Jean M Blog

Jean answers your top invitation questions

I get so many questions from brides about how to make their invitations unique and perfect for their weddings. Here are my answers to the top questions you've been asking!

Q: How can I make my wedding invitation wording look more interesting?

A:  It's all in the layout you choose! You can choose left-justified or right-justified wording or a layout that incorporates a design or pattern in the wording for flair. Choose your wording layout under "Personalize Your Item" when ordering. Then choose up to two ink colors and two fonts for a unique look that matches your wedding style.

Q: I love the popular invitations you feature on your blog and website. But I want my invitation to be totally unique, something my guests have never seen before. Help!

A: The way we show invitations on our blog and website isn't necessarily the way you have to order them! If you love an invitation style we show, you can make it your own with your choice of paper color, ink color and ribbon color. You can also add a unique look with our colorful envelopes — guests will be impressed the minute they receive your invitation in the mail.

Q: It's great that you offer an unassembled option so I can save money on my invitations. But won't assembly take forever?

A: DIY brides are loving putting together their own invitations with our unassembled option. If you're worried about being overloaded, why not throw a little party and invite friends and bridesmaids over for snacks and beverages and ask their help in assembling your invitations. It will be a fun and memorable night for all of you.

Q: When should I order my invitations and how long before the wedding should I send them?

A: Your invitations should be mailed so guests receive them at least six to eight weeks before your wedding so they can make travel arrangements and plans to attend your celebration. I always recommend getting your invitations order three to four months before the wedding so you have plenty of time to assemble the invitations (if you choose the unassembled option) and address the envelopes.

Q: How do I assemble my invitations into the envelopes? Do I put the RSVP card into the RSVP envelope?

A: It can get confusing with all those pieces! Here's what I recommend: set your invitation down on, face up. Put all your enclosure cards on top of the invitation, face up. Then tuck your RSVP card into the flap of the RSVP envelope (don't put it inside the envelope) and put it on top of the other enclosure cards. Pick up this stack and slide it into the inner envelope so the front of the invitation is facing the opening. Then place the filled inner envelope into the outer envelope with the addressed side facing the opening. Easy!

 

Q: I get what an RSVP card is, but what are "enclosures cards?"

A: Enclosures are cards filled with information for your guests and they're "enclosed" in your invitations. They can be reception cards printed with wording inviting guests, direction or accommodation cards telling guests how to get to your celebration and where to say. "Informal cards" or note folders aren't included with the invitations, but they're important things to have. Print your names on the front and use them as thank you notes after the wedding, or for correspondence anytime!

Q: How am I ever going to find time to address all these invitations?

A: While hand-addressed invitations are always personal and beautiful, we all know that it's time-consuming. That's why Jean M started our Customized Envelope Addressing Service! You just send us your guest list, and we address your inner AND outer envelopes in the font and ink color you choose. It's beautiful, economical and easy on your sanity!

 

Hope that helps! You can find out more information and read more FAQ here!

 

Here's everything you'll need to create a beautiful invitation ensemble!

Even before they see the dress, or the décor, or the flowers, guests will have an idea of what your wedding is all about. How? Because you'll have sent them an invitation and coordinating enclosure cards that capture your wedding style perfectly!

So think about the style you want for your invitation, then check the following items off your list to make sure you have a complete, coordinated invitation ensemble that's totally YOU!

 

Save the Dates: First things first — once you've set your wedding date, ask guests to save it by sending a fun and eye-catching save the date! Choose a design that matches your wedding style, or go fun and fanciful with save the date magnets or clever designs sure to get guests to mark their calendars right away. Choose a style that is a good representation of the event to come. Also, any of our invitations may be printed with save-the-date wording.

 

Calendar Save the Date Card

 

Wedding Invitations:  They’re what introduce your wedding style to your guests, and they’re the first communication guests will receive about your wedding. So make sure your invitations capture your wedding style and hint at the formality of the event. The wording you choose for your invitations informs guests of the date, time and location of the ceremony, and most importantly reflects who you are as a couple.

 

Invitation Envelopes: Envelopes are more than just a way to mail your invitations— they can be customized to become part of the style of your ensemble. Colorful inner and outer envelopes that match your invitation paper are included with most invitations.

Printed Envelopes: Introduce your wedding colors in a unique and fun way by selecting "ooh la color" outer envelopes with colorful linings that peek from the edge. The envelopes are printed with your return address and a design or monogram on the outer envelope flaps.

PLUS - save the hassle and have us address your envelopes with our Customized Envelope Addressing Service!  It will look great, and save you the hand cramps.

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.

Cream Reception Card with layout JM220

 

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.

Cream Respond Card with Espresso Respond Envelope 

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.

Cream Note Folders with Monogram

 

   

Cream Direction Card and Espresso  Accommodation Card

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.

 

Here are some great ideas for putting together your invitation ensemble style!

Our "Piper" invitation in pink, espresso and a damask pattern.

 

Our "Lindsey" invitation in midnight and margarita.

Enjoy!

Jean M papers and ribbons — the perfect match!

Your struggle to create a coordinated wedding is over...because Jean M’s paper colors and ribbon colors match PERFECTLY!

It has been our mission from the beginning to provide brides with everything they need to put together a wedding look that flows from invitation to reception seamlessly. So we created papers in the most popular colors — from classic to elegant to trendy. And we didn’t stop there. We created ribbons to match our paper colors exactly, meaning you have endless options for mixing, matching and coordinating when you create YOUR wedding look.

Just look at all the items you can find in matching and coordinating colors! We've put together a palette of beautiful blues so you can easily see your options for carrying your colors through your wedding.

• We offer 23 paper colors for your wedding invitations. Create layered looks or accent invitation cards with 2 ink colors that complements your look.

• Choose one of our 39 perfectly matching ribbons to adorn your invitations — and buy more ribbon in bulk on rolls for decorating, accenting favors and more!

• Select matching or coordinating colorful envelopes, respond cards, reception cards, direction cards, and accommodation cards for your invitation ensembles - catch guests' attention immediately and set the tone for your wedding the minute the invitations are received in the mail.

• Then accessorize!

-          Choose cocktail and dinner napkins in made-to-match colors and print them with a design or monogram that matches your theme.

-          Our wedding programs, menu cards, place cards and coasters are available in every Jean M paper color so you can create a coordinated look throughout your whole event.

-          Choose favor boxes in coordinating colors and wrap them in matching ribbon.

 

Enjoy ~ and here's to a perfectly colorful wedding!

Let us address your envelopes so you have more time to enjoy being the bride!

Planning a wedding can be a full-time job, and when you add planning to your already full-time LIFE, you can get pretty overwhelmed.

The good news? Jean M is here to help! Our Custom Envelope Addressing Service provides you with affordable, professionally printed invitation envelopes — it saves you time and hassle and allows you to check one whole task off your to-do list!

Professionally printed envelopes provide a polished touch to your wedding invitations, and reduce errors that can happen during hand-addressing. Our Customized Envelope Addressing Service will address your inner and outer envelopes with your guests' names and include your return address in the upper left corner of the outer envelope. Addressing will be printed in the lettering style you selected for your invitation and in most ink colors to coordinate with your invitation.

And the cost ranges from just $45-$87 per 100 envelopes — a small price to pay, considering the value of your time and your sanity during this busy wedding planning period.

Also, if you want to use this service, please DO NOT place your invitation or save the date order until after you contact us - that way we can be sure we print your envelopes exactly the way you want.

Find out all about our Custom Envelope Addressing Service now!

We are always here to help.  Please call if you have questions - 1-800-766-8595.