Jean M Blog

Parisian Week Trend: Black, White and Bedazzled!

** Don't forget to leave us a comment for your chance to win our fantastique Eiffel Tower Centerpiece! Today's your last day to enter.

Black and white weddings have been popular for years, but leave it to Parisian designers to take the trend to a whole new level! Bling and brilliance accented everything from gowns to table settings in a look that could only be described as "bedazzling!"

1. The scene was set with strands of crystals dangling from the ceiling in shimmering curtains. Sparkling crystal chandeliers were the focal points for reception tables and other décor.

2,3. Black, white and bedazzled – evident in this table design featuring black hydrangeas, crystal chandeliers with black candles and handsful of crystals scattered among the settings. Even the menu cards and place cards had tiny rhinestone accents on them.

4. Bejeweled gowns were a hit at the fashion show, whether they were totally blinged out...

5. ...or set with a hint of sparkle that still caught the light.

6. In love? Spell it out in crystal beads on your dress for the world to see!

How do you add Parisian dazzle your weddings? Add sparkle, glitz and glamour to every element, from invitations to favors!

Go dramatic and glamorous with our Jasmin custom layered wedding invitations in black and white paper layers — notice the rhinestone accents!

Remind you of those curtains of dangling crystals in the photo above? We thought so, too! Monique Lhuillier's "Delicate Inspiration" invitation  translates the look onto gorgeous, heavy paper and sparkling silver foil.

Top off your dazzling wedding day look with a headband-style wedding tiara set with a multitude of rhinestones.

 

Want to add a little bling to everything? We don't blame you! Use our adhesive rhinestone add-ons for a sparkly finishing touch for your wedding invitations, wedding programs, menu cards, place cards, thank you notes, wedding favors and so much more! Also use our pearl add-ons for variety.

Make each place setting dazzling with place cards tucked into rhinestone-studded frames that guests can use to hold a special photo after the wedding.

 

It's all in the presentation! Set up your drinks station with crystal toasting glasses and black napkins printed with a toasting design in silver foil set on silver trays lined with blingey crystals. Eye-catching!

 

All eyes will be on your and your cake when you cut it with this attention-getting, rhinestone handled serving set.

 

Send guests home with a little brilliant bling of their own! Swarovski crystal accented wine bottle stoppers make a perfect gift that will recall your dazzling wedding for years.

 

I hope you have enjoyed our little trip to Paris this week and have gotten beaucoup ideas for adding high-fashion style to your own. Au revoir until next week!

P.S. Because we're thankful for YOU, we're offering you three ways to save, beginning TODAY! Offer expires November 29^th. Hurry — order and start saving now!

 

You could win this Eiffel Tower centerpiece — très fantastique!

Remember — as a special "merci" for reading our Parisian Week blogs, we're giving away one of our fabulous, Eiffel Tower Centerpieces.

 

All you have to do to be entered to win is leave us a comment and let us know how you'd incorporate these Parisian trends into YOUR wedding.

 

We'll randomly select a winner and will notify them via a blog post next week.

Good luck!

Parisian Week Trend: Hidden Surprises

There were beautiful fashions, unique decorating ideas and eye-catching trends at the Salon du Mariage at the Carrousel du Louvre. But there was also something...else. Everything had a little something...extra. Whether it was a layer, a removable train, a stunning hemline or a fun way to present favors, the Salon was like a treasure hunt full of "Hidden Surprises!"

1,2. Big, beautiful ball gowns straight out of a fairy tale were draped in layers of tulle, accented with silk flowers and feathers, shimmering with sparkles. And then the magic continued — those skirts could be removed once the grand entrance was over and the party began!

3. Even traditional gowns had a little bit of flair...and a lot of dare! Gowns were beautifully styled with all the trimmings in the front, but when they were turned around — Wow! The bare, the bling...beautifully daring!

4. The favorite decorating accent? Glass cloches. Small ones were used to top tiny floral arrangements holding place cards. Mixed sizes and shapes were clustered as centerpieces, topping objects that matched the theme (flowers, seashells, etc.). Big ones covered stacked goodies on cake plates. Hidden under glass, the treats were even more enticing!

5. Demure for the ceremony, still beautiful for the party — all it takes is a wrap in an eye-popping color that can be removed later to show the details of the dress.

6. Like the lavish layers of tulle in this skirt aren't enough, there are silken flowers and butterflies hidden among the folds. How secret-garden sweet!

7. The best of both worlds — a dress that's short and stylish in front with a long train in back that still feels "bridal."

How do these trends translate to your wedding? Add little surprises — from invitations to favors — to keep guests delighted throughout your entire celebration!

A little peek-a-boo and a LOT fashion-forward! Our Zoe invitation is held in a clear, plastic wrap accented with bright white flowers.

A beautiful wrap and a lavish ribbon — opening this Lindsey invitation is like unwrapping a gift!  PLUS - you get to select the folder color, inside invitation card, and ribbon color, and personalize to fit the formality with your choice of design, fonts and ink colors.

If the short-long hemline dress caught your eye, you'll LOVE this "Regal Presentation" wedding invitation  from Monique Lhuillier. The short-fold, embossed jacket and two ribbons make a definite fashion statement.

It looks like a cake — but it's really a circle of beautiful, wedge favor boxes!  Display them on a cake plate and hide candies, nuts, a gourmet chocolate or mints inside to complete the surprise treat. They're also available in mocha satin to coordinate with your wedding.

It's a little touch, but it will mean so much — add this tiny memory bouquet frame to your bouquet to keep good thoughts of a loved one close to your heart during the ceremony.

Only you and your groom will know that underneath that elegant exterior is a Wild Thing! Be a little daring and wear an animal print garter under your gorgeous gown for a touch of fun.

Loving the surprise-in-the-back look? Check out our brand new invitations featuring printing on the front AND the back! They're not only stylish, they're a great value — you can print all your reception information on the back, eliminating the need for a separate card. These invitations are coming soon to the website; look for them after the first of the year.

 

Au revoir — until Friday’s Parisian post (which will have you dazzled)!

Parisian Week Trend: Queen for a Day

A colleague of mine just got back from Paris, where she attended an amazing wedding show, the Salon du Mariage at the Carrousel du Louvre. She shared all her trend, inspiration and idea discoveries with me and my team — and we're so excited to pass them along to you on this week's blog.

I'll be highlighting Parisian trends in wedding design, décor and style, and I'll also be showing you how Jean M can help you incorporate those trends and make your wedding "fantastique!"

PLUS — as a special "merci" for reading our Parisian Week blogs, we're giving away one of our fabulous, Eiffel Tower Centerpieces. All you have to do to be entered to win is leave us a comment and let us know how you'd incorporate these Parisian trends into YOUR wedding. We'll randomly select a winner and will notify them via a blog post next week.

______________________

 

Parisian fashion and event designers have always had their fingers on the pulse of what women want. And from all the glitz and glam they presented at the Salon du Mariage, it's evident that the hearts of today's brides are absolutely a-flutter about being "Queen for a Day!"

 

1,2. There were dramatic, regal looks from head to toe with gowns of lavish layers, splashes of sparkle, fluffy feathers and rows of ruffles, and looks were finished with neo-classical style, lace-up shoes to match!

3,4. Single, add-on elements absolutely screamed modern royalty — like delicately feathered boas draped over shoulders or Elizabethan-style neck ruffs paired with ultra-contemporary gowns.

5. No royal wedding would be complete without Prince Charming, right? The Parisians went whimsical and featured Monsieur Frog prominently — even on centerpieces!

6. Speaking of Prince Charming, there was nary a traditional black rental tux in sight for the Parisian grooms of 2010. Oh no. They were decked in rich, creamy brocade jackets with satin ascots...

7. ...and in dapper top hats, walking sticks, cutaway jackets and pinstriped pants worthy of attending their "queen!"

So how do you turn these Parisian dreams into your wedding reality? Start with an invitation worthy of your royal-style wedding.

Love the lavish, layered look? Our "Audrey" wedding invitation features three fabulously embossed layers all tied together with a satin ribbon. Also check out the coordinating Audrey table number cards and Audrey menu cards. Ooh la la!

 

Dreaming of a designer look for your wedding? Jean M is proud to present fashion designer Monique Lhuillier's wedding invitations and stationery, created especially for the bride who wants classic, elegant invitations with a modern twist. Monique Lhuillier’s invitations were inspired by her bridal fashions and incorporate only the finest papers and printing processes. Her "Timeless Filigree" wedding invitation has a crest-like design at the top to tie in with your royal theme.

 

Accessorize your ceremony with the richest brocades and regal, satin tassels of our Silver Brocade Collection. The flower basket, ring pillow, guest book and pen will set an ultra-elegant tone for your romantic moments.

 

And then add dazzle to your reception with our crown-inspired regal flutes, regal serving set and regal candle stand set.

Crown every personalized item with our crown design! Emblazon your favor boxes, wedding napkins, menu cards, place cards and more.

 

And while you're at it, crown yourself, too! Add this sparkling gold wedding tiara to your hairstyle and you're to be an even more beautiful center of attention.

 

Want your own touch of whimsy? Jean M's version of Monsieur Frog — a sweet, stuffed frog ring pillow — is just awaiting your kiss and "I Do!"

 

Au revoir — until Wednesday, when we'll be back with more chic wedding trends from Paris!

A color story to inspire you: PINK!

When you have your heart set on a pink wedding, know that you're in good company. Pink is such a beautiful and romantic color that it's always remained popular with brides, staying a steady favorite throughout the changing trends and seasons and fashions over the years.

But perhaps the best thing about a pink wedding is the sheer variety of shades you can choose from. Pale petal or fuchsia, cotton candy or watermelon — or a combination of all of those shades — pink is absolutely gorgeous!

We've put together a Color Story in Pink & Fuchsia to get you inspired for planning your pink wedding. Just look at all the fabulous options you have for mixing, matching, coordinating and making your day PERFECT in Pink!

Here's how you can pull this look together:

1. Fuchsia favor boxes printed with your choice of 180 designs, your names and wedding date, your choice of 180 designs plus personalization or your choice of 66 monogram styles. All in your choice of 25 foil colors and 38 fonts!

2. Jean invitation with fuchsia and white papers, fuchsia and melon ribbons — for getting your pink wedding theme across the minute guests open your invitations!

3. Gem initial pick for adding a just-right touch of sparkle to your wedding cake and floral arrangements.

4. Round menu cards in princess pink paper to whet guests' appetites and appeal to their senses of style.

5. Lush, bright pink flowers tied with luxurious ribbon in (you guessed it) shades of pink!

6. Colorful enclosure cards in fuchsia paper and black ink, here with a fun picture story of your wedding day timeline as reception cards.

7. Hot pink dinner napkins printed with your choice of 180 designs, your names and wedding date, your choice of 66 monogram styles or a fun phrase or saying with your names and wedding date. Don't forget the cocktail napkins — in pink! 

8. Silver scoop for dishing up candy at your candy bar. Add a little pink ribbon for the perfect finishing touch!

9. Gusseted organza bags in pink — filled with pink candy and personalized, round sticker, they're oh-so-pretty!

10. Quilted satin cosmetic bags in shiny pink will make your maid of honor feel extra special. They're also available in brown with pink embroidery for bridesmaids and white with pink embroidery for the bride!

11. Pre-punched place cards make it easy for you to accent them with ribbon — in any shade of pink!

12. Buy our satin, grosgrain, chiffon and silky weave ribbon by the roll for endless decorating! Use it to accent bouquets, decorations, favors, floral arrangements, gifts, boutonnieres and corsages and so much more.

13. Rhinestone cluster hair pins are a just-right touch of sparkle for your wedding-day haristyle (because remember that pink and sparkle ALWAYS go together)!

14. My daughter, Holli, on her wedding day. She had an all-white wedding with beautiful touches of pink, from bouquets to ribbons.

15. Our round memory bouquet frame is a beautiful way to keep the memories of loved ones close. Tie it to your bouquet with coordinating ribbon.

16. Favor matchbooks in champagne pink are a pretty — and useful — favor guests will love. Order them personalized with a monogram, or with your choice of design along with your names and wedding date for a personal touch.

17. Floral table number cards in shades of pink and green will lend a garden look to your tables no matter what time of year your pink wedding is held.

18. Guest towels in pink are perfect to use for dinner napkins and to have in the powder rooms for guests to use. Order them personalized with a design, monogram, names and wedding date or a fun message to coordinate with your pink wedding.

 

Enjoy — and here's to a perfectly pink wedding!

 

P.S. Be sure to tune in for Jean M Parisian Week next week! My colleague went to Paris and attended a wedding salon, and she came back with all sorts of inspiration to share with YOU. You won't want to miss the "ooh la la!"

Vote on your favorite new Designer Search Invitation Contest entries!

I'm so excited about all the new entries coming in to the Jean M Designer Search Invitation Contest!

Vote on your favorites and tell us what you LOVE, like or would just leave. If you have additional feedback, add a comment and tell us what you think. Enjoy!

With its bold, red background, photo and fun calendar design, this save-the-date card is a great way to get guests excited about your wedding!

A fun and whimsical way to encourage guests to mark their calendars and get planning to celebrate at your wedding.

  

Aqua blue and brown remains such a great color combination — and this invitation's stylish swirl design showcases those colors beautifully.

 

The perfect invitation for a stylish pair of lovebirds.

  

This design had me thinking pink and definitely smiling at the style!

  

Here's one of my favorite design elements lately — a vintage-looking floral engraving in a hot, modern color!

 

This unique combination of blues, leaves and flowers reminds me of the sky on a sunny, summer day.

  

A wood-grained background and bright green leaves — this would be perfect for nature lovers and couples planning a wedding in a rustic location.

  

Browns and blacks, a damask pattern and a photo — this Christmas card design makes use of all the elements so stylish in today's weddings.

 

Enclosure Cards: The rest of your stationery ensemble

Your invitation is the thing that introduces your wedding style to your guests. It's tells them the who, what, when, where and why of your wedding.

But how do you let guests know about the "how do I get there?" and the "where do I stay" and the "what's for dinner"?

Enclosure cards! They come in every Jean M paper color to match your invitations, and many enclosure sets were created to match our new invitation designs. They can be printed in a variety of formats to coordinate your entire wedding stationery look. Here's a breakdown of the types of enclosure cards available and why you need them.

Reception Cards: You’ve worked so hard to create a reception look that will reflect your personalities and will make guests feel welcome. Show your excitement about the celebration that will continue after the ceremony by inviting guests to join you. Reception cards are just the thing to accomplish this. The cards list the times and locations of the reception, dinner, dance and other events.

 

Respond Cards: These practical little cards become fun when you start receiving them in the mail from guests, tallying their responses and reading their little notes about how much they’re looking forward to celebrating with you. You may also include menu choices on the respond card to provide accurate information to your caterer. Jean M offers you the unique option of ordering colorful envelopes for your respond cards.The price of respond cards includes printing the envelopes with your return address. Be sure to place a coordinating stamp on each envelope for guests’ convenience.

 

Note Folders: Attention to detail is everything in making your wedding a success. When you choose folded note cards that coordinate with your stationery ensemble and use them for pre-wedding correspondence and thank you notes, you’ll be carrying through the tone of your wedding style. Notes may be ordered with your maiden name monogram (for pre-wedding notes and bridal shower thank you notes), with your married name monogram or with your names. Note folders are available with your choice of our unique colorful envelopes.

Direction and Accommodation Cards: You’d hate to have chosen the perfect ceremony and reception sites and have your guests not be able to find them, or not be able to book a hotel room for the weekend of your wedding. So make it easy for out-of-town guests to book hotel rooms and find your ceremony and reception sites by enclosing printed direction cards and accommodation cards with your invitations. Direction cards are printed with the directions you provide. For accommodation cards, include the name, address and telephone number or website of the hotel at which you’ve reserved rooms for guests, and the date by which they need to reserve rooms.

 

See? It's easy to keep your guests informed, included and welcomed to your wedding with enclosure cards! Decide which cards work best for your wedding style, select your paper colors and formats, and have fun sending those invitations!

 

Vote on the NEW Designer Search Invitation Contest entries

The creativity bug must have been caught – check out these new entries!  And we want to hear from you. Vote on the entries below and tell us what you love, like, or would just leave.   Enjoy!

1.     This bright floral bridal shower invitation is an attention getter.  And I love the script behind the text!

 

2.     Black. White. Green.  Cute. Wording.  Layout. Classic, yet contemporary.

3.     This soft blue invitation marries a simple contemporary feel.

4.     The color. The monogram. The design.  A nice art deco feel with great color.

5.     This modern save the date card arranges your important info with style.

6.     Silhouettes with lime, pink, and dotted ribbon. Oh My.

7.     This ornate design frames your wording in a fabulous art deco way.

8.     This yellow save the date card will brighten your guests’ day as you ask that they, Save the Date!

9.     An Asian combination that exudes sweetness.

 

There’s just three weeks left of the invitation contest!  Get your entries in soon and you could win $1000 CASH!  Good luck!

Donating to charity in lieu of giving favors

Your wedding day is all about you, right? Of course! But it's important to remember that it's about MORE than you, too! Your wedding is a celebration of love and joy and the incredible good fortune to have met someone you want to spend the rest of your life with.

That's why so many couples today are sharing their joy and good fortune with others at their weddings by donating to charities in lieu of or in addition to giving favors.

When this is your choice, let guests know in a beautiful way how you have honored them. Consider your décor and your wedding colors, and get creative!

If you're donating to a charity in lieu of favors, the simplest and most elegant way to let guests know is by printing a pretty enclosure card with wording like:

In lieu of a favor,

a donation has been made

in your name to...

(charity name)

You can also print a line explaining who the donation is being made in honor of (In honor of Grandma June, a survivor) or (In memory of Peter Williams and Anna Barker).

 

Arrange the cards at each place setting or next to their escort cards at the entrance to your reception. Accent the cards with embellishments that coordinate with your wedding colors and theme, or that speak to the significance of the charity you've donated to (pink ribbon) for the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research, a seal printed with a heart design or a heart-shaped charm for the American Heart Association, yellow ribbons for the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, etc.).

If you still want to give your guests a little favor treat, wrap up your cookies, candies or other items in pretty favor bags or boxes, add a ribbon and include a printed favor tag or seal with wording telling you have donated in their honor.

 

Some couples are even asking that in lieu of gifts, guests donate to a charity of the couple's or the guest's choice. How do you let guests know this is your preference?

While I usually don't recommend including wedding registry or gift information with the wedding invitations, I consider this an exception. Print an enclosure card with wording like:

In lieu of gifts,

please make a donation

to the charity of your choice

(or to the American Heart Association, etc.)

Print the enclosure on the same paper color as the rest of your ensemble, or on a different, coordinating paper color to make it stand out.

 

Guests will appreciate your generous invitation to celebrate with them, and they'll love your generosity toward others on your special day!

Enjoy!

Save up to 70% on our Sale Items!

Necessities, decorations, gifts, little extras and so much more — they're all in our Sale Section at the lowest prices EVER. That means you can save here and splurge elsewhere to create the wedding of your dreams!

Add romance to your place settings!

Romance Collection Place Cards

Over 40% off!

Give your ceremony a little sparkle!  These candles are available in blue, pink, purple or green rhinestones.

Sparkle Candles

Over 40% off!

 

For endless decorating options!

Netting Roll

Over 70% off!

 

Create the cutest favors and get them to do double-duty!

Buckets Place Card Holders

Over 30% off!

 

Give gifts that “Wow!”

Glam Black Jewelry Box

Over 30% off!

 

Check out the Sale Section now and see what kind of sweet deals you can find!  Who doesn’t love a great deal?

Enjoy!