For many college football enthusiasts, the adage "no fall weddings" is more than a slogan; it's a deeply ingrained lifestyle. As the crisp air of autumn approaches, signaling the start of the college football season, the perennial conflict between weekend wedding invitations and sacred game-day viewing intensifies.
Historically, fall has been a popular choice for weddings due to pleasant weather and scenic backdrops. However, for dedicated college football fans, these months present a significant dilemma. The commitment to watching games often supersedes attendance at autumn ceremonies, a sentiment that has been prevalent among fans for years.
While some dismiss this preference as an affectation, fans argue that prioritizing college football is a matter of maintaining priorities. "I'm not telling people to NOT have fall weddings, I'm just warning them that if you have one, I probably won't show up," one fan stated, illustrating a common sentiment. For these individuals, Saturdays in the fall are reserved, with any other day or a Saturday outside the football season being more accommodating for social events.
Some suggest alternatives like Sunday weddings to avoid clashing with college games, though this may inconvenience NFL fans. The idea of watching games on a phone is also largely dismissed as impractical and less enjoyable than experiencing the game in a preferred environment, whether at home or with fellow fans. The intensity of a game day, particularly for a team like Florida, can lead to behavior not always suitable for a public wedding reception.
Fans who adhere to the "no fall weddings" principle encourage those planning events during the season to understand the potential for lower attendance from the college football faithful. They suggest sending gifts from the registry and perhaps enjoying an extra hors d'oeuvre in their absence, signaling a commitment to their chosen autumn pastime.
A Longstanding Tradition
This dedication is not new. The tension between sporting events and social obligations has been a recurring theme for college football fans. One anecdote recounts a fan's misery at an October wedding when his team, Florida, lost to Kentucky during the reception. The commitment extends to planning personal events, with some couples opting for August weddings to ensure no interference with the football season.
Prioritizing Saturdays
For those who consider their Saturdays sacred during the fall, the choice is clear. The comfort of their own home or the camaraderie of like-minded individuals is essential for enjoying a college football game, especially when a favored team is playing. The argument that fans should "grow up" is met with the counterpoint that having one's priorities in order is, in fact, a sign of maturity.
Ultimately, while no one is forbidding fall weddings, college football fans who adhere to the "no fall weddings" ethos are likely to RSVP with regret, prioritizing the live action on the field over the ceremony. 
