Football Season Weddings: Touchdown or Fumble?

By Misty Gray / November 28, 2024 / Fall Weddings / 0 Comments

Ah, football season—the time of year when Sundays (and Saturdays, Mondays, and Thursdays) are dedicated to cheering, jeering, and the occasional happy dance in the end zone. 

So, planning a wedding during this sacred period… is it really a good idea?

If you find yourself skeptical, you have good reason to be. 

But also—it’s possible that it can work!

At Karl’s Tuxedos in Springfield, MO, we’ve seen our fair share of grooms torn between “I do” and “Did you see that touchdown?” 

(You know, the bride wants the wedding sooner—but also, it’s just that time of the year!)

If you find yourself sitting on this side of the fence, fear not! 

The truth is, if orchestrated thoughtfully, a football season wedding can be a memorable event that scores big with everyone involved. It just depends on what your bride wants, what you want, and what you have to work with.

Let’s huddle up and explore how to make this seemingly tricky timing work in your favor (instead of ending up with a yellow flag thrown on the play).

The Initial Kickoff: Understanding the Skepticism

Scheduling a wedding during football season raises a few eyebrows—and not just from die-hard fans. This is especially true if your best friends (i.e. the wedding party) tend to be die-hard game goers. Here’s why:

• Divided Attention: Guests might be sneaking glances at their phones for game updates.
• Scheduling Conflicts: Key attendees may have long standing commitments to games or tailgate parties.
• Team Rivalries: Mixing fans of opposing teams could lead to some competitive (but hopefully friendly) banter.

Yep, no matter how you run it, this is a pretty annoying list of possible issues. But just like any underdog story, there’s also the potential for a big win!

Drafting the Perfect Game Plan

1. Embrace the Theme

If football is a shared passion, why not weave it into your wedding?

• Team Colors: Incorporate your favorite team’s colors into the wedding palette. Think ties, pocket squares, or even socks from Karl’s Tuxedos that subtly (or not so subtly) nod to your team.
• Décor Details: Use football-themed centerpieces, table numbers styled like jerseys, or a cake topper featuring a bride and groom in team gear.

Note to the groom: Proceed with caution! Most brides DO NOT dream of a football themed wedding. Put overtime into making sure that she’s on board with this before even thinking about it!

2. Schedule Smartly

Timing is everything.

• Bye Weeks: Choose a date when your local team has a bye week.
• Evening Ceremony: Opt for a later ceremony if important games are in the afternoon.
• Non-Game Days: Consider a Friday or Sunday wedding to avoid major college game days, or Saturday if we’re talking NFL.

3. Keep Guests in the Loop

If you can’t avoid Game Day (and your bride is OK with this), prevent guests from feeling torn between your wedding and the big game by:

• Announcements: Let guests know the schedule in advance so they can plan accordingly.
• Game Updates: Set up a viewing area at the reception or provide periodic score updates.

4. Tailgate-Inspired Menu

Score extra points with a crowd-pleasing feast.

• Comfort Foods: Serve elevated versions of tailgate favorites—think gourmet sliders, artisanal pizzas, or a chili bar.
• Signature Drinks: Create cocktails named after teams or famous players.

5. Dress to Impress (Both the Bride and the Game)

At Karl’s Tuxedos, we can help you find the perfect balance between wedding elegance and football flair.

• Customized Linings: Imagine opening your jacket to reveal a lining in your team’s colors or logo.
• Fun Accessories: Football-themed cufflinks, tie clips, or even themed boutonnières.

Turning Potential Penalties into Wins

Concern: Guests Distracted by the Game

Solution: Integrate the game into your event in controlled ways. A small viewing area keeps die-hard fans happy without overtaking the entire reception.

Concern: Non-Football Fans Feeling Left Out

Solution: Offer alternative entertainment like a photo booth, live music, or lawn games to keep everyone engaged.

Concern: Rivalries Getting Heated

Solution: Set a friendly tone by incorporating light-hearted team elements without encouraging competitive behavior.

Why a Football Season Wedding Can Be a Championship Event

• Unique Experience: Your wedding will stand out and be remembered for its fun and personalized touches.
• Guest Availability: Believe it or not, some guests may find it easier to attend during this time, especially if they have more flexibility outside of peak wedding season.
• Vendor Perks: You might snag better rates or more availability from venues and vendors.

Suit Up with Karl’s Tuxedos

Whether you’re a groom who wants to keep it classic or you’re all-in for a football-themed ensemble, we’ve got you covered.

• Expert Fittings: Ensure you and your groomsmen look sharp, no matter the theme.
• Customization Options: From traditional tuxedos to suits with a twist, we’ll help you find attire that fits your style and nods to your football fandom.

Final Thoughts: It’s Your Game

Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple. If football is a big part of your life together, incorporating it into your wedding can make the day even more special. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can dodge the blitz and create a celebration that’s a real winner.

Ready to draft your wedding day lineup?

Visit Karl’s Tuxedos in Springfield, MO, and let us help you plan attire that scores extra points for style and personality. After all, weddings during football season aren’t just possible—they can be legendary.

Tags: fall weddings football season themed wedding