Wedding, Set, GO! Win $1,500 and Design Help from Shapeways to Make Your 3D Printed Wedding Dreams Come True

I went through a brief phase during which my guilty pleasure and stress relief was wedding-themed reality TV. Mostly, I blame my former roommate, but there’s something addictive about wedding shows, whether they’re classy and creative like My Fair Wedding or trashy and disturbing yet hilarious, like Bridezillas or – and I can still barely bring myself to admit I watched this one – Bridalplasty. What most of these shows had in common was that they were centered around couples (or, usually, brides) competing for money or other prizes that would enable them to create their “dream weddings.”

My wedding TV phase didn’t last too long – I could only stomach the horrible, shallow people for a short period – but it was an educational experience for me. While Bridezillas might be overblown and over-dramatized for entertainment purposes (at least, I hope so), the obsession with the perfect wedding is a very real phenomenon in our culture right now. I’ve attended/participated in several weddings over the last few years, and while most of them were beautiful examples of low-budget creativity, there are many people who are willing to bankrupt themselves for a single night of decadence – and the enormous wedding industry is more than willing to help them do it.

As I discovered with many of my friends’ weddings, though, massive amounts of money aren’t necessary to create a memorable and unique wedding and reception, especially if you’re willing to put some creativity and DIY mentality into it. We recently highlighted some brilliant examples of 3D printing being used to create unique wedding favors and decor, but the possibilities are endless – even if you don’t have any experience with 3D modeling.

Shapeways is introducing a competition that will award one winning couple $1,000 in design fees and $500 in Shapeways printing credit for the purpose of creating something 3D printed for their wedding – whether it be custom rings, centerpieces, accessories, etc. No 3D design knowledge is required – all entrants need to do is upload a “mood board” that illustrates the concept they want to create to Pinterest. The winner will be given the opportunity to choose one of Shapeways’ Designers for Hire, who will work with them to design and print their ideas.

3D printed ring from Designer for Hire Scott Denton.

“You don’t need to know how to 3D model to bring your unique wedding idea to life,” Shapeways assures would-be entrants. “Whatever you’re dreaming of making—custom wedding rings or personalized gifts for your bridal party, stylized cake toppers or porcelain centerpieces—you can work with one of our Designers for Hire to turn your idea into a 3D printed reality.”

The “Wedding, Set, GO!” competition is free to enter, and entries are being accepted from today until July 8. Entries will be judged on the quality of your Pinterest board, the creative use of 3D printing, and the necessity of a designer’s help for the project. The winner will be selected on July 15. It’s a lovely idea for a contest in the heart of wedding season, and will help the lucky winners to add a special creative touch to their weddings. Plus, unlike many more well-known wedding-related competitions, no public humiliation, backstabbing, or televised shenanigans are required. Do you have a great idea for this challenge? Fill us in over in the Wedding 3D Print Challenge forum at 3DPB.com.