This would have saved me some time...

... or would it have?

For me, gown shopping wasn't the magical experience movies (you know the ones) portray: mothers and daughters sipping champagne in an upscale bridal salon, giggling like girls, scoffing at the lack of beading on some, delighting in the trains and veils, and then both tearing up on cue as the bride-to-be emerges from behind a heavy velvet curtain in what they both know is The One.

Sadly enough, I had that experience alone (not for lack of trying, but more on that later), and it was only after I tried on 3 wedding dress shops full of gowns that I, on a whim, had my moment.

Why? Because it never occured to me to see what type of gown might look best on my body type... instead, I clipped pictures, scoured the internet, and flipped through tons of bridal magaznies (the cost of which, I assume, is equal to the cost of my photographer). Of course the dresses look beautiful, what, on their glossy pages and draped every so carefully on rail-thin (and semi-angry looking) models. Well, ladies. Let's face it. We are not all rail-thin: we have hips, shoulders, and curves all over the place. And the kind folks at Henry Roth were kind enough to break down body-types and do a little what looks best on you type of thing:

The following is taken directly from here, complete with the dress styles suggested for each type.

Hourglass: Two-piece and corset dresses enhance the hourglass figure. Anything that accentuates the bride’s waist is in. Beautiful ball gowns and corseted bodices normally work for the bust line as well. Bridal bouquets should not overwhelm. Bridal headpieces should not be overdone if the bridal ball gown is elaborate. See Style 49044
Pear shaped: A-line princess dresses disguise fuller hips and the pear shaped body types best. This also balances torso to bust. Chapel length bridal veils add sleeker lines. For wedding hairstyles don’t have all your hair swept up to help emphasize balance. See Style 22399
Petite: Clean, unbroken contours without too much fabric tend to elongate.Big Ball gowns and mermaid wedding dress shapes can overwhelm. Chapel or finger-tip bridal veils ensure that the petite bride is framed well. Keep bridal accessories and wedding accessories to a minimum. See Style 49030
Tall: From ball gowns, princess line and A- line wedding dresses, straight bridal dresses and mermaid dresses; all are great for the tall bride who can carry almost any dress style. Avoid empire line dresses that can look almost “tent like”. Avoid wedding flowers or bouquets that are too small or large. Ensure they work proportionately with you and your body type.See Style 29012
Fuller waisted: Princess-line and drop waist wedding dresses are most flattering. Draw the eye up with stunning bridal and wedding accessories. Killer Diamonds will do the trick! Bridal shoes with height may assist. See Style 29011
Broader shoulder: Wedding tip number #1. Broader shouldered brides should veer from halter and off-the-shoulder necklines, which tend to accentuate the shoulders. Try strapless and scoop necklines. For bridal accessories fine delicate jewelry works best with your body type. See Style 49004
Fuller busted: Bridal corsets can work magic. You will find reputable names under bridal supplies or bridal accessories. Wedding dresses that are scoop and square necklines enhance bust lines. Widely set apart straps diminish fuller busted figures. Strapless dresses are on your wedding checklist as a “wait and see how it looks possibility”. See Style 49007
Fuller Arms: Off the shoulder straps or sheer fabric is a great wedding dress tip. In solid fabric, usually three-quarter or long sleeve works best to elongate the line of the arm. Sleeves should not be cut tight. Ever! See Style 22336

Looking back, it might have been nice to have a starting point prior to the dress hunt, but it seems our boy Henry Roth didn't take into account that ladies with hourglass figures might also have fuller busts and very broad shoulders... I, of course, have all of these things and that made for a very interesting shopping weekend.

What was your dress shopping experience like? Did you have The Moment?