A couple is set to hold their wedding reception in a virtual world allowing up to 5,000 people to attend, including the bride’s late father, even though he died last year.
Dinesh Sivakumar Padmavathi, 25, and Janaganandhini Ramaswamy, 24, plan to hold their Hogwarts-themed wedding in the metaverse on 6 February.
While the bride and groom themselves will be in Tamil Nadu, India, guests will be able to join in and enjoy the wedding from across the world, using digital avatars who will appear in virtual reality.
One of the most special aspects is that the virtual reception allows them to have Janaganandhini’s late father there.
Her dad died in 2021 but they have created a special avatar to appear at the reception.
“He will be in the avatar to welcome the guests and that’s the gift I can give to her, which altogether will be an emotional moment for both of our families,” Dinesh said.
Dinesh got the idea after watching a YouTube video about the metaverse and he thought it would work for their wedding.
He said: “My fiancée also liked the idea.
“I have been into crypto and blockchain technology and since blockchain is the basic technology of the metaverse, when my wedding was fixed, I thought of having a reception in the metaverse.”
Guests will choose a generic male or female avatar and enter their name for identification by using their unique credentials and logging in.
They can then navigate around with a keyboard, mouse or touchscreen controls.
People can even virtually shake hands and interact.
The event is believed to be India’s first-ever metaverse marriage and is part of a project at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
Dinesh said: “It’s indeed a special feeling for us. It’s unique and we’re delighted to go ahead.”
Dinesh and Janaganandhini expect between 2,500 and 5,000 friends and relatives from across the world to join their big day.
The virtual aspect also allows them to celebrate with all their friends and family despite lockdown restrictions in Tamil Nadu.
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