Individual: If the monogram is just for you, use three letters, starting with first name initial on the left, middle name initial on the right and last name initial in the center, larger than the rest; if you want all the letters to be the same size, go first, middle and last initials, which is more common for men.
Couple: Traditionally, the woman's first name initial is on the left, the man's first name initial on the right and the husband's last name initial is in the center, but larger. Today, however, it is OK to put either person's initial on the left.
Married but individual: If you want your own stationery, etc., and you hyphenate your last name, consider both initials. For example, KC or K-C.
Both keeping own last name: Consider a two-letter monogram with both letters of equal size, with either letter first. You could also hyphenate. Couples can also go with a four-letter monogram that would be first and last initial of the first person and then first and last initial of the second person, all the same size.
Before you're married: It's inappropriate to use your married initials until you're married. So on a save-the-date card, use your maiden initials.
If your monogram starts to look like an anagram or becomes longer than your original name, reconsider. Simple, classic lines work best. And the more complicated the initials, the more simple the monogramming should be.
