Ep 1. Born to be Wed

Born to Be Wed is the first episode of the first season of the popular reality TV show, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. The show offers an inside look into the extravagant and often lavish weddings of the traveling Gypsy and Irish Traveler communities in the UK.

The episode follows two sets of gypsies preparing for their dream weddings. First is 16-year-old bride-to-be Sam, who is looking forward to going all out for her big day. Sam has her sights set on a princess dress and an unforgettable event that will put her in the spotlight. Helping her achieve her vision is family friend Thelma Madine, a well-known dressmaker who specializes in creating over-the-top gowns for gypsy brides.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Mellie is also in the process of planning her wedding day, and she too is pulling out all the stops. Her family has hired renowned wedding planner Danny Martinez to plan and execute Mellie's dream wedding. Danny is tasked with finding the perfect venue, flowers, attire, and catering that will meet Mellie's high standards.

As the couples prepare for their weddings, we get a glimpse into the unique traditions and customs of the gypsy and traveler communities. In the gypsy community, girls are often expected to marry young and start a family soon after. It's also customary to have huge wedding celebrations that last for days on end.

Throughout the episode, we also see some of the challenges that come with planning such extravagant weddings in a tight-knit community. There's pressure to put on a good show and compete with other wedding parties, which can lead to debt and stress for the families involved. Mellie's wedding, for example, has a budget of £50,000, which is a significant amount of money even for a non-gypsy couple.

We also see the role that family plays in gypsy and traveler weddings. These weddings are not just about the bride and groom but also serve as a celebration of their entire families. Mellie's mother, for example, is heavily involved in the planning process, and her father is working hard to provide for the wedding festivities.

Overall, Born to Be Wed is a fascinating look into a world that is often misunderstood and rarely seen on TV. The episode offers a unique glimpse into the elaborate weddings and traditions of the UK's gypsy and traveler communities, while also highlighting the challenges and pressures that come with putting on such lavish events. Whether you're a fan of reality TV or simply curious about these unique cultures and customs, Born to Be Wed is a must-watch episode.