My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding

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The  TV programme that is the talk of the town at the moment is Channel 4's “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding”. Whether you are watching with amazement or with a sympathetic view of the Gypsy way of life and traditions, there is no doubt that this programme has provoked a lot of debate on the idea of the traditional wedding ceremony and marriage.  We are not suggesting that everyone goes down the route of the huge wedding dress complete with lights but the programme does raise points that  every bride could perhaps think about when planning her wedding.

The wedding dress
Stay true to your own sense of style when choosing your wedding dress.  It's one of the only times in your life that you can feel like a princess for the day so if that means layers of pink tulle and lights or a simple silk sheath then so be it.

Celebration of family and friends
What better excuse for a big celebration of family and friends than a wedding?  Yes, it is a solemn occasion when you are making a lifelong commitment to the love of your life but it is also about having fun and celebrating one of the best days of your life surrounded by all those people that are important to you. Something that often gets lost in the stress of planning.

The role of children at a wedding
Children have a central role in gypsy weddings and are often dressed in outfits similar to that of the bride. Okay, you may not want to dress your little bridesmaids in huge pink dress with layers of net and sparkles but a classic white or ivory bridesmaids dress will complement your wedding dress perfectly and will ensure your bridesmaids look gorgeous. Plus they will feel like little princesses for the day.

Focusing on the wedding day itself
Too many brides perhaps put too much importance on the trappings of the perfect wedding (the venue, flowers, food etc) and forget that actually it is just about you and your partner declaring your love for each other. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if the venue isn't perfect or if some of the flowers have wilted, as long as you and your partner are there and are getting married.

A special wedding night
In recent years, the specialness that is associated with the wedding night has dwindled as many couples live together before walking down the aisle. For Gypsy newlyweds though this is the first night that they will spend together as a couple and holds a special place in wedding traditions. Perhaps you could take the time to make your first night together as man and wife special, whether this is with nice underwear sensuous massages, champagne or whatever, it will mark the opening of the next chapter in your relationship.

Either way, getting married is one of the most important days of your life and no matter what walk of life or culture you come from, it will always be special! If you are planning a wedding of your own, why not take a look at Henry Kaye's full collection of simply stunning bridal and bridesmaid's shoes, beautiful bridesmaid dresses and exquisite wedding accessories, click here. For all our other useful hints and tips that we have put together to help take some of the stress out of organising that perfect day, click here to see our wedding information pages.

All prices quoted are correct at the time of publishing.

My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding is screened on Channel 4 on Tuesday evening.