The pandemic had a lot of couples tying the knot online. Zoom and other video-calling platforms proved helpful in doing so. However, taking weddings to a new level altogether, a US-based couple had their nuptials on the Metaverse.
Tracy and Dave Gagnon, who first met on the metaverse, at a company event in Las Vegas in 2015, got engaged in 2019. On deciding to get married, they sent their pictures to Virbela, a platform that builds virtual spaces for companies and work conferences. Virbela then incorporate all the elements of a wedding and even customized the bride’s wedding dress. The wedding took place at the same time of their physical wedding. It had all the works, like a 7-year old ring-bearer and a flower girl.
The hybrid wedding saw the couple getting married on 4th September at Atkinson Resort and Country Club in New Hampshire, US and simultaneously held the virtual ceremony. They live-streamed their nuptials for all those who couldn’t make it to the wedding and those who did make it, were asked to download a software on their computers and create an avatar for themselves.
Ms. Gagnon’s avatar was walked down the aisle by the avatar of her close friend. Mr. Gagnon’s avatar watched as his buddy’s avatar came up to the stage and delivered a toast.
Both Mr Gagnon (52) and Mrs Gagnon (60) work as agents at eXp Realty, which works in sectors related to virtual reality. The cost of holding a virtual event in the metaverse is said to depend on the customer’s requirements. It could range from a few thousand dollars to well over $10,000/-
A hybrid event like this is much more in demand and realistic. An increasing number of couples are wanting to hold their virtual wedding and have a physical wedding too.
