INTRO: Nerds unite! No disrespect here. In fact, we have mad respect for nerds because (psst)…we’re all nerds in our own way! And thanks to the boys and gals of “Big Bang Theory” we’ve been seeing an awesome shift during the last decade or so to embrace your nerdome. One of the best places this has showed up in is weddings. We’re seeing everything from superhero motifs on wedding cakes to hand-painted Dr. Who high heels for the bride. This Fandom evolution is making weddings such a place of full self expression. Here are just a few.

#1: Star Wars

You’re probably a millennial if this theme resonates with you. Although Episodes 7-9 have revitalized this franchise with a vengeance –there are some downright previous Kylo Ren-Rey wedding inspos out there–most of us who get real nostalgic for Luke, Chewie, and the rest of the gang grew up with it as a core part of our childhood; those of us who turned anything remotely like a stick into a lightsaber, practiced our Darth Maul moves, and were convinced Ewoks are the cutest things in the known universe. Capture that nostalgia for your wedding in less than 12 parsecs a with whimsically nerd-tastic mini menageries as centerpieces in which small Death Star or Millennium Falcons are half-hidden among alien-looking organics. The charm of this theme is in sprinkling Star Wars details into incongruous places–lightsaber bases on bouquets, a domed processional of sabers to light your exit, a Death Star ring box for the moment of exchange at the altar. Let a white sugar confected-Falcon land on the side of your cake or on a funky boutonniere. Use Han and Leia’s classic “I Love You,” “I Know,” on bride and groom champagne flutes or as a neon sign to light up your night sky’ celebration. And please–we beg you–have the bridesmaids or the bride herself wear upscale space buns sprinkled with silver star dust.

#2: Lord of the Rings

This wedding theme gives new meaning to the phrase, “One ring to rule them all…” Far from a gimmick, a “Lord of the Rings” wedding embraces everything timeless about this iconic series: friendship, sacrifice, courage, compassion, and everlasting love. And aren’t those the basis for a true marriage? Besides, what’s a wedding party if not your own Fellowship? The wedding rings will have to be very special with this theme–perhaps engraved with your personal vows in Elfish script. Channel Galadriel with an ethereal elfin gown and flowing hair. Wed beneath twin white trees with Arwen’s Evenstar around your neck and a bouquet of wild mushrooms in your hands. After an elegant elfin ceremony, shift to Hobbit sensibilities with plenty of food, plenty of drink, and a barefoot meal among friends by a crackling fire. Do a twist on Lembas bread wrapped in leaves or enjoy a moss-draped cake. Don’t forget to hang a placard on the door declaring: “No Admittance Except on Party Business.” And punctuate the celebration with Gandalf’s pilfered fireworks!

#3: Dune

Whether you’re a long-standing fan of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic or didn’t fall under the spell of Arrakis until the 2021 film was released, this theme is for you. Despite the behemoth space crafts and complex tech, “Dune” is atmospheric in a truly otherworldly way. The visuals are stark and stunning, lending a mystery to the tale of misguided power and doomed love. Sounds bleak. But if he who controls the spice controls your heart, a steamy desert “Dune” wedding could be legendary. Choose a striking desert setting, airy fabrics in all the shades of sand ranging from eggshell to taupe to rust and bronze. Consider including a water feature like a pond or waterfall to honor the sacred pool as the Fremen do. Gather In a gorgeously lit tent or outside for a wild and wonderful celebration beneath the naked stars. Indulge in spiced cake sprinkled with gold dust. Compose a style of desert blooms and minimalistic decor that’s a mix of both industrial shapes and organic to join Atreides and Arrakis. And there’s no end to outfit inspiration. From Lady Jessica’s layered yellow chiffon to Princess Irulan’s beaded creations–any of which would make a truly breathtaking bridal headdress. And use Hans Zimmer’s ethereal score to set the mood–especially Paul and Chani’s love theme “Never Lose Me.”

#4: Labyrinth

Okay, okay. Labyrinth is weird as a romantic choice. The puppets are often bizarre. Well, really the whole thing is mostly bizarre. But many millennial women connected to it as teens. The fantasy masquerade scene was a serious vibe that stuck with a lot of us. Sure, rock sensation David Bowie was wearing as much makeup (if not more) than Jennifer Connely’s Sarah and had a less-than gallant agenda. But look past the weirdness of the pairing. Blame it on the lyrics to “As the World Falls Down” that this fantasy ball has become cult classic core to our romantic identities. Imagine waltzing to that very song in a ballroom of masked revelers in an upcycled 80s ball gown with slightly less gravity-defying puff sleeves. Glitter, gilded mirrors on every wall, a bouquet of pure pearls. Provide masks to your guests or a mask decorating station where they can bedazzle their own. Hour glasses and golden timepieces –including 13 o’clock at the top of you can manage it–and a snowy owl presiding over the event. End the evening with a peach-infused cake like Hoggle’s forbidden fruit and delight younger guests with an hourly puppet show (maybe even a puppet show depicting your love story for extra cute).

#5: Firefly

Browncoats at the ready! Doesn’t matter this show had a tragically short run, the fans are still just as ride-or-die. And you can use it as inspiration for the best wedding in the ‘verse. Please start with shirts for your groomsmen and bridesmaids with the logo “I Aim to Misbehave” for the bachelor and bachelorette parties. There are more setting options than Captain Malcolm Reynolds has bullets: take a horse ride up to a desert picnic, dance in a silver-drenched, futuristic fuselage, or lounge at a low table on piles of embroidered pillows like Inara’s Indian-style boudoir. An Indian-inspired wedding gown would also be companion-approved. Or consider Inara’s glitter-edged mini veil from the episode “Trash.” Let’s not forget the possibility of Asian influences, like a canopy of Kaylee’s Japanese umbrellas and a sushi bar. Edgy bride? Sport black combat boots under your dress in honor of River’s heavy footwear. Bestow orange-on-orange knit hats like Jayne’s on your groomsmen–whether you want them to wear them with their tuxes is up to you. Ideas for guest favors are as limitless as the black itself. Our favorite is probably Wash’s little plastic dinosaur figurines with a tag reading, “Curse your sudden by inevitable betrayal!” And showcase Serenity on your cake, or in your bouquet, or we swear by our pretty floral bonnet, we will end you. 😉

Conclusion:

Didn’t see your favorite fandom here? Check out Part 2!! And let us know which of these wedding themes is your favorite. Is it Dune or Star Wars for you?