Crazy, Virtual Asian’s Wedding: Indian Couple Tying The Knot In Metaverse
COVID-19 has led to the downsizing or cancellation of marriages in India due to gathering restrictions, with a maximum of 100 people. But this did not stop Dinesh Sivakumar Padmavathi and Janaganandhini Ramaswamy from hosting their wedding without any restrictions on the gathering.
Florida couple Traci and Dave Gagnon were the first couple in the world to hold a wedding event in the metaverse last year, according to Insider. "For their wedding in the Metaverse, Dave and Traci Gagnon had avatars created that were based on personal photos and the clothes they wore to their in-person ceremony.”
The old days of 2020 of zoom weddings are bygone. They took this as an opportunity to tie the knot virtually with 2,000 people attending their party - 20 times the limit they would face in real life because of the coronavirus limitations. In addition to being able to invite guests who will not be attending their physical event, additional benefits include bringing Ramaswamy's late father to the ceremony, where he will be present during the event in the form of a 3D avatar.
“My fiancée's father passed away last year and she used to always say he won’t be present. It was very emotional, so I thought we can bring him back in the metaverse to bless us and be a part of the event”
-Mr Dinesh Sivakumar Padmavathi (groom)
"Because of the pandemic, a physical, real kind of reception is not possible with the huge number of people attending, so, we decided: let's make it in the metaverse."
- Mr Dinesh Sivakumar Padmavathi (groom)
On January 25, there will be a demonstration for those who are unfamiliar with technology. Each guest at their reception is sent an invitation in the form of a non-fungible token (NFTs) - an exclusive digital content that they get to own. Newlyweds can virtually talk to their guests - who can customize the look of their avatar and outfit for the event.
The couple will still be taking part in the official wedding ceremony, at Ramaswamy's village in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district. They will then join their reception to meet their guests.
And to make the event more interesting, as the so-called "Potterheads," or Harry Potter fans, the two have chosen a party with a Hogwarts theme that guests can attend with their phones, tablets, or laptops.
Also, 23-year-old singer-songwriter MS Krsna is looking forward to singing at the first event of its kind, and above it will be his premiere of the music video of his latest single titled ‘Odathey Oliyathey’.
“I’m thrilled that it will be one of the first videos from the Indian independent scene to play in a metaverse event”
- Musician MS Krsna
They spent $ 1,400 on creating a digital venue like the castle inspired by Hogwarts, the school attended by the fictional young wizard, to entertain their guests. The one-hour event will cost approximately $ 2,016 US (150,000 Indian rupees) to design, develop, and host.
By welcoming their Hogwarts-themed wedding, the couple is taking one big step ahead and it would not be surprising if a few people around the world jump on the bandwagon line!
What do you think about this crazy yet fascinating concept of a virtual wedding? With the ever increasing invention of new technologies, numerous startups have started to work on the similar concept.
One such startup, WoWExp Technologies creates captivating and immersive content for businesses and institutes. With an enthusiastic team they are able to provide various solutions, from teaching virtually in a 3D environment where students are immersed in a field-like scenario to providing AR visualization to various industries like fashion, food, history, and many more.
Muskan Kapoor
Muskan Kapoor
