Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The Ultimate Organizer for Mom: momAgenda



For all you moms out there, you know how crazy life gets trying to juggle not just your own schedule but those of everyone else in your household. Soccer practice, music lessons, dance class, doctors appointments...how can you keep it all straight? Well, there's finally a daily planner out there made just for you! The momAgenda has space to track not only your own daily schedule but also space for up to 3 kids. Missed appointments no more! And with two versions, the Desktop (a week & month at-a-glance layouts) and the smaller Mini-Daily (two days at a glance & month at-a-glance layouts), there is a perfect size & fun, bright color for everyone! 2010 momAgendas are now 30% off (in-store only) so hurry in to get yours before they're gone!



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Friday, January 22, 2010

Wedding Invitation FAQs : Part 1



While talking with brides recently at the Maine Wedding Association Bridal Show we were asked several common questions – questions we are very used to answering but have to remind ourselves that as a bride, you’ve never had to think about before! Such as "How much do wedding invitations cost?" (by far the most popular) or "When should I order my invitations?" So I thought it would be good to share some of our Frequently Asked Questions (included in our Bridal Packets – if you’d like a copy, just give us a call, 207.871.9722 or email us at design@papiergourmet.com & we’ll pop one in the mail to you!) I hope you find these helpful as you begin the wedding invitation process.

Stay tuned next week for Wedding Invitation FAQs: Part 2!

Q: How much do wedding invitations cost?
A: Although this is certainly the most common question, it is truly the most difficult to answer. The cost of wedding invitations is dependent upon many factors - paper type, quantity, printing type, the inclusion of enclosure cards, embellishments, etc. On average, an invitation (with a printed return address on the outer envelope) and reply card/envelope set costs between $4 and $8 per invitation/reply card set. A price quote by one of our knowledgeable sales associates is the only true way to get an idea of pricing for invitations for your wedding.

Q: How soon before my wedding should I order invitations?
A: Wedding invitations should be ordered 4-6 months before your wedding – allowing 3-4 weeks for the ordering, proofing and printing as well as time to assemble, address and stamp your invitations. Additional time (4-6 weeks) should be allotted if ordering engraved or letterpressed invitations (more labor-intensive printing methods) or plan on having a calligrapher address your envelopes.

Q: How much does it cost for a bridal invitation consultation?
A: Nothing! Coming in to look at wedding invitations and gather price quotes does not cost anything. We do recommend, however, that you call ahead to make an appointment so that you will have a sales associate’s undivided attention, especially if you’d like to come in on a Saturday. Bridal appointments are available Tues – Fri starting at 10:30a through 3p and on Saturdays at 10a, 12p & 2p. You have no obligation of payment until an invitation order is placed at which time a 50% deposit is required with the balance due upon receipt.

Q: What are the advantages of buying my invitations from a stationer such as Papier Gourmet rather than an online retailer?
A: Although online retailers are plentiful in our modern age of technology, nothing replaces the tactile experience of feeling the paper stock and the quality of printing in person. Also, as colors are often different in person than when viewed on a computer screen, it is always best to see exactly what you are ordering. As you wouldn’t purchase a wedding gown without feeling the fabric and trying it on or a wedding cake without tasting a sample first, it’s advisable to know what you are getting when ordering wedding invitations. Other intangibles such as guidance on proper etiquette and wording as well as design and creativity are provided when ordering your wedding invitations with an experienced stationer.

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Saturday, January 16, 2010

Shhh, I have a secret...


...but one that I'm willing to share! Looking for a deal on a Papier Gourmet gift certificate? If you act fast, you can purchase a $50 gift certificate for only $25 on WCLZ's Half Price Online Outlet! There are only 22 left though so don't wait! Limit 2 per person and only 1 can be used per order/purchase. Would make a great Valentine's Day gift for that special someone!

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Friday, January 15, 2010

Featured Wedding: Hilary & Glenn


Had to share this wonderful "Real Wedding" post featured on theknot.com of one of our favorite 2009 wedding couples. Hilary, who owns the wonderful Old Port shop Blanche & Mimi just around the corner (sidenote: if you have not been there before, you have GOT to go - so many cool things including antiques, bath/body, baby & my personal fave, Orla Kiely handbags!) & Glenn were married this summer in Dublin, NH and my good friend (and former employee) Kari Herer captured it all with her beautiful photography. Hilary selected a gorgeous invitation from one of my favorite letterpress lines, Studio Olivine, based in Portland, OR. The handmade, 100% recycled, textured paper went well with the rustic setting (the bride's sister's backyard) yet still imparted a sense of elegance, while the bright blue & orange color scheme set the tone for a light-hearted, initimate event, as you can see from Kari's incredible photos! To view more photos of this beautiful event, visit Kari's blog. Congrats again, Hilary & Glenn! It was a pleasure working with you!

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Thursday, January 14, 2010

Favorite Valentine of 2010


I had to share this super cute letterpressed Valentine's Day card from Eggpress, one of my favorite letterpress lines, because it totally makes me smile every time I look at it (as well as crave some extra cheesy, yummy goodness on this chilly Maine winter day!) It just might have to be "the card" for my husband this year, we'll see ;) Definitely my favorite Valentine for 2010! Now time to go eat lunch...











Friday, January 8, 2010

Bridal Show, January 9th & 10th

Happy New Year to you all! Hope the holidays treated you all well & you are ready for the coming year. I don't know about you but I've got a good feeling about 2010!

Here at Papier Gourmet, wedding season is officially underway. Congratulations to all of you who got engaged over the holidays! Now comes the fun part ~ WEDDING PLANNING! Yahoo! We think wedding planning, and especially selecting your Save the Dates & Invitations, should be fun & enjoyable, not a dreaded task. So start your year & planning off right by visiting us this Saturday, Jan 9th, 6p - 9p & Sunday, Jan 10th, 11a - 3p at the Maine Wedding Association Bridal Show at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. (Click here for more information as well as a $1 off coupon for your admission: http://maineweddingassociation.com/) Come say hello, check out all the fun samples we'll have on display & sign our Guest Book for a chance to win a $100 coupon towards wedding invitations! Hope to see you there!

Stay tuned for info on all the GREAT Winter Wedding Promotions going on now ~ more to come soon. In the meantime, have a great weekend...

NEW Winter Store Hours: M - F 10a - 5p & Sat 10a - 4p

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