2010 Beach Wedding Bridal Gowns for Under $400

Getting married on the beach is a fantasy for women around the world, but making it a reality on a budget can prove difficult. Yet choosing a beach wedding bridal gown doesn't have to be. These five wedding dresses for a beach wedding are all appropriate to wear in the sand and by the water, yet translate beautifully to an indoor or outdoor reception later. By getting rid of excess bulk, long trains, and sleeves, these beach wedding dresses will keep you cool and elegant despite any wind, sand, or other outdoor elements you can't control. This sampling of affordable wedding dresses will help you get started, and if these inexpensive bridal gowns don't quite match up to the dress in your dreams, the sites they're found on have other affordable wedding dresses for you to browse. Most of all, have fun shopping and know that an affordable, beautiful beach wedding dress is well within your reach.

J. Crew Taryn Gown $395.00
Float across the beach to your groom in this dreamlike creation from J. Crew. This beach wedding bridal gown is made of light-as-air chiffon with a delicate, crinkled texture that causes the dress to drape perfectly and flatter the body. The features of this inexpensive bridal gown include a twisted bodice, softly pleated empire waist, A-line skirt, and full lining. The gown falls to the floor with the slightest of sweep trains, and comes in 5 colors: ivory, black, dusty shale, graphite, and black plum, so your bridesmaids can wear it too if you choose, or you can get married in an untraditional color. This wedding dress for a beach wedding has a goddess-like quality, so pair it with a simple necklace and sandals. This would also be a perfect dress to go barefoot in. Try your hair upswept with a single flower in one side or flowing down your back in curls to complete this beachy bridal look.

David's Bridal Sheath Gown Style VW9879 $299.00
This beautiful gown from David's Bridal is perfect for a beach wedding. The beach wedding bridal gown features a graceful V neck in both the front and the back, wide straps, a folded empire waist detail, slim skirt, and sweep train. Draped in soft charmeuse, the beach wedding dress also features a substantial lining that helps shape and flatter your silhouette. The dress is offered in both white and ivory, in sizes 0-16. It is simple and elegant as-is, and would look beautiful with a number of simple veils. Yet the back is so beautiful, it would work just as well with no veil at all. Pair this dress with a simple necklace that's not too chunky and understated earrings for a classic look. You'll look beautiful and stay cool on the beach in this affordable wedding dress.
This dress is not available for purchase online, only in David's Bridal stores.

Lily Wedding Butterfly Knot Gown $288.00
Lily Weddings has lots of inexpensive bridal gowns, but this one is perfect for an elegant, yet simple beach wedding. This beach wedding bridal gown is strapless with a trumpet silhouette and a wide ribbon sash tied into a butterfly knot over the left hip. The sheath is made of satin with a lace overlay. This affordable wedding dress falls to the floor with no train and comes in ivory or white. Both regular and plus sizes are available with Lily Wedding's detailed online measurements chart. This dress will take you from your beach ceremony to a more elegant reception site seamlessly. Pair this dress with a great pair of heels, glittering bracelet, and upswept hair for an upscale look-no one will know you didn't spend a fortune!

David's Bridal Short Strapless Dress Style INT83312 $135.00
For the bride who's looking for simple and affordable wedding dresses for a beach wedding, this beach wedding dress is perfect. This short, just-above-the-knee style features a pleated, strapless bodice, wide waist sash, and full skirt. The dress is made of cotton sateen and comes in both white and ivory in sizes 2-16. Pair this dress with a small, clutch bouquet of flowers and strappy sandal shoes (or no shoes at all!). You'll be a sweet bride in this beach wedding dress.

WeddingDress.com Style DE185 $206.00
Just because you're having a beach wedding, doesn't mean you have to give up the idea of a more traditional, yet affordable wedding dress. This inexpensive bridal gown features a strapless, sweetheart neckline with a pleated, crossing bodice that ends at a natural waist. The waist is embellished with a deep silver satin ribbon and off-center floral detail, perfect for an outdoor wedding. This beach wedding dress is made of organza and has an A-line skirt that falls to the floor with a slight chapel train. It's available in white, light ivory, and ivory, and in sizes 2-26W. This site also offers custom service for an additional fee, so you can add straps or sleeves, change the color of the waist ribbon, or make other alterations. Even though this dress has a more traditional bridal silhouette, it will look gorgeous at your beach wedding.