Wedding Planning in the Playoffs: How to Avoid a Groomsmen Mutiny!

3.5.2023
Andrew St. Royal

Playoff Schedule vs Wedding Date: A Match You Can't Control

Ah, springtime. The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and love is in the air. It's the perfect time for a wedding! But if you're planning a spring wedding, there's one thing you need to consider that you may not have thought of before: the playoffs. Yes, that's right, the playoffs. If you're not careful, your big day could end up clashing with one of the biggest sporting events of the year. And trust us, you do not want to mess with a groomsmen's playoff game.

Let's start with the obvious: hockey. If you're planning a spring wedding in Canada, you should know that hockey is practically a religion here. It's not just a sport, it's a way of life. And when playoff season rolls around, things can get pretty intense. Picture this: your ceremony is set to start at 7 pm on a Wednesday evening. At 6:30 pm, the puck drops on Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Your groomsmen are gathered around the TV, beers in hand, cheering on their team. Do you really think they're going to be able to tear themselves away and focus on your wedding? Think again.

But let's not forget about the NBA playoffs. If you're getting married in the United States, basketball is just as big of a deal as hockey is in Canada. And when a game goes into overtime, things can get pretty tense. Imagine your groomsmen, sitting in the back of the church, checking their phones every two seconds to see if the game has ended. They're sweating, they're anxious, they're on the edge of their seats. And then, just as the bride is about to walk down the aisle, the game goes into double overtime. You can practically hear their hearts breaking.

The Risk of Ignoring the Playoffs: Is there a Sports Bar Nearby?

Of course, you could just ignore the playoffs altogether and hope for the best. But trust us, that's a risky move. You never know when a game is going to go into overtime, or when your groomsmen are going to decide to sneak off to a nearby sports bar during the reception. And if you think your wedding planner is going to be able to keep them in line, think again. When it comes to playoff season, nothing can stand in the way of a true sports fan.

Embracing the Playoffs: Adding Them to Your Wedding Experience

So, what's the solution? Well, there are a few options. You could try to schedule your wedding around the playoffs, but that's easier said than done. Playoff schedules can change at the last minute, and you don't want to have to change your wedding date just because of a game. You could try to ban all electronics from the wedding, but that's also risky. Your guests might rebel, or worse, they might sneak their phones in anyway.

No, the best solution is to embrace the playoffs. Make them a part of your wedding. Set up a TV in the corner of the reception hall and let your groomsmen watch the game. Heck, you could even make it a theme. Have your wedding colors be the colors of your favorite team. Serve popcorn and beer instead of cake and champagne. Trust us, your groomsmen will appreciate it, and your wedding will go down in history as the most fun, laid-back wedding of all time.

Strike a Balance: Incorporating Playoffs Without Taking Over Your Wedding

Here are a few more options to consider to allow a bit of leeway, without making sports a focal point at your wedding:

Embrace the unpredictability of playoff season and let what transpires transpire. Don't worry about trying to control the situation, and instead focus on creating a great atmosphere for your guests. With a fun, lively reception and great music, everyone will be having such a good time that they won't even notice if the game is on.

Acknowledge the playoffs, but don't let them dominate your wedding. You could set up a TV in a separate area for those who want to watch the game, or have updates on the score projected on a wall. But make sure that it's clear that the wedding festivities take priority, and that everyone is there to celebrate your special day.

The Power of Music: Keep Your Guests Entertained with the Perfect Wedding Band or Wedding DJ

Music is always a great way to keep your guests entertained, especially if they're not huge sports fans. Hiring the perfect wedding band or DJ can set the tone for your reception and keep the party going all night long. With the right music, your guests will forget all about the playoffs and be too busy dancing to check their phones. And if you're really worried about your groomsmen missing the game, you could always ask your band or DJ to play updates during the reception. Who knows, maybe your guests will even start a dance-off to celebrate their team's victory!

Prioritizing Love Over Sports: Keeping Your Wedding Day Focused on What Matters

Remember, your wedding day is all about celebrating your love and commitment to each other. Don't let a playoff game overshadow that. By creating a fun, festive atmosphere and focusing on the things that really matter, you can ensure that your wedding is a day to remember for all the right reasons.

In conclusion, if you're planning a spring wedding, make sure you're aware of the potential pitfalls of playoff season. Embrace the playoffs, and your wedding will be a hit.  

Choose wisely! 💕🏒

Happy planning!

-Andrew

ABOUT ST. ROYAL

St. Royal is the creative force behind hundreds of memorable events across North America. Founded by a former professional musician, Andrew St. Royal, St. Royal has produced music experiences for events and celebrations, including weddings, corporate & holiday parties. St. Royal also manages ongoing music programs at hotels, restaurants and trendy hospitality establishments.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrew St. Royal is a former professional musician and the founder and creative director of St. Royal. Andrew has played in integral part in thousands of events - as a musician, music designer and event producer.