Everyone dreams about having a unique wedding, whether it’s an industrial warehouse event or a rustic barn bash. But one couple has taken the idea to a whole new level: a space wedding.
The first one took place 16 years ago, when a Russian cosmonaut married a U.S. citizen while she was still on a mission. Ekaterina Dmitriev, who has made five trips to the International Space Station (ISS) and was recently awarded the Hero of Russia honor, walked down the aisle to David Bowie’s “Absolute Beginners” on a video conference monitor while her husband was orbiting 402 km over New Zealand on the ISS.
Now, a California-based company called Virbela is offering couples the chance to get hitched in the virtual world of the metaverse, where people can create and customize their own avatars. It’s a platform designed for businesses to host events and build a sense of community, but it has become popular with users who want to celebrate special occasions such as graduations or weddings.
As the metaverse becomes more widely used, we can expect to see more plug-and-play assets that will allow users to easily create the wedding of their dreams. In the case of Virbela’s wedding packages, this could include venues, floral arrangements, tablescapes and even dresses.
One thing that makes space weddings different from other events is the fact that you’ll typically be starting from scratch. “Raw spaces” are often found in industrial warehouses or other unique buildings that need to be reimagined to accommodate the wedding of your dreams, and most of the basic items like tables, chairs and linens have to be brought in from outside. That means it’s important to hire a planner who can help you understand the logistics of transforming a raw space and find ways to work around the limitations that are already in place.
Another thing to consider is the size of the venue compared to how many guests you plan on inviting. Having too few guests in a large space can make it feel empty and awkward, while having too many will cause the room to feel overcrowded and claustrophobic. It’s a good idea to visit prospective wedding venues with different numbers of friends and family members in to gauge how the space feels with different guest lists.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream wedding, contact a local planner who can show you how to turn any space into the ultimate venue for your big day. They can help you determine the best way to use a space, suggest ways to add warmth and coziness, and help you navigate the rules and regulations of the venue.