College Football Fans and Fall Weddings: A Clash of Traditions

As the scorching summer temperatures persist and weekend pool parties continue, fall approaches. Along with the arrival of autumn comes the start of the college football season. Fall has also gained a reputation as a popular wedding season. The country’s temperatures become more manageable, foliage reaches picturesque levels, and sunlight offers perfect photo opportunities.

For college football fans, however, fall weddings present a challenge. The conflict between weekend commitments and enjoying the sport has been evident since college football’s inception. Many fans oppose fall weddings, viewing them as interference. This sentiment has been strong among fans for many years, though a segment recently began challenging this viewpoint. They refer to objections against fall weddings as gimmicks and insist that fans should ‘grow up.’

Contrary to this view, for enthusiasts, college football is more than a bit. It is a significant lifestyle choice. Like many others, I prefer to avoid weddings during the football season. My wife and I chose an August wedding to prevent any disruption to the games.

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One example of college football loyalty occurred during an October wedding in 2021. Despite my lack of enthusiasm, I attended due to my wife’s insistence. Alas, Florida lost to Kentucky during the reception, making me quite unhappy as I performed the Electric Slide. To critics who think prioritizing football over weddings as immature, I argue that holding one’s priorities firm is a mature decision.

During fall, my Saturdays are sacred. While outings during other months are tolerated, my preference is staying home or with fellow fans during key events. A friend, Matt Reigle, scheduled his wedding on a Sunday, avoiding college football clashing but upsetting NFL fans, who are slightly less passionate.

Some suggest watching games on a phone, but this misses the core issue entirely. It could be considered more disrespectful to attend a wedding only to focus on a mobile device. Personally, witnessing Florida games requires being at home or with similarly invested individuals.

If you plan a fall wedding, proceed as you wish. But understand if college football fans forego it to watch a crucial game. Rest assured, gifts will still arrive from registries, and we will enjoy an extra hors d’oeuvre in absentia.

Austin Perry contributes as a writer for OutKick.