THE FIRST metaverse wedding is now just days away, with one couple planning to get married in the virtual world later this month.
A couple from India took the decision to have their reception online to get around strict Covid restrictions.
Dinesh Sivakumar Padmavathi and Janaganandhini Ramaswamy were limited to just 100 people under pandemic rules in India.
But the couple now intend to invite more than 2,000 to watch the nuptials.
Taking full advantage of the freedom a metaverse wedding offers, the bride and groom to be are also planning on the event to be Hogwarts-themed as both are huge fans of the Harry Potter book and film series.
Guests’ avatars will gather for up to an hour at the virtual magical castle to hear an address from the newlyweds.
“Because of the pandemic, a physical, real kind of reception is not possible with the huge number of people attending,” the groom said.
“So, we decided: let’s make it in the metaverse.”
The couple will marry on February 6.
The reception has cost $2,016 to design, develop and host.
While there have been claims of other weddings which have been held both in physical form with some guests joining in the metaverse, it is thought Padmavathi and Ramaswamy’s reception will be the first held solely online.
Holding a metaverse reception also means the bride’s late father will also be able to join the proceedings.
“My father-in-law passed away last April,” Padmavathi said.
“So, I’m creating a 3D avatar that looks similar to (him), and he will bless me and my fiancée.
“That’s something we can only do in the metaverse.”
Writing on social media, Padmavathi said poor internet signal had been his biggest concern about taking the virtual plunge, but that local networks had stepped in to make sure the day will be a success.
He said: “The main challenge that we facing in India’s first metaverse wedding reception is network issue.
“We don’t have proper mobile network in Shivalingapuram.
“So Airtel India kindly support us with the mobile network to make this successful.”
