Friday, July 22, 2011

A Wedding Day in Gypsy Shoes

If you've searched the web for wedding ideas, you've definitely run into dresses and themed weddings with over the top style and decor. However, consider what you've seen now topped. TLC's new TV series "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" explores the unique culture of gypsy "traveler" communities within the UK. If you have watched a show or two, you can see that the emphasis as boys and girls grow is on one thing: MARRIAGE.

A wedding day in the life of a gypsy bride...


The wedding celebrations and attire are beyond anything we see within the U.S. by far. The showpiece of the big day for the girl is of course, the wedding dress. Girls within this community marry as early as 16. The designer of many of their gowns, Thelma Madine, designs according to the girls direction, however detailed or simple. It is popular among the girls to choose a fairytale inspired gown. The dresses have unbelievable detail and whimsical design:


For every bride, the design and color is unique. The color choice for the wedding as well as the venue for the reception are kept secret until the day of the wedding.


The arrival of the bride and groom is a big part of the celebration and is no less than extravagant. Horses and carriages resembling Cinderella's coach, Hummer limos, and other flashy means of transportation is part of the package.




Not only are the wedding gowns designed for a specific bride, but bridesmaids have their own gowns made as well. Headpieces, adorned gloves, and other accessories are designed along with the dress.



 





The bride always picks a "jr. bride," who has an identical dress made. A jr. bride symbolizes the girl in the family that could be next in line to be married. It could be a favorite cousin, niece, or younger sister.



The ceremonies are held in a church, and the reception follows: dancing, cake, and then the couple leaves to begin life together as gypsy "travelers."



Every culture has unique wedding traditions and ceremonies. As different as they may seem to us, the brides of gypsy traveler communities celebrate their wedding day with one resounding theme among them all - Go big or don't go at all.

1 comment:

  1. Check out the gypsy shoe designer,

    www.charliecoshoes.com

    Thelma's recommendation x

    ReplyDelete