as Greek and Roman coin signatures became a marker of aristocratic property and a sign of prestige. Today, monograms carry on that symbolism, but are far from stuffy or exclusive. Brides and grooms from all over have embraced their initials for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways. Whether used to carry a cohesive design throughout your wedding or as nod to familial ties, monograms can be made modern or kept traditional, and add personalized flair to your big day. Looking to celebrate your combined (or separate!) initials or (literally) sign off on all of your celebration's décor? See how real couples incorporated their names into their weddings to get inspiration for your own. From the programs to the cake—and with designs ranging from conventional to casual—you might be surprised by just how much you'll want your name on!
Monogrammed stationery is popular in itself, but this couple stepped it up by sticking a monogram in their seals. The gold, initial-printed stamps made an appearance on their escort cards.
Monogrammed Handkerchief
This decades-old Irish handkerchief held special meaning for this bride—and not just because it was her "something old" and "something blue." The heirloom was embroidered with her new initials by her grandmother, who was unable to attend the wedding.
Monogrammed Wax Sealed Envelopes
There's no better way to decorate your envelope—and show off you new initials—than with a customized wax seal. Better yet, make them yourself with this starter kit by calligrapher Eliza Gwendalyn.
Initialed Canvases
This bride and groom put a personal touch on two canvases, though not with a traditional three-letter monogram. Commissioned by street artist I Still Love You, the fabric replaced a conventional guest book and featured their first initials.
Monogrammed Ring Pillow
Wedding rings are incredibly personal, so why not make their pillow personal too? The MOB sewed this cushion with her daughter and son-in-law's monogram and wedding date.
Monogrammed Wedding Cake
A faux bois design was finished off with the wedding monogram on this Tier Luxury Cakes dessert.
Monogrammed Wedding Program
This ribbon-bounded, floral-printed, monogram-adorned booklet was designed by Emily Isabella. What could be more suited for the vibrant garden wedding it served at?
Monogrammed Linens
These assorted linen napkins made by Sferra doubled as keepsakes for the couple.
Monogrammed Sign
This big, wreath-ringed sign made a statement above the bar at this couple's wedding. It also appeared by the venue's entry gates and on cocktail napkins and the dinner menus.
Carved Initials
Danette Burr of Style Jackson Hole spruced up this vintage pickup truck using plants and pillows plus a carving of the couple's initials. The bride and groom took the ride from the ceremony to the reception tent.
Initialed Bouquet
This bride made her bouquet her own with the help of her soon-to-be mother-in-law. Her MIL embroidered a family handkerchief with the bride's first initial, which she then wrapped around the bottom of her blooms.
Monogrammed Drink
Talk about creative—and delicious. Grand Bevy concocted this signature cocktail and used cinnamon, ground espresso beans, and edible gold to add the monogram. The drink itself was made from vodka, Lillet, cucumber, basil, ginger honey, and lemon.
Initialed Cake Stand
Remember when carving your initials in a tree trunk meant you'd be together forever? This couple revamped the idea with this gilded, monogrammed cake stand. Post-wedding, the piece was repurposed as a side table. (FYI: This so beats harming a living tree, and bonus points for the recycling!)
Monogrammed Cookies
Sogi's Honey Bakeshop re-created the monogram from this bride's Happy Menocal stationery suite to make pretty cookie favors for the guests at the bride's bridal shower.
Monogrammed Welcome Bag
Lauren Wells helped this couple assemble their welcome gifts, which were stored in white paper bags with their monogram printed on.
Monogrammed Guest Book
Judith Ivry Bookbinding bound this custom guest book, which featured a metallic monogram embroidered with The Loveliest thread.
Photographs with Monograms
Photo booths are an ever-popular wedding addition, but what made this one extra special was the couple's monogram on each snapshot.
Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins
These darling pink cocktail napkins were customized with a glitzy-gold version of this couple's monogram.
Monogrammed Yarmulkes
Monograms can even be incorporated into religious aspects of your big day. This couple's signature monogram (by Anne Robin), for example, was embroidered on custom yarmulkes for guests.
Initialed Favors
Guests at this wedding went home with a sweet send-off—blue-and-white cookie favors from Kendall's Cakes featuring the bride and groom's first initials and wedding date.
Monogrammed Jacket
This bride's sister got her a Madewell jean jacket with custom embroidery (including her new moniker) by Ft. Lonesome. (Fun fact: Madewell now offers its own monogramming service for all sorts of denim and leather goods.)
Initialed Flag
Banners like these were placed throughout this couple's venue and included both grooms' initials and the celebration's date.
Monogrammed Invitiation
A purple crest with a gold-foiled monogram held this couple's stationery together in its envelope. The entire suite was designed by Laura Hooper Calligraphy.
Monogrammed Gift
The groom at this wedding gave his bride a heartfelt present—a custom gold charm with the couple's monogram.
Monogrammed Packaging
At this wedding, his and hers Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates were packed up as favors in paper-covered, monogram-adorned boxes.
Monogram Cake Topper
These fun letter toppers were put together to form a 3D monogram on this couple's wedding cake.