More than 166 million people in the United States play video games on a regular basis. So, it’s not all that surprising that some couples game together as a way to connect. While some people might think video games can harm a relationship, it all depends on how they’re worked into a couple’s lives. Video games can actually help some couples with communication and problem solving, and it’s a great way to feel closer to someone. It’s only natural, of course, that couples that game together, stay together.
Video game weddings are becoming more popular as couples try to find a way to express themselves in a unique way on their special day. The concept is nothing new. A quick search online for “video game weddings” will show you everything from Nintendo Switch proposals to Mario- and Zelda-themed wedding cakes. So, if gaming is a big part of you and your partner’s life, how can you put together the perfect gaming-themed wedding?
Planning your perfect wedding
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming for anyone. When you have a specific theme in mind, it can be even more stressful to stick to it. This is especially true if the theme you’ve decided on isn’t incredibly popular already. But, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible!
One of the best things you can do is to start with the basics and build from there. You can make some aspects of your wedding more traditional, and use your creativity and imagination to bring the video game side of it to life. For example, you and your partner might wear traditional outfits, but your reception could feature arcade games or an artist who will draw your guests in their “video game form.”
Of course, before you get too carried away with the details, a great place to get started is by finding your venue. Once you find the perfect space for your gaming-themed wedding, you’ll be surprised at how quickly everything else will start to fall into place.
Wedding venues can range from the simple and shabby to elegant and modern. If you have a particular video game in mind, it shouldn’t be hard to find a venue that really speaks to you. If you want a Mario-themed wedding, there are plenty of “castle-like” venues to consider. If your favourite game is Bioshock, choose a more industrial setting. You can choose an outdoor venue that can be decorated and set up like a variety of different classic games.
To cosplay or not to cosplay
Once you have your wedding planning under control, it’s time to decide what you and your partner are going to wear. Cosplay is often a big part of life for gamers, allowing them to make or buy costumes that represent their favourite characters in video games, movies, and comics. While it’s typically reserved for conventions, there’s no reason you can’t dress up and have some fun on your wedding day.
Some outfits are easier to put together than others. If you want to dress up like Nathan Drake, all you’ll really need is a pair of jeans, a leather cuff watch, and a cream-coloured shirt. But if you want to dress like Link and Zelda, you’ll want to be a bit more elaborate with your costume details. In fact, the biggest challenge you’ll probably face when choosing what to wear is how much you want to spend.
Many cosplayers end up making their outfits from scratch. You can get started with nothing more than some fabric, hot glue, and scissors. While that’s usually cheaper, you might also choose to splurge on high-quality tools and fabric, since it’s your wedding day. Some tips to keep in mind for creating a quality cosplay costume (even if you’re a noob) include:
- Learning to hand-stitch pieces of clothes you already own.
- Staying away from “cheap” centrepieces (wigs, etc.).
- Getting creative with the character you’re copying.
- Checking your local thrift stores for ideas.
- Paying attention to detail with makeup, accessories, etc.
- Giving yourself enough time to put together the outfit.
With all the hard work you’ll put into it, not only will you know you’re getting something that will look great, but you don’t have to add the stress of finding the perfect suit and wedding dress in stores because you’ll have something unique just for you and your betrothed.
With that said, you don’t have to go all out when it comes to dressing like a video game character for the big day. Rather, you can still give a nod to your favourite games with an accessory, while wearing mostly traditional outfits. Have some fun with a Nintendo necklace or a Pokemon ring!
Fun fact: Thumbsticks editor Tom Baines’ wife walked down the aisle to an orchestral arrangement of Aerith’s Theme, from Nobuo Uematsu’s Final Fantasy VII soundtrack.
Budget-friendly ideas for a video game wedding
For many couples, creating a budget and sticking to it is one of the hardest parts about planning a wedding. Costs add up quickly, especially if you both have big families or a lot of friends you want to invite. In fact, the average cost for a wedding in the United States is around $35,000.
Thankfully, the DIY trend has become increasingly popular in recent years when it comes to creating beautiful, budget-friendly weddings everyone can afford. If you’re a video game lover, you’ve probably already got creativity running through your veins! Don’t be afraid to put your imagination to work and think of some unique ways you can cut costs while bringing your gaming ideas to life.
Get unique with the details to create a high-cost look on a budget. One of the most creative things you can do is to set up a gaming system for your guests at your reception. As stated earlier, you can go all out by renting old arcade games. But, if you’re on a budget, use your own systems!
Have the game projected onto a large wall or screen so your guests can play — it can be a source of entertainment for people watching too! Interactive games like Just Dance or Rock Band are great for getting people involved and drawing an audience.
For budget-friendly table arrangements, print out designs from your favourite game on heavy-duty cardstock. You don’t even have to go to a professional printer to do it. If you want something unique for your bouquet, look at craft sale sites like Etsy, where you might be able to get something custom-made in the style of a video game. Having unique bouquets or boutonnieres made is a great way to subtly give a nod to your theme.
Want to give your guests a budget-friendly wedding favour to remember? Fill small boxes with gold chocolate coins, or make video game-themed sugar cookies for everyone to take home.
If you can’t afford an expensive, elaborate wedding cake, go for something simple and buy a unique gaming-themed topper instead.
There are so many creative ways you can put together a gaming-themed wedding. The best part? It will be unique to you and your partner and an awesome reflection of the type of relationship you have. With so many “stereotypical” weddings occurring each day, you’ll love being able to look back at your old wedding pictures one day and know you did something different and true to your passions.
