Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses worn by gypsy brides are known for being extravagant, with some dresses featuring LED lights, butterflies, and Swarovski crystals. These dresses are often the subject of fascination and curiosity, with many wondering about the cost and what happens to them after the wedding. The TLC show My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding has brought attention to these dresses, but it has also been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and not accurately representing the Gypsy community. While some viewers have speculated about the cost of these dresses, others have questioned whether there is a market for second-hand gypsy wedding dresses or if the dresses are stored or repurposed after the wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | Huge |
| Cost | Tens of thousands of dollars |
| Materials | Silk, lace, crystals, tulle, taffeta, satin, camo fabric, netting, leather, flowers, ribbons, seashells, Swarovski crystals |
| Design | Outlandish, bright, gaudy, ostentatious, fairy tale-style, bright, layered, blinged out |
| Designers | Thelma Madine, Sondra Celli |
| What happens to them after the wedding? | Stored, sold, rented, unpicked and made into new dresses |
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What You'll Learn
The cost of gypsy wedding dresses
The large, voluminous nature of these dresses, with layers of tulle and petticoats, also contributes to the perception of substantial expense. However, it's important to note that the dressmakers featured on the shows may not always reflect the typical lifestyle or studio setup one would expect from creating such costly gowns. This has led to speculation about potential discounts, partial coverage, or full coverage of dress costs by the television networks showcasing these weddings.
The high cost of gypsy wedding dresses is further fueled by the desire to outdo other brides, with each bride wanting her dress to be bigger, brighter, and more extravagant. This competitive aspect adds to the financial investment, as does the cultural significance and tradition surrounding the wedding day, which is often considered the most important day in a gypsy woman's life.
While the exact figures remain elusive, it is clear that gypsy wedding dresses can be quite costly, reflecting the desire for a fairytale-like, princess experience on the bride's special day. The financial investment in these dresses, combined with the emotional attachment, leads some gypsy women to keep their wedding dresses even though they may not have the space to store them.
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Storage of dresses after the wedding
The preservation of wedding dresses is a special cleaning and packaging process that ensures the garment retains its quality for years to come. This process can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,000. The cost varies depending on the location and the level of work required.
If you want to store your wedding dress, it is essential to choose a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. Humidity control is crucial, so avoid storing the dress near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration. The top shelf of a spare closet is a great option for dress storage.
Additionally, it is important to avoid using plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes for long-term storage, as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth. Instead, use acid-free tissue paper and a cloth garment bag or an acid-free, lignin-free wedding dress storage box specifically designed for preserving wedding dresses. The acid-free tissue paper will help protect the fabric and prevent creases, while the storage box provides a breathable environment to maintain the dress's quality.
Before storing, it is recommended to have clean hands or wear white gloves to prevent any oils from getting on the gown. Inspect the dress for any loose threads, missing buttons, or embellishments that may cause further damage if left unattended.
For those who live in caravans and have limited storage space, it may be necessary to sell or repurpose the dress.
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Reselling or repurposing wedding dresses
There are many options for repurposing or reselling wedding dresses. Some people choose to repurpose their wedding dresses as a way to preserve memories and create new ones. For example, a wedding dress can be transformed into a christening gown for a baby, a bridal robe, or a wreath. Some companies, such as Unbox the Dress, offer to transform wedding dresses into bespoke keepsakes, such as a Christmas tree skirt, angel tree topper, or guardian angel ornaments. Others may choose to dye and refashion their wedding dress into something they can wear again. There are also options to sell wedding dresses on pre-owned wedding dress websites such as Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, and PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com. These sites allow brides to connect with buyers and sell their dresses at a fraction of the cost of retail, recouping some of the money they spent on the dress.
The decision to repurpose or resell a wedding dress may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the cost of the dress, the space available to store it, and the desire to create new memories with it. For example, gypsy wedding dresses are known for being huge and ostentatious, with layers of tulle, silk, lace, and crystals. They are often very expensive, with some dresses costing tens of thousands of dollars. As a result, some people may choose to sell their gypsy wedding dress to recoup some of the money they spent on it, especially if they are facing financial constraints or lack the space to store it. On the other hand, some people may choose to repurpose their gypsy wedding dress as a way to preserve the memories of their special day and create new ones with their family.
One option for those looking to resell their wedding dress is to use an online marketplace specifically designed for pre-owned wedding dresses. These websites, such as Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed, allow brides to connect directly with buyers and sell their dresses at a discounted price. This can be a convenient and safe way to find a new home for a wedding dress, with some sites offering secure payment methods and private messaging platforms.
For those who choose to repurpose their wedding dress, there are a variety of options available. Some people may choose to transform their dress into a new garment, such as a christening gown, bridal robe, or wreath. This can be done by sending the dress to a company that specializes in dress transformation, such as Unbox the Dress, or by DIY-ing the project. Others may choose to use the fabric from their wedding dress to create new keepsakes, such as a photo mat, pendant necklace, or miniature replica of the dress.
Ultimately, the decision to repurpose or resell a wedding dress is a personal one and will depend on the individual's circumstances and preferences. Both options can be a great way to preserve memories of the wedding day and create new ones, whether that's through transforming the dress into a new keepsake or passing it on to a new bride.
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The role of dressmakers
Gypsy wedding dresses are often flamboyant and long, sometimes featuring LED lights, layers of tulle, and Swarovski crystals. These dresses are chosen to reflect the bride's personality and her family's social standing. In some cases, the colour red is chosen to symbolise purity, good fortune, and celebration, as well as to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
The role of the dressmaker in creating these unique gowns is crucial. They work closely with the bride to design a dress that embodies her dreams and aspirations for her wedding day. The dressmaker must possess a high level of skill and creativity to bring these visions to life, often using expensive materials and intricate techniques.
One well-known dressmaker in the Gypsy community is Sondra Celli, who gained fame for her "crystal couture" gowns on TLC's "My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding." Celli's studio is based in Waltham, Massachusetts, and her creations are sought after by US Gypsies and Irish Travellers alike. She is known for her use of crystals, with each dress potentially featuring thousands of them.
While the dresses themselves are expensive, it is the crystals that contribute the most to the overall cost. Dressmakers may use liquid fringe, bugle beads, and other types of beading in combination with Swarovski crystals to create unique and eye-catching designs. The process of designing and crafting these gowns can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, requiring a high level of expertise.
After the wedding, the fate of these dresses varies. Some may be stored as keepsakes, passed down to future generations, or altered and sold second-hand. In some cases, the crystals may be removed and reused in new designs, such as party dresses or car presentation outfits. The dresses themselves may also be rented out or sold to recoup some of their costs.
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The influence of TV shows
The TV show "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" has had a significant influence on the perception of gypsy wedding dresses and the culture surrounding them. The show, which aired on TLC, featured extravagant and over-the-top gowns designed by the likes of Sondra Celli, who gained national fame for her "crystal couture" creations. The dresses on the show were often characterised by their large size, bling, and use of colour, with some even incorporating LED lights. This has sparked a lot of discussions and curiosity about the tradition and culture behind these unique wedding dresses.
While the show brought attention to gypsy wedding dresses, it has also been criticised for not accurately representing the communities it portrays. Some viewers and community members have expressed disappointment in the show's portrayal of gypsies as individuals who love parties, adhere to strict gender roles, and don't value education. There have also been claims that the show has perpetuated stereotypes and contributed to further discrimination against minority groups.
Despite the criticisms, the show has had a significant impact on popular culture and has even influenced wedding trends beyond the gypsy community. The extravagant dresses featured on the show have inspired some brides to seek out similar styles, with some even commissioning designers like Sondra Celli to create custom gowns. The show has also sparked discussions about the cost and craftsmanship that goes into creating these unique dresses, with some viewers expressing admiration for the talent and creativity involved.
In addition to the influence on wedding dress styles, the show has also had an impact on other aspects of wedding planning. For example, some brides may be inspired by the extravagant decorations, themes, and entertainment featured on the show. The show has also sparked conversations about the cultural rituals and traditions surrounding gypsy weddings, such as the controversial ""grabbing" ritual, which has been disputed by some community members as inauthentic or exaggerated.
Overall, the TV show "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" has had a significant influence on the perception and popularity of gypsy wedding dresses. While it has brought attention to these unique gowns, it is important to consider the potential impact on the communities being portrayed and to seek out authentic representations that go beyond stereotypes.
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Frequently asked questions
Gypsy wedding dresses are often very large and expensive, with some costing tens of thousands of dollars. It is unclear what happens to all of them, but some are sold, unpicked and made into new dresses, or stored. Some people have also speculated that the dresses on TV shows like "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" were paid for by production and were not real Gypsy weddings.
Gypsy wedding dresses are chosen to reflect the bride's personality and the family's social standing. One bride on "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" said she wanted a big dress so she could feel like a princess on her special day.
Gypsy wedding traditions vary, but they often include a dowry, a ritual called "The Grab," and an informal tradition called "wedding over the broomsticks." The dress code for these weddings also varies, ranging from casual outdoor celebrations to formal, lavish indoor gatherings.
In many Gypsy cultures, the color red symbolizes purity, good fortune, and celebration. Red is also believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, so brides often choose red wedding dresses to honor their heritage and express their personal joy.
