Are monograms really that bad?

wedgrl651 · March 2012

Hi all, I'm thinking about getting my bridesmaids monogrammed spa wraps and jewelry rolls, but by looking at responses here, I'm second-guessing it now. I've never gotten a monogrammed gift and probably wouldn't mind one. Just wondering why people say stay away from them? I can see if it's something used in public, but these gifts don't apply. Thanks for your opinions!

wedgrl651 · March 2012

Let me add that I understand the whole "buy as if it's their birthday" aspect. They won't be getting the same gifts but I know that all will like the spa wrap. I'm not expecting them to wear them on the day of for special pictures or anything, and the monogram is in a lower corner, not obtrusive. As far as avoiding the monogram for fear of a Goodwill customer not liking it....ummm, that's a stretch.

Avion22 · March 2012

I think monograms are okay (as long as it's their monogram). I've given monogrammed gifts to my sister, SIL, mom, etc before for Christmas and Birthdays and it's gone over really well.

If you do this, I would recommend that the monogram is small and subtle.

jessicabessica · March 2012

I wouldn't really care about a small monogram on something that I wear/use in private, like a jewelry case or a robe (although I need neither of those items--have several jewerly things, and 4+ robes). I wouldn't like something better with a monogram, though, so if you're in doubt about whether or not your friends would like it, I would just skip it. I know some people that have monogrammed tote bags that they use all the time, but I haven't used a monogrammed thing in public since my LLBean backpack in grade school.

One other problem, though, is if you're all engaged/coupled/thinking about marriage, and you are doing first/middle/last monograms, some of the monograms may change soon if the women choose to change their names when they get married.

katehar01 · March 2012

I liked the look of some monogram things, but I know not everyone loves it. I think my girls will like it, but what I decided to do is get them monogramed totes (they're inexpensive on the knot) and then get them more personalized things to go inside - a bottle of their favorite wine, a book they'd like, etc. I think they'll like the totes, but if they don't, i didn't spend a fortune on it, and they still get other gifts.

AurorasEnvy · March 2012

I don't have a problem with monogrammed stuff, personally. Especially a robe that I'd be wearing around the house. Although I do already have 2 robes!

I understand the entire "shop like it' their birthday" sentiment for BM/GM gifts - but in our social circle we don't ever exchange birthday or Christmas gifts, so generally not helpful advice for me. With that being said, I usually err on the side of an edible gift or a gift card for a place I know they like.

RKPugs · March 2012

I LOVE everything monogrammed!!! I registered for tons of stuff with our monogram on it. We're doing oxford shirts with their first initial for when we get ready. But I know that my bridesmaids love monograms like I do. So if you think your girls will like them- then I would do it!

aimers1525 · March 2012

I agree w/others--I love monogrammed stuff, but I know that not all my friends do. That being said I would just buy gifts based on what your BM's like and don't get caught up with buying a "typical" BM gift or buying them all the same thing unless you think they would all appreciate it. Example, as part of their gift, I bought my BM's those rollable flats so they would have something to dance in other than their heels. They loved them!

angryangry · March 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_are-monograms-really-that-bad?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:34Discussion:55d5b920-f82c-4ab9-90c3-6b0d9d7030ebPost:41b492ea-c04d-461a-a791-0b01096383c2">Re: Are monograms really that bad?</a>:
[QUOTE] As far as avoiding the monogram for fear of a Goodwill customer not liking it....ummm, that's a stretch.
Posted by wedgrl651[/QUOTE]

<div>Wow, I think you really didn't comprehend what she was saying. The point is, that if you got me something non-monogrammed and I didn't like it, I could give it to my sister or return it or at the very least donate it. If it's monogrammed, none of those things are really an option, so it has to sit around my house taking up space even if I hate it. Personally, I would not get someone a monogrammed gift unless they were into monogrammed stuff and I was 100% certain they would like the gift.</div>

MiksChick23 · March 2012

Personally, I think your ideas for BM gifts are fine. A spa wrap or jewelry roll with a monogram won't make anyone feel like a walking billboard, and they are useful. The only thing I can think of is if your BMs aren't married ,I'd go with their first name, not initials, in case they change down the road. I'm a little anal about things so if I had something with my old initials on it, I won't use it after I'm married and my name changes.

rlavach · March 2012

I'm not a fan of monograms either, but if it's a small one like you describe, then it's not that big of a deal. I would appreciate a robe, just not if it had 'bridesmaid' or 'Smith Wedding 2012' on it, which it doesn't seem like you're doing anyway.

danhig87 · March 2012

People are different...I have a few bridesmaids that would LOVE stuff that is monogrammed, and some that would feel self-conscious about them because they feel like it's too showy. If I were you, I would just ask my girls. You don't have to tell them exactly what they're getting, but say something along the lines of, "If I were to-hypothetically, of course-give you an awesome gift just for being my bridesmaid...how would you feel about having your initials on it?" That way you'll be up on two counts: a.) You'll know exactly what to do about monograms straight from the source instead of random (but earnestly desiring to be helpful) people on the internet, and b.) your bridesmaids will get all excited about getting a gift, and like you all the more for it. Every time I've been a bridesmaid I've totally forgotten about the gift...and having a bride show a little love back is really nice.

rlavach · March 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_are-monograms-really-that-bad?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:34Discussion:55d5b920-f82c-4ab9-90c3-6b0d9d7030ebPost:f1df04cb-6a04-45bb-a7f0-8deee9d629d8">Re: Are monograms really that bad?</a>:
[QUOTE]People are different...I have a few bridesmaids that would LOVE stuff that is monogrammed, and some that would feel self-conscious about them because they feel like it's too showy. If I were you, I would just ask my girls. You don't have to tell them exactly what they're getting, but say something along the lines of, "If I were to-hypothetically, of course-give you an awesome gift just for being my bridesmaid...how would you feel about having your initials on it?" That way you'll be up on two counts: a.) You'll know exactly what to do about monograms straight from the source instead of random (but earnestly desiring to be helpful) people on the internet, and b.) your bridesmaids will get all excited about getting a gift, and like you all the more for it. Every time I've been a bridesmaid I've totally forgotten about the gift...and having a bride show a little love back is really nice.
Posted by danhig87[/QUOTE]
The problem with asking people is that some are just too kind & trying to not upset you, so they'll say they don't mind it or like it, even if they don't. I'm not like that. I'm way too up front for that. But there are a lot of girls who just try to smooth things over & would rather just accept the gift than potentially hurt your feelings.<div>
</div><div>If you do ask them, OP, I might phrase it in a way that's less conspicuous. For instance, say 'when I was on TK the other day, I saw this bride was getting a few monogrammed items for her BM & I think they were so cute!' She'll either tell you 'oh, that sounds nice' or 'yikes, poor girl. I'd never use that.' You can kind of judge what she really thinks.</div>

HannahK15 · March 2012

If I did do a monogram on a gift I would do just the first letter of the first name (ie. my name is Hannah so I would order just H)

Tandra&Devin · March 2012

I'm picky about monogramming, simply because I hate scripts that make a T look like a J, but the concept is cool, I think. As long as you go with just a first name initial and make it fairly tasteful, I don't think it should be too big of a problem.

Are monograms really that bad?

Re: Are monograms really that bad?

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