Announcing New Service

Several months ago, my creative juices started running when one of my client’s was going to have a bridesmaid who is wheelchair bound and the bride wanted to use her service dog as her “ring bearer.” (Click here to see their story) I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a dog bone for the ring pillow?” I presented the idea to my clients and they loved the idea. (See picture above) That’s when I thought I could make and offer custom-made ring pillows to all my clients, if they so choose.

Therefore, I am announcing the launch of “Bearer of Rings©” custom-made ring pillows as a subsidiary of Smooth Weddings, LLC. Since I’m just beginning this, I can only offer this service offline (phone, e-mail, face-to-face), but hopefully one day I want to make it available online, too.

If you are in the Maryland, Northern Virginia, DC area and want something different and non-traditional for your wedding, then contact me. You don’t have to be a client to order one.

Have your own personality shine through on your wedding day when your ring bearer walks down the aisle with one of my custom, handmade ring pillows.

I can use practically any material or you can send me your own material, such as leftover fabric from your wedding gown, bridesmaids’ dresses, or a special handkerchief, etc. Let your imagination run wild!

Since I’m just starting to promote this side of my business and because of the creativeness, personal preferences, themes, etc. that you may have, I don’t keep a stock of standard “cookie-cutter” type of pillows. Each one will be made according to your specifications. Therefore, I don’t have a lot of pictures to show you yet with the exception of the dog bone pillow and one I just made as a sample.

If you want the standard shape style of pillow, I can do that, too. The standard pillow shapes are limited to square (8”x8”), round (8” diameter) or rectangle (8”x6”).

If you would like to discuss your ideas and/or place an order, just contact me. Please allow two to four weeks delivery time once your order has been placed and payment has been received.

Prices begin at $25 for standard pillow shapes and begin at $45 for custom-made shapes.

Okay. Enough of my shameless, self-promotion ad.

Duties of the Wedding Party Part 4

Bridesmaids

As with the groomsmen, these ladies could be sisters or friends of the bride and groom. Don’t let the “maids” part of “bridesmaid” fool you. They do not have to be single to be a bridesmaid. We are in the 21st Century afterall.

The bridesmaids can offer their help to the maid of honor and bride during the planning process, as well as helping the maid of honor plan the bridal shower. They are responsible for paying for their own attire, which the bride usually chooses for them.

During the reception, the bridesmaids should be conscientious to the guests and assist wherever possible.

Junior Bridesmaids

These attendants are usually in the age range of 12-16 years old. These young ladies could light candles or pass out the rose petals after the wedding or reception for your grand exit.

As with the bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids pay for their own attire and could be a modified version of the bridesmaids’ dresses.

Think Pink!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As such, Kate Aspen donates 10% of the proceeds from their Pink Ribbon Collection to the Young Survival Coalition in October as well as all year long.

So do yourself and others a favor. Order from my Kate Aspen online shop today , type in Pink Ribbon Collection in the Search window and help those with breast cancer.

The Young Survival Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the unique issues and concerns that are important to young women with breast cancer. The foundation educates communities through advocacy and awareness and provides support for those living with this disease. For more information, visit their Web site at: www.youngsurvival.org.