Weddings are unique to each couple and this should be reflected in every detail of the ceremony and reception. Some people just exude their style every minute. You know these people – they stand out in the crowd. There is no doubt that their wedding will continue in their own unique genre, but what about the rest of us?

Monogramming is the most personal expression because it reflects your name(s) and it is so trendy. The wedding venue is just the place for such personalization. Just about anything and everything can be monogrammed. For every type of product there is practically a different method of monogramming. You can print, decal, paint, stamp, machine embroider, etc.

Machine embroidery stitched by Colleen Bell and initial designed by Embroidery Online

Maybe you do not want to go all out and personalize everything in your wedding, then think of different areas that are important to you that you want to reflect the personal you: the bride’s accessories and gown, the bridesmaids, the groom, the groomsmen, gifts, decorations for the ceremony, the reception, etc. Just like planning your wedding in general, just take one area and concentrate on that, making the project of personalization much easier to handle.

Take a look at each area of your wedding focusing on all the items that can be monogrammed. Then set up a plan for personalizing your wedding. Reflect on making your special day as just that - as special as you.

If you judge by Pinterest, monogramming is very popular. You can monogram anything and everything. It truly is a reflection of the person. Are the monograms ornate or minimalistic? Maybe you even think it is quite egotistical to monogram and would never wear one.

When you think about monogramming, how many letters do you think of – three – two, maybe even four with families of today? Well, technically “mono” is a Greek word in its origin (“monos”) and means “one” or “single” and yet it has come to mean any number of initials. One definition I saw even defined “monogram” as two or more letters. Well, they clearly forgot the origin of the word!

Machine embroidery stitched by Colleen Bell and designed by Sonia Showalter

You would think that the “grams” part of the word had to do with math or science and was a weight of measure, but not when it is combined with the word “mono” and has a Greek origin too. The Online Etymology Dictionary (www.etymonline.com) sets us straight by showing us that it comes from “gramma,” which means “letters” or “written,” like learning your grammar. Now I know that is going too far for some of you.

Whatever your opinion is of monograms, they have been with us for many years, dating back to the ancient of days, and they are here to stay at least for a little while.