Big Fat Gyspy Weddings

Episode 1/7: Diamantes are Forever, 14/02/2012

The first episode in this brand new series explores the now infamous 'gypsy look' - the motivations behind it, and the time, effort and money it takes to get it right. 

From the outrageous tans, elaborate hairstyles, intricate make up and love of all things sparkly, gypsy girls are known to pull out all the stops when it comes to their image. And a party or special occasion will often mean the look gets even bigger and more glamorous than normal. 

21 year old Delores is an Irish traveler who lives the high life. From driving a Porsche along the beaches of the Spanish on a coast to heading back to the ultra-wealthy traveller town of Rathkeale in County Limerick, we see her as she prepares for the biggest day of her life - her wedding day. 

For the event she has commissioned two dresses from Thelma. The first is an exotic palm tree themed outfit for the all-important ‘night-before' party. Her sister is also dressed for the occasion in a dress resembling a pineapple.  But to ensure it is the wedding that people actually remember Delores's second dress is an extravagant ‘cat' dress made to especially for the day of her nuptials.  The dresses are so outlandish that even Thelma, a dress maker well used to unusual ideas, describes them as "the most outrageous request" she has ever had. 

Sammy Jo is an Irish traveller whose ‘look' is a constant preoccupation. As she prepares to compete in a beauty contest for travellers, she tops up her all-important tan and reveals the how, for her, the inherent risk of cancer is far less important than maintaining her look. "If I get cancer, I get cancer .... but at least I'll still look good"

Nangirl, Margaret, Rosemary and Bridget are four cousins all taking their first Holy Communion together. But they make no bones about the fact that they are competing to be the most beautiful on the day. For these girls the service is all about the need to "look good for god" but as their day unfolds we see that when it comes to looking your best "beauty is pain".

With never-before-seen access to this fiercely private community, we'll get a glimpse at what it really takes to be a modern gypsy girl - sequins and all.