Shawn Rabideau Stationery now at Bed Bath and Beyond

I am excited to announce that the Shawn Rabideau Stationery collection is now available in the new stationery department at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  You can see all of the great designs here:

Shawn Rabideau Stationery

Shawn Rabideau Stationery Design of the Week - Bernadette

With Mothers' Day coming up this weekend I thought it would be appropriate to feature the stationery design I named after my own mother, Bernadette.

Growing up I always loved the maidenhair fern that was around my parents property.  When I see it I am always reminded of the flowers and garden that my mother put so much care into. I used this as the inspiration for the Bernadette design which has a beautiful, natural look.  It is perfect for weddings, engagements and bridal showers.

As with all designs, you can coordinate the entire look of your event with table numbers, menus and escort cards.  

So happy Mothers' Day to all the moms out there and...

Cheers!

Featured invitation design - John

Since I started the trend of featuring invitation designs influenced by my immediate family with the last 2 posts showcasing the Rina Lyn and Rachael Christine designs, I thought I should continue the family theme.

I thought it would also be great to feature a more masculine design that would be great for graduations or even for Father's Day.  The invitation I am featuring today was inspired by my father and named "John" after him.

As a kid I always remember the striped ties that my father wore to the office every day.  I used this inspiration on the invitations with a stripe patter that is incorporated into the front of some of the pieces in the line and on the backs of all of the invitations.  As you can see, the design also is well suited to a nautical stream with the white and blue stripes.  It is just a clean masculine look that I love.

As you know from previous posts about my line, there are coordinating pieces so you can have a consistent look from the invitation to the escort card, menu, table number and even thank you card.  And once again, a special thanks to Jennifer and Charles of Maring Visuals for their great work photographing my line.

Until next time...

Cheers

Featured Stationery Design - Rina Lyn

Since the last stationery design I featured was named after my niece Rachael I thought it only fair to feature the design named after my other niece, Rina Lyn.  After all, I don't want it to look like I am playing favorites.

My inspiration for this design came from the vintage prints from the 60s and 70s that I always loved.  With that inspiration I created a kaleidoscope of color in this invitation set.

In addition to this pink / yellow / orange combination this design is offered in darker color scheme which includes purple and blue tones.  It is also a stunning, vibrant collection of colors.

As with all of my designs, you can order not only invitations but also menus, escort cards, note cards and all elements needed for your event.  Check it out on line at FineStationery.com or at one of these great stationery stores.  

Retail Locations for Shawn Rabideau Stationery

Also, I have to give a special thanks to Jennifer and Charles from Maring Visuals for their great work photographing my entire collection.  They're the best!

Until next time....

Cheers!

Featured Stationery Design - Rachael Christine

It has been a while since I featured a design from my stationery line so I thought it would be a good time to present one of my favorite designs, Rachael Christine.  As you may know, all of my designs are named after family members and people close to my heart.  This design is named after my youngest niece.  I love that it is bright, vibrant and fun, just like her.  

As with all of my designs, you have the ability to carry the theme through your entire event, from the invitation to the table number, menus, escort card and even the thank you cards.

I really love the look of the printed back.  It is so vibrant and colorful.

While I love the blue/green look, this design also comes in an orange/red color scheme that is equally wonderful.  So visit one of these local retailers, or shop on line at FineStationery.com to see all of the stunning designs from Shawn Rabideau Stationery.

Happy shopping and ...

Cheers.

Rabidos and Rabidon'ts for Holiday cards and invitations

This morning I had so much fun on The Better Show talking about the Rabido's and Rabidon'ts for sending out Christmas and Holiday cards this season.  You can see a clip from the show by clicking on this link:  Shawn on Better TV

So many people love to send out photo cards.  There are plenty of great sites like FineStationery.com or Celebrations.com that you can use to produce your cards, but there are a few do's and don'ts when sending your photo cards.

Rabido - When making a photo card, be sure all the subjects in the picture are on different levels.  This will create depth and the varying height will make the photo more exciting!

Rabidon't - Don't force anyone into strange poses or positions!  You want everyone to look natural.  When they do, everyone in the photos will look fabulous!

Rabido - While you don't want everyone in the same sweater (no ugly sweaters here), you do want everyone to coordinate.  So make sure you choose a base color that coordinates.  And have fun!  Use ski hats or scarves as accents.

Rabidon't - While it's okay to dress up your pets (come on, it makes them look that much cuter) it's not okay for people to play dress up for your holiday card.  Save that for Halloween!

Rabido - Use props!  Have fun!  Spell out your family name with giant letters, or spell out words like "JOY", "NOEL".

Rabidon't - We all have them, but don't use your phone to take your holiday photo!  Use a good camera or get a friend to take the picture for.  No selfies here!

Rabido - Do make sure you have good natural light!  Using natural light will literally make your photos shine!

Rabidon't - Don't stress if you don't have time to mail your cards!  There are plenty of sites where you can upload your image, create your greeting and email it to your friends.  And some are even free like Celebrations.com.  Although I would use this method as a last resort, it's not necessarily a Rabidon't because no one should stress over sending holiday cards. The holidays can be stressful enough!

Rabido - Get the kids involved!  If photo cards aren't your thing, get the kids to create cards.  There are plenty of DIY kits you can purchase.  Have your kids put the cards together with stickers, strings, ribbons and decals and then have the family sign and send.  It's a great way to personalize your cards.

Rabidon't - Don't stress this holiday season!  If you don't have time to send your cards wishing your family and friends a Joyous Holiday Season, then send them a card in January wishing them a Healthy and Prosperous 2014!  I'll bet you might even get a few good after Christmas sales too!

Rabido - Do look for the Shawn Rabideau Stationery line Christmas cards and all on sale now at www.FineStationery.com.  Simply type Shawn Rabideau Christmas in the search field on the site and you'll find all my current designs.

Until next time!

Cheers!

Shawn Rabideau Stationery featured in Munaluchi Bride

I just received the new issue of Munaluchi Bride and was excited to see a full page feature on Shawn Rabideau Stationery.  

Munaluchi Bride is the leading authority of bridal inspiration for women of color.  Jackie Nwobu has done an amazing job creating a leading magazine for Brides and I am so honored to be featured.  So, visit your local Target or Barnes and Noble to pick up a copy!

Enjoy and Cheers!

The perfect invitation for your Hanukkah Celebration!

I can't believe it is already November!  While normally that means Thanksgiving is around the corner, this year Hanukkah also begins in November.  In fact, for the first time since 1888 Thanksgiving and Hanukkuh fall on the same day.

If you are like me, any holiday is a time to plan a party to get together with family and friends. To help you in planning for your own holiday party I have designed special invitations for Hanukkah.  You can go to www.finestationery.com to order these fun, festive invitations or visit one of these great stationery stores from www.shawnrabideaustationery.com.

Happy Hanukkah and...

Cheers!

How to handle late RSVP's

I was just reading a post from a great Bridal Blog, Always a Blogsmaid, and want to share it with you.  Mayra and Xochitl offer a lot of great advice and I think this post is spot on.  Check out the link below.

What to do when the RSVP date has passed!

I can safely say that there has not been one event that I have planned where the host has not had to make calls to guests who have not replied by the response date.  I do think this is incredibly inconsiderate on the part of invited guests but the fact is that it is not only ok, but necessary to call guests if they do not respond on time. Also, there are likely to be a few last minute changes so as the host you should always plan accordingly.

Again, some great advice.  Thanks Always a Blogsmaid.

Shawn Rabideau Stationery Designs - Trevor

Fall is in full swing and if you like to entertain like I do check out the Trevor Invitation Suite from the Shawn Rabideau Stationery Collection.  Growing up in country side of Western New York I was surrounded by the beauty of tress all year long and thus the inspiration for this Faux Bois invitation.  It's rustic and elegant at the same time.  I offer it in natural and a bright stunning yellow.  And the best part it can be customized with your initials.

The Trevor Collection is perfect for intimate dinner parties all the way through Thanksgiving.  Use this collection to inspire your tables setting with place cards, menu cards and even gift tags.  The possibilities are endless.

Check out the Trevor Suite on FineStationery.com or at a retailer near you.

Cheers!

Organizing your guest list

Brides, it's time to organize your guest list and make excel spreadsheets your friend!

I can't begin to tell you how many different forms of a guest list I've seen over the years.  Each and every one has been a disorganized mess.  So, to make things easier for you take moment to look at my format for organizing your guest list. Using excel spreadsheets allows you to filter your guests by table, by who is and isn't coming, and who you've written a thank you note for. For sorting purposes it is important to separate last name, first name, address, etc. into separate fields for easy sorting.  And you can even use this list to organize your holiday cards!

Check it out and make excel spreadsheets your friend!

Until next time -

Cheers!

Hanukkah Entertaining

I just happened to be reading the New York Daily News today and read the following article reminding me that Hanukkah is early this year. 

When Hanukkah and Thanksgiving fall on the same day, it's "Thanksgivukkah"

For the first time in 125 years Hanukkah takes place over Thanksgiving.  I really enjoyed reading the ideas in this article for blending traditions to adapt traditional food served during Hanukkah with those served at a Thanksgiving feast.  I know I will be testing out some ideas of my own.

And of course, if you are planning a Hanukkah celebration visit FineStationery.com or one of these great stationery retailers to see the Hanukkah invitations in the Shawn Rabideau Stationery collection.  

Here to a Happy Hanukkah and a great holiday season!

Cheers!

It is not too early to start planning for the Holidays!

I know you are going to hate me for saying this but it really is true.  As a planner it is my job to think ahead and not get caught having to do everything at the last minute.

To help you in the planning process I encourage you to take a look at the Holiday collection offered by Shawn Rabideau Stationery.  You can find it on line at FineStationery.com or at one of these great local retailers.  Shawn Rabideau Stationery Stores.

Let me be the first to wish you a Happy Holiday Season and...

Cheers!

Featured Invitation - Ruth

A lot has been written recently about a return to formal elegance being a trend in the Wedding industry.  I have to agree that many of my Brides want a wedding that has a classic, elegant feel.  When I think of this look it reminds me of one of my favorite shows, Downton Abbey. The look  that is portrayed by all of the characters captures the style and grace of a bygone era.  I do find many of my clients want that feel and look for their own celebrations.

In going through my stationery designs there is one I feel perfectly captures this classic, elegant look.  The design is named Ruth, after my Grandmother, as it reminds me of the lace that was always around her home.

As with all of my designs, the back of the invitation carries through the design from the front.

Additionally, I offer coordinating pieces for every design so your table numbers, escort cards, menus and even your thank you cards can all be matched to ensure a consistent theme throughout your event.

The Ruth invitation is really perfect for anyone trying to capture a classic, vintage look.  I encourage you to go to www.shawnrabideaustationery.com to check out my collection that can be purchased on-line at www.finestationery.com and that is coming soon to a stationery store near you.

Until next time...

Cheers.

The importance of a detailed guest and address list

Every great wedding starts with a list of who (and maybe who not) to invite.  And this is one area I often find overwhelms many a newly engaged couple and their families.  Gathering addresses, how you properly spell someone's name and more can seem tedious and a chore.

However, a detailed and organized guest list will become the center of your wedding planning universe and, by the time you're done, you will have memorized every name, address and zip code from around the world!

I thought I'd give you a few of my Rabido's and Rabidon'ts when it comes to pulling your guest list together.

Rabido - Create a spreadsheet that one person or couple will manage throughout the entire planning process.  (Rabidon't have multiple spreadsheets!)  The spreadsheet should include columns for salutations, first name, last name, guests first name, guests last name, street, state and zip. (Country code if needed) Also, create columns for Welcome Dinner / Brunch / Bachelor or Bachelorette party and for the Bridal Shower.  By putting everything into different fields in a spreadsheet it allows you the opportunity to later organize who and how many are coming to what party.  You can also use this list to note who you've sent thank you notes to and for what.

Rabido - Take your time pulling the list together.  Often couples and their families rush to put the information into a document only to find out the information is wrong or incomplete.  Or worse yet, they forgot to invite their favorite uncle.  By taking your time in gathering the information you will find you will have less work to do when the planning really gets crazy.

Rabido - Alphabetize your list.  There is nothing worse than looking all over for someone's name when it is not in alphabetic order.

Rabidon't - Don't abbreviate or use nicknames on your address list.  You want your wedding to be a class act and the addresses on your invitation should be too.  Remember, this is the first thing your guests will see when it comes to your wedding.  Take the time to fully spell out names and everything related to addresses.  

Rabidon't - You may want to save on postage but it's not okay to hand deliver invitations.  If you're unsure of someone's address, ask and be sure they receive their invitation like everyone else - in the mail.

Rabidon't - You may want to save time and money but clear labels, or sloppy hand writing, doesn't leave a good impression on an invitation.  Spend a few extra dollars to have your envelopes printed in a coordinating font which is often less expensive than if hand calligraphed.  Again, think of first impressions.

Many of my clients have taken my advice and have thanked me for it in the end.  I know these tips will help you and, until next time,

Cheers!

Invitation of the week... Henriette

Since Valentine's Day has just passed, and there are now many newly engaged couples planning their weddings, I thought it would be the perfect time to showcase one of my invitations that would be perfect for anyone announcing their engagement!

Named "Henriette" after my grandmother, the design of this information reminds me of the vibrant flowers that adorned my grandmother's garden.  It was worth the trip to Vermont to see all of the beauty.  

As with all of my invitations, there are options for colors, coordinating notes cards, place cards table numbers and more.  And, always check out the back of the invitation for a real wow!

You can check out all of my line on FineStationery.com by going to my website www.ShawnRabideauStationery.com.  Also, stay tuned as we get ready to launch in a stationery store near you.

Cheers!

Shawn Rabideau Stationery - Design of the Week

As you all know, I recently launched my stationery line on FineStationery.com.  I must say that I am thrilled with the response the line has been receiving and am excited to hear all of the positive comments.  

So far I have been showcasing my Holiday invitations as the season is rapidly approaching, however, there are many other parties being planned so today I want to highlight the signature design in my collection, named "Shawn".

I love working with succulents.  I use them in arrangements, bouquets and many of the floral elements I create for events.  I think they add texture and are a great addition to many displays. In creating this design I actually flattened a succulent to see what it would look like.  The result was very similar to the design you see repeated on the front and back of this invitation. 

As with all of my invitations, I have coordinating pieces so you can maintain a consistent look through all elements of your event.  So you can order coordinating menus, table numbers and even note cards to send thank you cards to your guests.  

I hope you like "Shawn" and I can't wait to share next week's design with you.

Cheers!

Shawn Rabideau Stationery - Design of the Week

I am so excited with the great response I have been getting to my new stationery line sold exclusively on FineStationery.com.  Everyone loves the unique designs and bright colors that are really the signature of my line.

Since there are so many different designs that have been released, and seeing there will be more to come in the near future, I thought it would be great for me to present my design of the week along with a little story of how that design came about.

Holiday entertaining is right around the corner and for me it is one of my favorite times of the year!  This weeks featured invitation is from the Holiday collection.  I always come up with a fabulous new martini for my holiday parties and I thought it would be appropriate to feature a bright, colorful martini glass that captures the essence of holiday entertaining.  The Christmas Tree olive pick is accented with a touch of glitter to give it a fun sparkle.  And, like the rest of my collection, there is a design on the back.  The back of this invitation features the same fun glass tipped over letting your guests know a good time will be had by all!

If you received this invitation wouldn't you want to go to the party?

Be sure to check out this invitation and many others from my collection and get your orders in now!  All orders of $100 or more on FineStationery.com receive free shipping.

I am really looking forward to sharing all of my designs with you in the coming weeks.  I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoyed creating them.

Cheers! 

Introducing Shawn Rabideau Stationery!

After over a year of hard work I am excited to be able to introduce you to my new line of stationery available on FineStationery.com!

Last Monday we launched my line of Holiday invitations and Notables.  Today I am excited to introduce my line of invitations for all parties and entertaining.  The line is distinguished by bold colors and exciting patterns not only on the front of the invitation but also on the back. Each pattern was inspired by a family member who has held a special place in my life. I have created patterns that can be used for everything from Weddings to Birthday Parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and much more.  Another great feature of my stationery is that it allows you to keep a consistent look throughout your entire party.  In addition to invitations you can purchase coordinating menus, table numbers, escort cards and even thank you notes in the same pattern.

In my collection I strive to present unique, colorful designs that offer something for everyone.  I encourage you to take the time to browse through my entire collection, the link is listed below, and let me know your favorite!

Shawn Rabideau Stationery

Happy Shopping and.....

Cheers,

Wine Bottle Invitation!

Throwing a party this holiday season? Well do I have a great invitation for you! Check out my "Wine Bottle Invitation" featured on Celebrations.com! Click here to view the "how-to" video! It is simple, and takes only a few minutes for something that will be sure to impress your guests even before the festivities begin!

Photo Courtesy of Celebrations.com 

Cheers!
Shawn