I often have brides asking me for advice on where to find bridal gowns under $250. While there are a few places, often there just isn’t that much selection. What I often tell brides is to make sure they look through the bridesmaid dress selections as well. Many bridesmaid dresses are available in styles that, if ordered in white or ivory, would look just as good if not better then the cheaper bridal gowns available.

Here are a few examples I picked out from the Bill Levkoff bridesmaid line. These are just a few of the ones I found with photos in white or ivory, but there were plenty more – and each one is priced under $250! They are stunning styles, perfect for a semi-formal, informal, garden, beach or destination wedding and very nice on the pocket book.

Styles shown here: Style #808 – $220 at The Bridal Shop, Style #550 – $220 at The Bridal Shop, Style #303 – $230 at The Bridal Shop, Style #305 – $190 at The Bridal Shop, Style #355 – $196 at The Bridal Shop, Style #966 – $184 at The Bridal Shop

SO – here is the next question that I often get asked: If I wear a white bridesmaid gown,how do I make sure that my gown stands out from the bridemaids? Well, color is of course the first key – but the other key is length. If you are wearing a full floor length bridesmaid style as a wedding gown – then choose a tea length style for your bridesmaids and your gown will look even more bridal. For example, here is a quick photoshop knockup of Bill Levkoff Style #550 with Style #267. There is no doubt which one would be the bride, and which would be the bridemaid – but both girls look stunning! That bridesmaid Style #267 is also a very affordable option for your bridesmaids at $150!