Wondering if you should have a beach wedding or not? It’s a decision many brides and grooms are pondering. According to the latest bridal industry news – beach weddings are still wildly popular, even though the trend started years ago.  Not only is this type of wedding very romantic, it’s also very affordable.  With the average cost of a wedding in 2010 between $20,000 – $30,000, this seems like an enormous financial burden.   Starting your marriage enslaved by your wedding day debts is not how you want to remember this wonderful occasion.

Think about the glorious, natural setting that provides a gorgeous backdrop, minimizing the need for expensive decorations.  Consider the miles and miles of beautiful beaches right here in the U. S., saving the cost of travel to distant lands.  Now close your eyes and picture yourselves surrounded by the embrace of your loving family and closest friends in a warm and intimate ceremony.

A beach wedding can also be more casual.  Everyone can relax, dress comfortably and affordably.  You can even involve family or friends in your ceremony and make them part of the celebration.  It’s your day and you can plan it any way that you want, be it romantic, whimsical or even silly.   It can be a modern and refreshing change from the typical indoor wedding and it allows your creativity and personalities to shine through.

Give it some thought – think about how unique you can make it and remember that your beach wedding footwear  is already taken care of….. by shopping at Jewels-by-Jan!

Brides-to-be…this post is just for you! Depending where you are in your wedding planning, at some point you will be choosing your wedding day jewelry accessories.  With SO many stores, so many sites, so many choices…what’s a bride to do?

If you’re a savvy consumer (which of course you are), you will put more stock in your friends’ opinions and independent product reviews.  Since my goal is to provide my followers with useful information I would not be doing my job if I didn’t tell you about Looney Maiden Jewelry.

Recognized by The Knot as well as top bridal magazines, Judith Cartier Oliver has created over 700 individual styles of affordable bridal jewelry, bridesmaid jewelry, flower girl jewelry and wedding hair accessories.   With 90 Swarovski crystal colors and 30 pearl colors to choose from, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for.  If you don’t,  Judith will make it for you.  She’s worked with countless brides for over 15 years to create exactly what they are looking for.  And now, Judith and I have “teamed up” to accessorize you literally from head to toe. 

Call us the “Dynamic Duo”!  Together, we will make you look gorgeous….and more.  I will handcraft custom beautiful foot jewelry to match the jewelry pieces that she creates.  Keep in mind that we haven’t forgotten about your bridal party.  Whatever colors you’ve chosen for your wedding – Judith and I can coordinate the perfect wedding day jewelry accessories that will turn you and your attendants into the most beautiful wedding party . After all, feeling beautiful is the best way to start a new chapter in your new life!

Isn’t this just the cutest photo? This came from one of our customer’s who was recently married in Tulum, Mexico.  Their photographer, Tamms Photos, took this shot after their wedding on the beach.  I think it should be called Happy Feet! (In this photo, our bride is wearing Hearts Desire, our best-selling bridal barefoot sandal.) This design has been a favorite with our customers for over 2 years.  It has everything -  white hearts, Swarovski crystals and a medallion sparkles like the sun!

We receive many photos (and testimonials)  from our destination wedding brides who were married in gorgeous, tropical locations.  Beach weddings are still very popular and of course we love that and hope it continues.   Still, there are many that have never heard of barefoot sandals.  There are those that feel flip flops with a wedding gown look fine and those that just prefer to go barefoot altogether.  Bottomless sandals are a matter of personal preference. 

We’d love to hear your comments on this subject – if you were planning a beach wedding and had the option of adorning your feet with sparkling jewels (while still being barefoot), would you choose barefoot sandals or nothing at all?  Post a comment below.

JAN