Look, we get that sport is important but really?
Anyone who has ever tried to hold a party/ wedding/ christening/ simple conversation on a day when the All Ireland or even a Six Nations match is on will know that it can cause some conflict.
One stressed bride in the UK is learning the perils of scheduling her big day during the World Cup and we have to say we feel her pain.
Lest you confuse me with a sports writer, let me be clear – I am not. But as far as I’m aware, England was not expected to do as well as it is in this tournament.
For that reason, the bride’s guests are fairly excited that there’s another match to look forward to and don’t seem to care that it’s on the same day as the wedding.
An acquaintance of the bride’s took to Mumsnet to share the dilemma.
She explained that the bride had posted to Facebook to say people had been asking whether the match would be shown on the day.
“Her status basically says she’s angry at the messages she’s had and under no circumstances will the football be shown.
“She’s asked that no one checks their phones during the match and is even going to have a sign made for when people enter the venue as a reminder it’s a football free zone.”
The anonymous poster continued that a few people had commented saying they wouldn’t attend if they couldn’t watch the match.
She said she’d like to have the match shown if it were her big day but said she felt for the bride.
“I do understand this lady’s frustrations.
“She’s been planning this wedding for over a year. I got married quite recently and know the stress etc of planning… but yeah, wouldn’t make any difference to me. I’d be so excited for it to be shown!”
Kind of surprisingly, most of those who commented had little sympathy.
“I would show it, everyone’s going to be checking phones otherwise, my dad was at a wedding in 66 and they showed the match at the reception until it went to extra time.”
“What kind of numpty gets married when the World Cup is on without checking when fixtures are (the fixtures have been out for ages even if you don’t know which slot England would fit in to)?”
“Totally her right to think so but I can see how she will end up with some people not turning up.”
“A bit daft booking a wedding in the middle of the World Cup. Even if you thought England wouldn’t get that far there are some football obsessed people out there who watch every game.”
“I’d embrace it. It is always best to make events about the guests enjoyment rather than the hosts.”
“I think she’s on a hiding to nothing. She should embrace it or rightly or wrongly people will remember her wedding for the wrong reasons, or not bother attending. “
Anyone who has played the role of the weary sports widow in a relationship will probably roll their eyes at the thoughts of a match being show on their wedding day.
We know we’d rather not have it on but really, would it be worth the heartache of banning it outright?
