I saw this TV show some time ago on the Foxtel PR schedule and was postively beside myself - when will it be screening, I pleaded with the publicist.
The wait is almost over: My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding starts screening on Foxtel on June 20, on LifeStyle You.
When I first saw the pics I thought, oh look, it's Katie Price [formerly 'Jordan'] on bridal fashion 'roids.
Nope. Better.
My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding documents ancient traditions-slash-modern fashion (well, their interpretation of it anyway), where girls as young as 15 and their families compete to have the most outrageous weddings.
This fly-on-the-wall doco follows the public spectacle of the OTT affairs of four gypsy brides, as they prepare for their wedding day. Incredibly, many girls get married after their 16th birthday with the support of their family.
With the brides competing to have the most flamboyant dresses (which often weigh more than the bride herself), we are given rare access into this curious community, one where sex before marriage is taboo and divorce is unheard of. And yet, some of the outfits look far from conservative.
At first glance, the women in the doco series seem to be intent on emulating celeb weddings (then turning the dial to, oh, about 20. Thousand), but it's much more than that for them.
This is a community that lives alongside - yet detached - from mainstream society. It is one of contrasts: they live by centuries-old religious and cultural traditions, but at the same time embrace the garish celeb extremes of our times.
It is a must-watch. UK viewers agreed: the BAFTA-nominated hit had more viewers than the 2008 season of Big Brother.
Want to know more about this unusual world? Go here: http://www.lifestyle.com.au/style/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-gypsies-and-travellers.aspx
And watch the series preview here:
