turns out...it's another blog....
http://addresstoimpress.blogspot.com/2008/03/write-way-monograms.html
Whose Name Goes First?
So before we discuss the couple's monogram, we should first decide whose name goes first?
One of the most common mistakes when choosing the text for the front of your note card is the order in which a married couple's name appears. Below are a few examples of the correct and incorrect way to write your married names:
Correct: Hillary and Russell
Incorrect: Russell and Hillary
*A bride's name should always be printed before a groom's name. The reason for this is that she is given away to her groom and thus should be first.
Correct: Hillary and Russell Jordan
Incorrect: Russell and Hillary Jordan
*A man should never be separated from his last name. Thus when you write Russell and Hillary Jordan, the and Hillary part is separating Russell from his last name Jordan.
Correct: Mr. and Mrs. Russell Jordan
Also Correct: Mr. and Mrs. Jordan
Incorrect: Mr. and Mrs. Russell and Hillary Jordan
Also Incorrect: Mr. and Mrs. Hillary and Russell Jordan
*If using Mr. and Mrs. for titles, only the man's name should follow the titles. The first incorrect example does not work because it breaks the rule to never separate a man from his last name. While the names are in the correct order in the second incorrect example, the names do not match the order of the titles. For example, Mr. would be matched with Hillary and Mrs. would be matched with Russell. It is best to simply use both titles with the man's first and/or last name.
Monograms for Engaged Couples
For an Engaged Couple, prior to the wedding:
Generally, the woman's name comes first until they are married. After marriage, the man's is first.
Bride-Elect's First Name Initial – Groom-Elect's Last Name Initial – Groom Elect's First Name Initial
For example, a monogram for Stacey Anger and Ray Carter, whom are engaged to be married in May, will appear:
S C R
Monograms for Couples
The following Monograms for Couples are both appropriate. It is just a matter of personal preference.
The letters in a contemporary three-initial monogram for couples are typically positioned in the following order, with the center letter larger than the two on either side:
Wife's First Name Initial – Couple's Last Name Initial – Husband's First Name Initial
For example, a monogram for Hillary and Russell Jordan will appear:
H J R
The letters in a traditional three-initial monogram for couples are typically positioned in the following order, with the center letter larger than the two on either side:
Husband's First Name Initial – Couple's Last Name Initial – Wife's First Name Initial
For example, a monogram for Hillary and Russell Jordan will appear:
R J H
