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: 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!"

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

Three great, new money-saving tips — PLUS our Rolling Discount Sale begins!

It’s always a good time to pay attention to your wedding budget. Trimming some of the little costs here and there will allow you to splurge on the things you really want for your big day — like perhaps that tiara that makes you feel like a princess, golden toasting flutes for stunning wedding toasts or a personalized aisle runner to make a grand entrance!

 

1. Think BIG when it comes to flowers.

“Big” and “money-saving” usually don’t go together, unless you’re talking flowers! Think about it this way: when you have bigger blossoms, you’ll need fewer to create big, lush bouquets and arrangements. A single hydrangea can take up as much space as five roses — and will cost much less. And remember the decorating power of ribbon. Even the simplest, least expensive blossoms will look beautiful when wrapped in gorgeous ribbon. Order ribbon by the roll for great savings!

2. Plan an off-season seasonal wedding.

Have a favorite golf course? Consider booking your wedding there — but in the winter. Venues like golf clubs and arboretums may offer great discounts on weddings held in the of-season months. Then cozy up your winter event with lots of candles and seasonal decorations.

 

3. Skip the cake.

When you forego the towering, lavishly decorated, multi-layered wedding cake, you open up a huge chunk of your budget to be used on other priorities. But that doesn’t mean you have to let your guests go dessert-less after dinner. Arrange for a dessert bar made up of dainty servings of your favorite treats so guests can help themselves, or send guests home with beautifully decorated or homemade cookies (Mom’s favorite recipe?) in cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbon and personalized with seals. This is definitely becoming a trend!

 

Save even more money — take advantage of our Rolling Discount Sale! The sooner you order, the more you'll save.  Starts Friday!

 

Enjoy!

Make all the elements of your wedding unique with Jean M’s DIY papers!

Jean M makes DIY easy for every element of your wedding, not just your invitations! All of our DIY folders and DIY cardstock pieces are expertly cut to great sizes and shapes, perfect to use for your…

 

donation cards.  Use DIY enclosure folders to highlight the donation made to your favorite charity in lieu of a favor...

 

programs.  Tea length or jumbo size DIY program folders and your stylish touch will make your programs unique!  Embellish with ribbon, design, rhinestones, scrapbooking papers....make it all about the you!

 

DIY menu cards… Be unique and mix and match colors, papers and embellishments to showcase your style.

 

and DIY social invitations!  DIY your rehearsal dinner invite, bridal shower invitation and so much more!  

Then be sure to accent your do-it-yourself items creatively with coordinating scrapbook papers, ribbons,  seals and other accents.

 

You can also use our papers, ribbons and embellishments to accent your centerpieces, gifts, decorations and more.

And don’t forget about your favors! Our scrapbooking papers and cardstock can be used as favor tags and accents for all varieties of favors, making them fun and unforgettable.

 

Enjoy!

Adding a signature touch to your cocktail hour

After the vows are said and you’ve walked down the aisle, you and your guests will be in the mood for celebrating! Make your cocktail hour festive with personalized details and fun and festive refreshments.

Set up a design-your-own drink bar so guests can mix and customize their own Bloody Marys or other drinks, and print cocktail napkins with an invitation to enjoy.

 

You can even request that your signature drink be made in your wedding color (like a pink "marrymartini") for a fun and pretty touch — and order personalized cocktail napkins to match!

 

Encourage toasting (and maybe even roasting!) by providing napkins printed with a toast design.

 

Be sure to have plenty of those personalized napkins on hand for guests to use while they’re sipping. They’re sure to be a hit!

Enjoy!

It's a banner day!

When you're in love and excited about getting married, you want to shout about it to the world. While that may not be practical (or well-received) you do have another option: decorating with big, bold, personalized banners like these!

Hang the banners inside as decorations at your ceremony and reception, or hang them outdoors to help guests find your locations.

You get to personalize the banners with your names and wedding date, monogram or design, and choice of color for a look that shouts “stylish!" for you.

 

Personalized Jasmin Banner

So romantic — your names surrounded by swirls. Choose how you want to personalize - with names and date, or with a monogram or a design.

 

Personalized 3-Line Banner

Say what you're feeling out loud!  What will you say in 3 lines?

 

Personalized Zoe Banner

Your names and wedding date and sweet swirling designs.  Or, select a monogram or a design to be surrounded by swirls.

 

Personalized Monogram Banner

Your new last name initial — for all to see!

 

Enjoy!