Deborah Chan
The hit TV show 'My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding' showcases extravagant wedding gowns, with some dresses weighing close to 400 lbs. The show follows teenage Romany Gypsy brides preparing for their wedding day, with many of the gowns being created by Liverpool-based dressmaker Thelma Madine. The dresses are often described as gaudy, sparkly, and over-the-top, with some costing up to $50,000. While the show has been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes, it has also sparked curiosity about the size and cost of these unique wedding dresses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for big dresses | Gypsy brides want to feel like a princess on their wedding day |
| Competition between brides to outdo each other | |
| Historical and patriarchal traditions | |
| Wanting to wear a bigger dress than other brides | |
| Wanting a brighter dress than other brides | |
| Cost | Between £15,000-£50,000 |
| $40,000 | |
| Weight | 50 lbs |
| Close to 400 lbs | |
| Criticism | The show has been criticised for misrepresenting the Irish Traveller and British Gypsy/Traveller communities |
| The show has been criticised for instigating a rise in the rate of racially motivated bullying |
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What You'll Learn
The desire to feel like a princess on their wedding day
For many young Romani women, their wedding day is the most important day of their lives. As one woman featured on *My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding* said, she wanted to feel like a princess on her wedding day. This desire to feel like royalty is a significant factor in the popularity of large, extravagant wedding dresses in the Romani community.
Romani brides often get married very young, and their wedding day is the culmination of years of preparation for their future role as wives and mothers. The wedding is also the one day when a Romani woman is the center of attention, and the dress plays a crucial role in making her feel special. The bigger and more extravagant the dress, the more magical and memorable the day becomes.
The desire to feel like a princess is not unique to the Romani community, and many women from all walks of life dream of a fairytale wedding. However, the pressure to have a bigger and better dress than other brides is particularly intense within the Romani community. This competition between brides contributes to the popularity of oversized dresses adorned with crystals, lights, and other flashy details.
The cost of these dresses can range from 15,000 to 50,000 pounds, and they can weigh as much as 50 pounds due to the extensive use of crystals and other embellishments. Despite the high price tag, the brides' families often prioritize the dress above all else, even if it means skimping on other aspects of the wedding.
While the oversized wedding dresses are a relatively modern phenomenon, they are influenced by the Romani community's history and traditions. The community's roots in India and subsequent conversion from Hinduism to Catholicism have shaped their beliefs about gender roles and appropriate dress for women. The community's nomadic lifestyle has also kept them separate from Western culture, resulting in unique fashion choices that combine modesty with extravagance.
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Competition to outdo other brides
The competitive nature of Gypsy wedding dress culture was highlighted in the TV show "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding," which brought attention to the extravagant and gaudy gowns worn by the brides. The show featured dressmaker Thelma Madine, who created many of the huge, sparkly gowns that became iconic. In one instance, Madine revealed that some dresses weighed close to 400 lbs, and that the blisters and scars on the hips of the brides were worn as a "badge of honour."
The desire to have the biggest and most impressive dress can also be attributed to the strict sexual code that Gypsy girls are expected to abide by. While they are held to high standards of chastity and are rarely allowed to be alone with boys who aren't family members, the flashy and revealing outfits they wear are not considered indecent within their culture. This contradiction may contribute to the emphasis placed on having an extravagant wedding dress, as it is one of the few ways for a bride to express herself and stand out.
The cost of these dresses can range from 15,000 to 50,000 pounds, with some even reaching 40,000 pounds. Despite the seemingly high price tag, the small and intimate nature of Gypsy weddings, with fewer guests to feed, can help offset the expense. The dresses are often customised with crystals, fur, diamonds, and other luxurious details, contributing to their hefty price tags.
While the oversized Gypsy wedding dress phenomenon has been criticised by some members of the Gypsy community as perpetuating stereotypes, it has also sparked interest from non-Gypsy brides who want a similarly designed dress but on a smaller scale. The popularity of the TV show has influenced brides from various cultures to incorporate elements of Gypsy wedding dress design into their own gowns, showcasing the appeal of these unique and extravagant creations.
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The weight of the crystals on the dresses
It is not uncommon for a single dress to be adorned with thousands of crystals, each one carefully selected for its size, shape, and color to create a cohesive and breathtaking design. While smaller crystals may not add significant weight, larger ones can weigh down the dress considerably. The placement of these heavier crystals is crucial; they are often concentrated on the bodice or scattered throughout the skirt to create a balanced look that doesn't sacrifice the structure and shape of the gown.
The weight of the crystals also impacts the overall comfort of the dress. Despite the heavy material and intricate beading, these wedding dresses are designed to be comfortable for the wearer. The crystals' weight can pull on the fabric, causing it to stretch and sag, so a well-structured underpinning is crucial to provide support and distribute the weight evenly. This ensures that the bride can move with ease and feel confident throughout her wedding day.
To address the weight issue, some dressmakers use lighter alternatives, such as acrylic or plastic crystals, which can reduce the overall weight of the dress without compromising on the dazzling effect. However, traditionalists often prefer the heavier, more luxurious option of glass crystals, accepting the trade-off between weight and aesthetic. Ultimately, the decision rests with the bride, who must carefully consider her priorities and comfort for her special day.
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The influence of Hindu beliefs and Catholicism
The wedding dresses of the Romani people, often referred to as "Gypsy", are believed to be influenced by a mix of their centuries-old Hindu beliefs and adopted Catholicism. The Romani people are believed to have originated from India about a thousand years ago and travelled to various parts of Europe, including Ireland. During their migration, they converted from Hinduism to Catholicism.
The Romani wedding dresses are big, bright, sparkly, and flamboyant, often topped with huge tiaras. While the dresses may not be traditional, they are chosen to reflect the bride's personality and the family's social standing. The bright colours are believed to be part of the Gypsy tradition, symbolising purity, good fortune, and celebration. The colour red, in particular, is chosen by brides as a statement of cultural identity and personal joy, and to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. The dresses also reflect the communal nature of the wedding, strengthening ties and affirming the cultural identity of the community.
The dresses also seem to be influenced by the desire to attract a suitable husband, with girls and young women dressing and dancing provocatively to attract boys who are not family members. This is despite the strict sexual code girls are expected to abide by, including the expectation that they will be virgins when they wed. The girls are also taught to dance in a sexy fashion to attract husbands, reflecting the influence of centuries of Hindu beliefs mixing with Catholicism, combined with their distinct travelling lifestyle.
The Romani people also value the display of wealth and prosperity, which is reflected in their extravagant wedding dresses. The dresses are often chosen to be as colourful and attractive as possible, resembling animal kingdom mating rituals. This desire to display wealth and social standing through extravagant dresses is also influenced by their traditional Hindu beliefs and adopted Catholicism, creating a unique blend of cultures and traditions.
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The desire to attract attention
The attention of the wider world is also a factor. The TV show "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" has brought these dresses to a global audience. The show's dressmaker, Thelma Madine, has become world-famous for her creations, and her studio has been inundated with orders from every culture. One commenter notes that the show's portrayal of the dresses is not representative of the real Gypsy community, but it has nonetheless influenced wedding dress styles, including that of Kate Moss.
The attention of the community is also important. One source notes that the girls are trained to be good wives, and that their wedding day is the biggest day of their lives. With many girls being married young, and with little to look forward to after marriage besides years of domestic labour, it is understandable that they would want to make a statement and feel like a princess on their wedding day.
The size and extravagance of Gypsy wedding dresses are, therefore, influenced by a variety of factors, including the desire to attract attention, competitive instincts, and the influence of popular culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Some believe that the bigger the dress, the better. This is because the wedding day is the biggest day of their lives, and they want to feel like a princess.
These dresses can cost anywhere between 15,000 to 50,000 pounds.
Thelma Madine is a world-famous wedding dress designer known for her extravagant gypsy wedding dresses. She is based in Liverpool and her designs have partly inspired celebrities like Kate Moss.
