Summer Wedding Tips To Keep Your Guests Happy

June 14th, 2013

The ceremony and reception is all about you and you fiancé, but you also want you friends and loved ones to have a great time! Here are some tips to keeping guests happy and comfortable during your wedding.

1.Keep them cool:
If you ceremony is outside, provide shade for your attendees to sit under. If that isn’t an option, try this alternative to traditional wedding programs. Help your guest beat the heat with program fans! They will be able to stay cool and comfortable while following along with your ceremony. Plus, it’s a keepsake they can keep long after the wedding ends!

Paper fans can be fun and useful!

 

A fan and program all in one saves on cost and keeps your guests happy.

 

 

2.Lots of liquid:
Hydration during the summer is very important. Provide a help yourself water station for guests as they enter the ceremony site and during the reception. Guests will stay cool during your nuptials with the cold refreshment and program fan! Place a water station near the dance floor so guest can get a quick drink of water between songs and get back on the dance floor!

This water display is the perfect inspiration for your wedding.

This water display is the perfect inspiration for your wedding.

Offering refreshments doesn't have to hurt your style!

Offering refreshments doesn’t have to hurt your style!

 

3. Dancing shoes:
Provide a basket of flip-flops near the dance floor during the reception. Avoid an empty dance floor because guest’s feet hurt. The reception dance floor can make or break the atmosphere, you’ll want your guest to go home and talk about how wonderful the party was!

Get your dancing shoes on!

Get your dancing shoes on!

Your Bridesmaids will definitely thank you!

4.Care baskets:
Keep your guest feeling fresh! Stock a basket of goodies in the bathrooms so guests can freshen up throughout the celebration! Guests will appreciate the gesture, and allow them to enjoy your wedding instead of worrying about their makeup melting.

A care basket shows you care!

A care basket shows you care!

5. Don’t forget about the kids:
Here are some ideas on entertaining kids during the reception:

Create an area for a mini field day set up potato sack races, three-legged race, hula-hoops, mini putt-putt and jump ropes. Hire someone to run these activities so know one has to worry and they will have supervision.

Have them take center stage in a kid’s only dance! Have an area or separate room for them to practice and choreograph a dance. Have the DJ announce them to get everyone’s attention.

If you are having an evening wedding and you plan on the reception to extend late into the evening consider setting up a mini theatre for the younger guests. Find a room close to the reception hall and set up a projector, beanbags, blankets and a popcorn machine. Kids can take a break from the dancing to watch a movie or head to bed until the party ends. You might want to consider hiring someone to keep an eye on the little ones to keep their parents at ease.

Just remember, even though this is your special day, many of your friends and family have no doubt traveled a long distance to be a part of your celebration. Make sure you treat them well!

And, for your bridesmaids gifts, come into Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers today and we’ll help you pick out something special!

Colored Diamonds!

March 28th, 2013

If you are looking for the perfect diamond to add to your jewelry box, don’t limit your options to the classic clear or white diamond. Embrace the latest trend and choose a colored diamond to really make a statement this spring!

These vibrant stones come in a variety of colors ranging from red to black. Celebrities are already flaunting the growing trend— just admire Carrie Underwood’s yellow diamond engagement ring or Harry Winston’s pumpkin diamond ring worn by Halle Berry at the 2002 Oscars.

Take a look at these popular hues showing up in the latest diamond collections and decide what color best suits your personality!

Yellow Diamonds:
We love this Couture Sunny Yellow diamond by Le Vian. Carrie Underwood also displays a 5+ carat yellow diamond on her ring finger.

Carrie Underwood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pink Diamonds:
A pink diamond is the ideal accessory to compliment your spring wardrobe or add a subtle hint of color to any outfit.

 

 

Pink!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Diamonds:
Perfect for any blue-eyed gal!

 

Blue!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Diamonds:
Natural red diamonds are extremely rare, but look out for cheaper options of these romantic red stones that get their color from intense heat treatments.

 

Red!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Diamonds:
Add a little spunk to your outfit with these black diamonds available in our stores today.

 

Black Diamond StudsItem: 1042784.  Available at Harry Ritchie's online.

Black Diamond Studs
Item: 1042784. Available online at Harry Ritchie’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Diamonds:
Chocolate and diamonds… what could be better? Check out the Le Vian collection in our stores!

 

 

LeVian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit your local Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers to see our colored diamond collection and admire our other colored gemstones to complete your spring jewelry collection!

 

 

 

Credits:
Yellow diamond by Le Vian: http://jckmarketplace.jckonline.com/en/Exhibitors/35964/Le-Vian-Couture/Products/590826/Sunny-Yellow-Diamond-Engagement-Ring
Carrie Underwood: http://www.bravobride.com/
Pink Diamond: http://pinkdiamondengagementringspricesscut.com/pink-diamond-engagement-rings-harry-winston
Blue Diamond: http://www.luxuo.com/tag/blue-diamond
Red Diamond: http://www.diamondvues.com/2010/01/have_you_ever_seen_a_red_diamo.html
Chocolate Diamond: http://jckmarketplace.jckonline.com/en/Exhibitors/35964/Le-Vian-Couture/Products/533539/Heart-Shaped-Chocolate-Diamond-Ring

Sweep Her Off Her Feet

February 1st, 2013

Every woman in your life deserves to feel loved this Valentine’s Day.

 

Women may groan about the holiday, or even tell you they don’t want anything, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to feel loved!  No need to spend a lot, or put on a flashy show, just make sure you show the ladies of your life that they’re your number one.

 

  1. Make it a SURPRISE:  While getting the right gift is important, sometimes all that’s needed to put it over the top is the right presentation.  Surprise your girlfriend or wife by doing something that you normally wouldn’t do.  You could get home early from work and clean the house before she comes home or make a nice homemade meal.  It sounds simple- but it’s sure to put her in the right frame of mind when you give your gift.  Or, if she’s expecting a gift during dinner, surprise her with it first thing when she wakes up in the morning. We can guarantee that she’ll be thinking of you lovingly all day long.

 

  1. Spend TIME not Money: A caring gift will seem much more meaningful if you take the time to really be together on this day of love, and doing that doesn’t have to be expensive. If your normal date-night is going to the movies, try something different like an after dinner walk.  It will give you the chance to really talk and escape with each other. You could also share something that you both love individually but usually don’t do together.  For instance, an hour of intense video game competition followed by a relaxing couples massage.

 

  1. Make it UNIQUE:  Every girl wants to feel like they’re the only girl in the world, and on Valentine’s Day this couldn’t be truer.  When finding a gift, look for ways to make it special and customized.  Think about buying a locket that you can engrave.  If you decide to go with a classic heart shaped necklace, bracelet, ring or charm, show her that she’s special by writing your own love note or poem.  That may sound intimidating, but trust us, sometimes awkward is endearing.

 

  1. Don’t forget the MOMS and DAUGHTERS: Valentine’s Day isn’t just for girlfriends and wives.  Let your mom know that you wouldn’t be anywhere without her by giving her a small jewelry piece.  Ensure that your daughter will always be Daddy’s little girl with a cute heart pendant. You don’t need to spend more that $100 on any of your princesses, but going the extra step to get them a small charm or bauble will really show them you care.

 

We know you love your ladies year around, but Valentine’s Day is an important time to show it.  Come into any of our Harry Ritchie’s stores and our staff will be sure to help you pick something that your wife, girlfriend, mother or daughter will love.

Valentines

 

Making Your Dreams Come True

January 16th, 2013
Emerald Cut Ring from Tacori. Sold in stores.

Emerald Cut Ring from Tacori. Sold in stores.

How to pay for happily ever after, without paying forever. 

When picking out the perfect engagement ring, there are some serious implications, and not just the “I’m going to spend forever with your” life-altering ones.  We’re talking about the financial ones.  The average couple spends between $3,500 and $5,000 on the engagement ring.   This is one of the most important purchases of your life, for your bride-to-be and your bank account.

First, it’s important to set a budget.  In the past men were told to obey the 3-month salary rule, however today that seems outmoded.  It’s more important to decide what you can afford, then find a ring that you future wife will love and cherish. At Harry Ritchie’s our specialists will help you find a ring to maximize your budget based on the 4 Cs: Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat.

Remember that your bride will wear this ring for the rest of her life.  It’s important that her happy-ever-after includes a ring that will represent your love and the dreams you’ll create together.

We believe in dreams and we believe in having a goal. Your good credit is vital to achieving many goals, be they buying a home or a car, starting your own business or buying that flawless engagement ring.

Once you’ve decided on a budget and the type of ring you will buy, Harry Ritchie’s can help you build credit or create a custom tailored payment plan in order for you to purchase the perfect diamond for your sweetheart. You may find that a Harry Ritchie’s Luxury Card is the perfect option for you. The HR Luxury Card is a jewelry account with convenient terms and real benefits.

We have more than 55 years of experience in independent financing. We’ve used that knowledge to create four customized Luxury Card types: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Each Luxury Card offers a 90-day early payoff incentive, rebate gift cards and numerous other benefits.  Come into Harry Ritchie’s to discover which Luxury Card is right for you, so we can help make your dreams come true!

 

Can You Guess the Rocks on these Stars?

January 11th, 2013

This was the year for celebrity engagements! Can you guess which stars are rocking the diamonds below?

rings

Rock #1

This young starlet said the proposal was a complete shock to her.  We also would be surprised  by a vintage, three-and-a-half-carat engagement ring by Neil Lane. Wow!

Rock #2

Of her ring this star has stated, “It is perfection. If it was bigger, it would be too big to wear. But if it was smaller, I would not like it.”

Rock #3

This celebrity has joked that her engagement ring is the best accessory.  It definitely makes a statement at 14-carats!

Rock #4

This lucky lady, the most recently engaged of the four, tweeted about her pending nuptials and her yellow canary diamond with diamonds in December.

 

See if you guessed correctly after the jump!

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Planning The Perfect Photo

December 10th, 2012

Many women have dreamt of their perfect wedding since they were little girls. Often, countless hours of preparation are spent finding the perfect venue, dress and ring. Costs can quickly accumulate, and a professional photographer may be something you can’t afford or decide to use for a limited photo shoot. Here are our top tips to make sure you get the best photographs throughout your special day.

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Happy Anniversary

October 21st, 2012

Happy Anniversary! What’d you get me?

If finding the right anniversary gift isn’t a hair-pulling experience, then you are the envy of every significant other. Almost one hundred years ago people were having the same hard time we’re having now, so a woman named Emily Post wrote an etiquette book suggesting traditional wedding anniversary gifts. The gifts ranged from paper to diamonds and everything in between.

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October Opal

October 11th, 2012

Opal, one of October’s birthstones, is a colorful and beautiful gem. One explanation for this gemstone’s origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning, which doesn’t surprise us since October ladies are quite stunning themselves. Opal can be any color, but we especially love fire opals. They are transparent to translucent opals with warm body colors of yellow, orange, orange-yellow or red. Perfect for autumn!

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Royal Blue

September 17th, 2012

September is the most common month for birthdays, but if you were born in September, you can count yourself lucky! Your birthstone is the beautiful Sapphire, a gemstone that’s just as unique and special as you are.

The glamour of a sapphire is timeless and absolutely perfect for the sophistication of a September birthday or engagement. While sapphires are most commonly associated with a blue hue, the gem can be found in many vibrant colors including red, pink, green, white or yellow! These colors are so bright that you won’t feel sad that the summer season is ending. The variety of colors that sapphires come in are fun and lively, but the deep blue sapphire is both a classic and current trend.

 

We can’t mention sapphires without pointing out the most talked about ring in the royal family: Kate Middleton’s engagement ring!

 

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Sweet Obsessions: Arm Candy

September 12th, 2012

First necklaces, then bracelets, and now watches are taking over as that statement piece you can’t be without. Chunky watches have become very popular recently and you can find them in every material you can think of, from metal to ceramic to jelly in every color and shade imaginable.

Jelly band watches have been spotted on fashonable celebrities such as Eva Longoria, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Demi Moore and even on Sandra Bullock in the movie “The Blind Side”!

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