Winter Wedding Dresses for Under $500

Winter wedding dresses for 2009 are taking on a more traditional tone, with many designers bringing back full skirted ball gowns with lots of detailing. In most cases, the more ornate the dress, the more expensive it becomes, but there are still plenty of affordable wedding dresses out there.

Here are five affordable wedding dresses for your winter wedding that are all under $500.

Tea Length Dress by Galina
Style # VW 8897
The tea length ivory wedding dress is perfect for a winter wedding with sparkle accents and silvery organza. The dress also comes in classic white, but both color options look great with the metallic embroidery, beading and ribbon accenting at the waist. Because of the straight cut of the bodice and slimming lines of the dress, with a flared skirt, this style is best for petite frames. The Tea Length dress from Galina can be purchased at David's Bridal stores or online, and is available in size 0-16, $399.

Taffeta Short Sheath Dress
Style # N9781
The short sheath taffeta dress reminds me of a modern version of the suits airline stewardesses used to wear. I love the form fitting cut that has a little body and is not meant to look entirely neat. There is also a coordinating shrug, so the dress works well for so many figures and is available in size 0-16 and 14 W-26W. The dress is available in both white and ivory, with sizes 0-16 costing $399 and 14W-26W costing $449. www.davidsbridal.com

Embroidered Ball Gown with Overlay
Style# NAWD0627
For a winter wedding, the ball gown style of dress fits well, especially with winter wonderland themes. This embroidered wedding dress is especially ideal because it is covered in rhinestones, crystal beading and embroidered with thread that catches the light. With all the detailing on the dress, it is surprising that it is still so affordable, but with the embroidery and double overlay on the wide ball gown and the beautiful detailing on the bodice and straps, this winter wedding dress is one of a kind. The embroidered ball gown is available in sizes 4-28 from www.shopofbridals.com, $342.

Lace Embroidered Ball Gown
Style#WDMC0008
The lace embroidered ball gown from Shop of Bridals is everything that is high glamour and couture fashion. The beautiful satin gown is cinched in with an intricate lace embroidered waist with the design repeating itself around the bottom of the wide train. Delicate beading and embroidery cover a thin tulle overlay that drapes around the entire skirt of the wedding gown. For all the detailing that has gone into this winter wedding dress it is very affordable, but does not appear at all cheaply made. The strapless style flatters several sizes and figures and since it comes in sizes 4 to 28, it is a great option. (www.shopofbridals.com, $399)

Alfred Angelo V-Neck
Style # 1148
This pure white taffeta dress is simple sophistication, with a V-neck bodice and wide almost off the shoulder straps. The bodice is gathered around the waist and then leads into a straight, but full skirt. Alfred Angelo wedding dresses are all very affordable, most are in the $400-$800 range, with this style retailing for $400. If you are looking for a classic, white, full length gown, this is a great option for your winter wedding. www.houseofbrides.com