Jean M Blog

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!

What you see isn’t what you have to get!

Jean M custom wedding invitations can be customized for ANY event you’re celebrating, whether it’s a wedding-related party, a holiday or an important milestone in your life!

All you have to do is choose wording that suits your occasion, and we’ll print it for you. We have a great selection of verse ideas for lots and lots of special events — view invitation wording ideas and see them all!

Then have fun mixing, matching and coordinating papers, ribbons, inks and designs to make your custom invitation set the tone for the event.

Jean M invitations can be customized for your…
Wedding-Related Events!

• bridal shower invitations
• save-the-date announcements
• rehearsal dinner invitations
• wedding announcements
• any wedding theme — Irish, vineyard, beach, Halloween, art deco

Jean M invitations can be customized for your…
Life Celebrations!

• holiday parties
• holiday greetings
• baby shower
• bar mitzvah
• bat mitzvah
• birthday party
• graduation
• birth announcement

and much more!

Here are some ideas!

 

Enjoy!

Vote on your favorite new Designer Search Invitation Contest entries!

Creativity is in the air — just look at all the latest entries 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 to add, add a comment and tell us what you think.   Enjoy!

 

1. Such a sweet announcement to welcome a sweet baby boy!

  

2. Soft colors and beautiful symbols — and baby's photo for a perfect finishing touch.

 

3. Popular pink and mocha are now making baby shower invites even more adorable.

  

4. Hot colors herald a hot celebration with friends!

  

5. A formal pinstripe design is dressed down with a white banner and a red heart.

  

6. Oh-so-popular damask makes an appearance in a very classy way with black and red accents.

 

7. Darling pink paper is given a touch of sophistication with a monogram and flourishes.

  

8. Bold color combinations are "in" — and what could be bolder than rich purple and bright orange?

 

9. A little bit bold, a little bit retro — perfect for the contemporary bride who's just a little sentimental!

How to throw a fun and energized wedding reception

You have planned every last detail for what will undoubtedly be a beautiful wedding reception, but have you given any thought to entertaining your guests? Here are a few tips to help you throw a fun and energized reception that all of your guests will enjoy.

Lounge areas set apart from the music and the dining area are all the rage. Provide couches, chairs and floor cushions for guests to gather and relax and visit with each other.

• Set up a gaming room for gambling fans to try their luck and take a break from the reception action. Provide billiard tables, casino games and a poker table with a dealer.

• Have the videographer set up a stationery camera so guests can record their own messages to the bride and groom throughout the evening.

• During cocktail hour, consider offering a dance class. Guests will have fun learning and it will get them in the mood to dance later on. It also might help coax a few of those shy closet-dancers out onto the floor.

• Place a card with the words to your first dance song at each place setting so guests can serenade you during that magical first dance.

• Try candy instead of cake. Set up a candy buffet that is sure to entice every taste bud. It adds to your wedding décor AND it’s a fun way for guests to mingle and satisfy their sweet cravings.

• Write place cards with a few words that describe each guest. They will appreciate the thought and you will have a blast describing your friends and family with words like “super mom” or “wildly entertaining.”

Now, use your creative side and come up with some unique-to-you wedding reception ideas for your fabulous reception!

 

Enjoy!

It’s no trick! Order now and we’ll treat you to a FREE tote bag!

Tomorrow is Halloween and we want to treat you! All you have to do is make a purchase of $99 or more by November 4^th …

…and we’ll include a FREE, striped tote bag with your order.

 

No trick!

Order today and get your FREE tote in time for carrying all your wedding-day necessities.

Enjoy!

My ideas for saving money on your wedding invitations

For some brides, the invitation is everything and they’ll dedicate a large part of their budget for the expensive, lavish, professionally printed and assembled invitations of their dreams.

But for other brides, while having a beautiful invitation is still important, they don’t want to spend a fortune.

For brides in the second category, here are my best ideas for saving money while still having beautiful, unique wedding invitations guests will never forget.

Order your invitations unassembled. We can print all the elements of your invitation ensemble and provide you with all the pieces you’ll need, and you can put your invitations together. Make it a party! Invite your bridesmaids and friends over for a night of good food and refreshments and your invitation assembly with go smoothly and enjoyably.

Lose the layers. Wedding invitation cards are available in gorgeous colors and can be printed with great designs and in ink colors that will create a colorful, unique look. Guests won’t even miss the multiple layers and ribbons and you’ll save money.

  

DIY. Do it yourself wedding invitations can be a good thing - if you’re creative and have the time. We make it easy for you with pre-cut cardstock in the perfect sizes for you to create your invitations, place cards, programs, menu cards and more.  And, to add a little something extra, add a rhinestone, pearl or ribbon. Ribbons are sold on the roll, so you can use it for your invitations, and then use the rest for decorating!

Order it all together. You may think that price comparing and ordering different items from different sites will save you money, but in reality, it’s more of a hassle and a risk. You’ll end up paying for shipping over and over. You won’t be guaranteed that paper or ribbon colors with coordinate. And paper stock quality varies from company to company. Jean M guarantees your satisfaction and the highest quality — and beautiful items for your wedding at prices you can afford!  Plus - you can relax knowing that all the Jean M paper colors match the ribbon colors, perfectly.  Coordinate away ladies.

Enjoy!

Check out the NEW Designer Search invitation contest entries!

Tell us what you think!  Vote on these entries, and if you have more to say, leave a comment.  Enjoy!

1.     A three-layer cake and square designs gives this a very fun look.

2.     This look reminds me of a retro evening celebration – fun!

3.     What girl doesn’t love cake, and pink?  This fun look will let your guests know the fun will begin when they arrive!

4.     A traditional look that emphasizes the couple, with a touch of hydrangea.  Sweet.  

5.     Spring. Summer. Fun floral and color.

6.     White on blue. Fleur de lys.  And a cute band.  What more could you want in a simple yet classy and stylish look?

7.     Orange and pink are in – and this pattern is oh so cute.

8.     A little dressing up in pink to makes this wedding invitation a traditional one that says I still have style.

 

Be sure to come back on Friday to check out more new entries, and to cast your vote! 

Enjoy!

My unique holiday wedding decorating ideas

Can you believe that Christmas is less than two months away? That means it’s time to think about how you’ll deck the halls for your holiday/winter wedding and parties! Where do you start?

Use the colors of the season — traditional reds and greens or contemporary icy blues and silver — and work them into your winter wonderland look! Also think about ways you can use iconic holiday items in unique ways to delight guests and accent your seasonal theme.

Tuck candy canes in our stemless glasses tied with a ribbon. Guests will love the traditional treats presented in such a unique way!  Or tie personalized ribbon for a special touch with your names and wedding date, or a fun saying like - HO HO HO from the Smith's.

Send guests home with homemade treats packaged in cellophane bags and Santa hats. They’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!

 

Wreaths are everywhere during the holidays, but you can spice yours up by decorating them in your wedding colors and adding a unique message spelled out in aluminum art. The art is great for announcing your new last name or for encouraging guests to “celebrate” or inspiring them to “enjoy!”

   

Ornaments aren’t just for trees anymore! Fill beautiful vases with ornaments in your wedding colors for striking centerpieces that won’t break the budget. Add sparkling crystals, strands of pearls and even feathers for a light, sparkly look that mimics the snowy world outside.

 
 

Present favors in a fun and stylish way by hanging them from metal favor trees. You can set up a tree at each table or mass them together at the entrance to your event and encourage guests to take one as they leave. Go for treats in little gossamer favor bags or personalized ornaments in your wedding colors.

 

Don’t forget about the decorating impact of candles. I love the warm glow they create, and you’ll love how much atmosphere you’ll create for such low cost. Use traditional pillar candles or give a nod to your winter theme by using floating snowflake candles in glass bowls at each table.

 

Be sure to have plenty of necessities for guests to use during your celebration — and personalize them for a memorable touch! coasters, napkins and favors (printed with a design that coordinates with your décor and theme will help tie your event together beautifully). And be sure to order extra sets of personalized napkins and coasters to give as gifts.

 

Enjoy!

Jean

Vote on your favorite new Designer Search Invitation Contest entries

The invitation contest entries are rolling in...and we want to hear from YOU!  Vote on your favorites and tell us what you LOVE, like or would just leave.  If you have additional feedback to add, add a comment and sound off.   Enjoy!

      1. Mocha brown remains a very popular color for weddings, and this floral combination of mocha, teal and green is stunning, and right on trend.

      

      2. A twirl for a classic look.

    

      3. A beautiful fall, sweeping look and adorable layout.   

   
 

      4. Stylish, retro colorful diamonds and turquoise will help bring the fun out at this engagement party!

      

5.     Black and white. Modern and chic.  And butterflies are in.

 

     6. This sweet pink gerber daisy says simple, summer fun and floral!  

 

  

        7. Love the photo booth photo strip look. 

If you’re planning on entering – hurry!  Contest ends November 30^th.  Remember – you could win $1000 in cold hard cash!  And don’t forget to come back to see more new designs and cast your vote.

Enjoy!