In pictures: Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy Weddings

The new series looks at the milestones in a Gypsy girl's life ahead of her wedding, starting with her first communion … Photograph: Simon Ridgway/Channel 4 Her first holy communion is often described as a dress rehearsal for a girl's wedding day Photograph: Simon Ridgway/Channel 4 The show also looks at the strict rules of courtship, an alcohol-free hen night, and of course a visually spectacular wedding … Photograph: Victor De Jesus/UNP/Channel 4 This one belongs to Sam Norton and Patrick Lee, both from Newton-le-Willows Photograph: Victor De Jesus/UNP/Channel 4 Sam's wedding dress is made of metres and metres of tulle, making it extremely heavy and sometimes uncomfortable to wear Photograph: Victor De Jesus/UNP/Channel 4 The bridesmaids' dresses are also elaborate creations … Photograph: Victor De Jesus/UNP/Channel 4 … although not on the same scale as the bride's dress Photograph: Victor De Jesus/UNP/Channel 4 Bride Bridget ahead of her wedding in Trowbridge, Wiltshire Photograph: Sam Frost/Channel 4 And surrounded by her bridesmaids in equally enormous frocks • Big Fat Gypsy Weddings begins on 18 January at 9pm on Channel 4 Photograph: Sam Frost/UNP/Channel 4