Summer months bring time away from school, cottage getaways and basking in the sun. They also mark wedding season, which is an exciting and joyous time for some, and absolutely dreaded by others.
While the poofy sleeves and even more poofy veils of the ’90s are no more, modern-day weddings are still guilty of being extremely traditional and over the top. The success of drama-filled reality TV shows Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids and Bridezillas is proof in the pudding that weddings have become more commercialized and materialistic than they used to be. The dresses need to be more extravagant. Grown women want to feel like princesses. It’s their day, and don’t you forget it!
This past February, after almost seven years of a wonderful life together, my partner-in-crime placed a ring on my finger. What followed was a whirlwind of a weekend, full of surprises and celebrations. My first weeks as a bride-to-be were interesting, to say the least. I was being told what I had to do, what I should do, and how I should feel now that a wedding was on the way.
The horror of it is that I wasn’t being told by people in my life (okay, there were a few), but I was being told by the media: by shows, by commercials, by Facebook ads that changed to all-things-bridal the second my Relationship Status changed. I couldn’t, and still can’t, bring myself to hover by the Bridal section at the magazine stand for more than a second. I just don’t fit in with the bridal mould that the world is pushing on me.
But then Pinterest shined upon me and saved my sanity. After carefully manoeuvring over offensive text images of “Bling! Bling! She got the ring!” and gaudy bachelorette party kits, I came across the gauntlet of weddings I could jump on board with: the non-traditional wedding. These ranged from simple ‘n’ sweet DIY celebrations, brides donned in colour rather than white, and the most fun of them all: the geek wedding.
I’m talking super hero-themed nuptials, Minecraft decor (pigs included!), Harry Potter engagement photos and Dalek wedding cakes!
These weddings are not only a celebration of love, but also a celebration of a couple and the essence of their relationship. They are fitting into no mould but the one that they created together. What’s a more wonderful way to share that with their close friends and family, than with a wedding theme of things they love?
For those who aren’t the DIY kind, have no fear. Many Etsy stores are here to help you with all of these little details from rings to invites and everything in between:
1. Comic Book-Style I DO Hair Barrette by JanineBasil
2. Super Mario & Princess Peach Wedding Cake Topper by knottingwood
3. Doctor Who/Tardis Freestyle Bow Tie by TheDirectorsCabin
4. Comic Book Bouquet by NerdNuptials
5. Animal Crossing Save the Date by ArtNerdForHire
6. Star Trek Insignia Inspired Engagement Ring with Blue Sapphire by VaLaJewellery
One of my favourite blogs that celebrates this style of wedding is When Geeks Wed. This blog is run by a pink-haired and talented lady (she’s a 3D artist and has worked on the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series) named Cassandra who started the blog out of her pure love of geek weddings. Her site as well as her Pinterest have become a success, attracting such praise and honour as being part of Time magazine’s Top 30 Pinners You Should Follow Now. Cassandra’s blog is updated frequently with links to all things matrimonial and geeky, from sci-fi wedding cakes to little accessories, such as a sassy pair of d20 panties.
Don’t have a wedding on the way? No problem. Many of these ideas and items can be used for themed parties, cosplay accessories, DIY project inspiration, or for your everyday life!
But for those with some romance in the air, you don’t need to wait until the big day to let your geek love shine. I leave you with my favourite YouTube proposal video — videogame-themed and oh so sweet!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e3YHJcGAmY
Have you attended a non-traditional/geek wedding? Do you have dreams of one? Do you also share a love of geek weddings? Would love to hear from you in the comments section!
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