Five Great Summer Wedding Gowns Under $600

Summer is a wonderful time for weddings. You have the option of a naturally beautiful outdoor ceremony, your guests will find it easier to travel to your destination, and you don't have to go thousands of miles for a sunny honeymoon. There's just one problem: most of the wedding gowns that are in style these days are too thick and heavy for practical summer wear. Even in mild weather, dresses with heavy, layered skirts will leave you roasting. As a summer bride, what options do you have?

More than you think! While summer wedding gowns can be less "traditional" in style, they are beautiful and often less expensive than their more fabric-heavy counterparts. Since I was a budget bride myself, I'll be focusing on gowns that cost under $600 while still looking like a million bucks.

Sonora from the Bridal Online Store

This wedding dress is an elegant take on the classic "little black dress" look. It consists of a white cocktail-style lining underneath a longer sheer dress. An abstract, nature-inspired design of silver and clear beads make it the perfect choice for a forest wedding; if you're considering a "Midsummer Night's Dream" or fairy-inspired ceremony, a dress like this will enhance your theme. The longest part of the hem doesn't quite reach the floor, so it's perfect for showing off those fabulous shoes that would be hidden under many gowns.

This wedding dress is most flattering on brides who are more slender, since the extra layer can add unwanted bulk for curvier women. Because the skirt is sheer, it's perfect for brides who want to emphasize their legs.

Where to Buy: Online, $179

MP9573 from David's Bridal

This chiffon A-line wedding dress features a universally flattering empire waist with a pleated bust. It fits into almost any wedding, since the style doesn't speak of any particular theme or time period. However, it would be particularly at home in a Regency-inspired wedding (think Jane Austen) since it has the same airy style as dresses from this historical period. It has what's called a "sweep train," meaning that several inches of the dress will be sweeping the floor, but not enough to require a bustle or bridesmaids to carry it for you. However, if you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, you might want to consider a shorter dress.

This wedding dress is flattering for many different brides, particularly those who want a gown that brushes over the midsection and emphasizes the bust. Remember that this dress will conceal your shoes unless you lift up the train.

Where to Buy: Online, or from your local David's Bridal, $249.99

2005 from Alfred Angelo

This knee-length wedding dress has a fun, sporty look that's perfect for a less formal summer wedding. It's ideal for a beach wedding or any setting where you don't want your dress dragging on the ground. Not all brides are comfortable with an informal style like this, but this particular wedding dress has a beautiful lacy design that gives it a fancy feel even though it's a little untraditional.

This dress would look great with a more casual hairstyle, rather than a formal updo, which goes better with longer gowns. This particular style of wedding dress enhances the leg, so brides who want to show off their fantastic gams will feel at home in this one.

Where to Buy: At your local Alfred Angelo boutique, under $599

LWD0289 from Lily Wedding

This airy wedding gown is not quite floor-length in the back and sides, and in the front, is raised several inches - perfect for showing off that wedding pedicure. It has a V-neckline with a criss-cross overlay, giving it a gorgeous informal look that will fit into any summer wedding. This is one of the most versatile summer wedding styles you will find, so if you don't have a theme or haven't decided on one yet, this might be the dress for you.

Because of the criss-cross overlay, this dress is flattering for any bride who wants more support in the bust area, or, conversely, who has trouble filling out other wedding gowns. As always, the empire waist is perfect for brides who are thicker in the waist since it emphasizes the upper body and skims over the rest.

Where to Buy: Online, $208

54222 JACQUELINE from Jessica McClintock

Not every summer dress needs to be less formal than the rest. This gorgeous wedding gown, available in both ivory and ivory with a contrasting black, has a lace halter that gives it that extra feeling of formality while still being light and practical. It has a short train, so it might not be ideal for some outdoor weddings - and if your groom and his half of the party are planning on wearing pure white, then you'll want to look for something other than ivory to avoid clashes.

Style-wise, this dress has a slender cut and isn't ideal for hourglass figures. But if you like its dramatic look, this might be just the right wedding gown for you.

Where to Buy: Online, or at your local boutique, $270

Good luck finding the summer wedding dress of your dreams!