As we all know, weddings can be pretty expensive. However, it’s also one of the most special days of a couple’s life. And it’s no secret that a lot of couples want their big day to be a reflection of their personalities and love story. For this reason, some are turning to blank space wedding venues, a new trend that gives them the freedom to tailor their nuptials to fit their unique vision. In this week’s episode of the podcast, I’ll talk about why you should consider a blank space venue and the pros and cons to making this choice.
The first ever space wedding took place in 2003, when U.S. citizen Ekaterina Dmitrieva married Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko via video link. She entered the hall at NASA headquarters in Houston wearing her wedding dress to the music of David Bowie’s “Absolute Beginners.” Malenchenko, who was 402 miles over New Zealand in orbit aboard the International Space Station, stood up from his chair in his white flight uniform and wore a bow tie for the occasion. He then walked down the aisle with his best man, a Russian mission specialist, who had been standing in for him. They performed a proxy marriage ceremony under Texas law and exchanged rings.
A few years later, a Russian space travel company offered to put guests into orbit for their own space weddings. The company’s waiting list was light-years long. But this year, a startup is offering the chance for a truly out of this world nuptials, complete with cocktails and views of planet Earth through the space capsule’s giant windows.
How the space wedding will impact the traditional wedding is unknown, but it’s sure to bring some new excitement. For example, it is not uncommon for couples to stage their ceremonies in unconventional places like beside a forest stream, on top of a mountain or in a rustic horse stable. And with the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more couples are using technology to bridge the gap between in-person attendees and those unable to attend by staging their ceremonies in virtual worlds such as Animal Crossing.
Considering these trends, it is important for brides to weigh the pros and cons of a traditional wedding venue versus a blank space or private property. It is always a good idea to talk with a professional planner who can provide valuable insights on the pros and cons of each option based on the size of the guest list, the couple’s vision for their wedding and the level of customization they desire.
If you’re interested in learning more about what it takes to pull off a blank space wedding, check out this article. And be sure to subscribe to the Wedding Planning & Event Design podcast!