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!

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!

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!

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

Beautiful, money-saving alternatives for having the wedding of your dreams.

Saving money and paying attention to your budget doesn’t mean you have to give up all of your dreams. It just means thinking about things differently and working those dreams into realistic wedding plans.

1. The dream: a big, posh hotel wedding.

The beautiful, money-saving alternative: A celebration in a smaller, chic restaurant. You’ll still have a great dinner and superb atmosphere at great savings, versus holding your wedding at a full-service hotel banquet hall. You’ll also probably get more unique menu options and more personalized service if the restaurant is independent and locally owned.

And you’re more likely to be able to bring in items that are important to you, like a cake baked by the baker of your choice, special wine, personalized napkins and your own toasting glassware.

 

2. The dream: Riding with your entire party in a stretch limo from ceremony to reception.

The beautiful, money-saving alternative: Being whisked off, just you and your new hubby, in a friend’s sports car. The ride will be much more romantic — and it’s a great opportunity to surprise your new spouse with a special gift. Riding in a friend’s car or renting a small car for just the two of you will save you hundreds and hundreds of dollars over booking a top-of-the-line limo. Just be sure that everyone in your wedding party does have transportation to the reception site; arrange for family members and friends with cars to provide rides.

  

photo: Clark Art Photography • clarkartphoto.com

3. The dream: A wedding bash in the heart of the city.

The beautiful, money-saving reality: An elegant wedding with all the trimmings in your hometown. You can still have everything you want to make your wedding special when you host it in your hometown, but it will cost you a fraction of the bill you’d be presented with if you’d hold it in the city on a weekend. You'll also have the opportunity to take advantage of activities, services and products that make your wedding unique, like trolley transportation in a historic town, a getaway in a decorated boat at the lake or providing local treats for favors.

photo: Clark Art Photography • clarkartphoto.com
 

Enjoy!

Personalized cake tops that say YOU!

Your wedding cake is like a canvas for you to show your personality, your style and your creativity — in everything from the colors, the decorations and the shape.

So don’t forget about the ultimate personal touch to your cake: an engraved, crystal-like acrylic cake top!

They’re as far away as you can get from stiff, old-fashioned couple cake top figurines and as today as you are.

We’ve come up a great selection of personalization options for you, so you can make your cake top your wedding cake’s crowning glory.

 

Monogram Cake Top

How about a cake top engraved with a big, bold initial — your new last name initial, that is!

 

 

Round Verse Cake Top 

A touching verse surrounds your monogram with meaning.

Custom Square Cake Tops 

Design your own cake top! Choose your monogram or a design and your wedding cake to be engraved for a one-of-a-kind look. Choose square cake tops like these or…

 

Custom Round Cake Tops

…round cake tops with the same personalization options!

 

A touching verse backs your names and wedding date. How romantic.

 

Want to see more options? Click here to shop all of our personalized wedding cake toppers!

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!