World Cup hitch to best-laid wedding plans
WEDDING guests should switch off their phones during marriage services that clash with England’s quarter-final match against Sweden, the Church of England said yesterday.
The England game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, a popular time for wedding ceremonies and accompanying lunches and speeches.
The clash prompted the Church of England to issue guidance for guests torn between the biggest England game in 28 years and watching friends or family being wed. The Rev Sandra Millar, the Church of England’s head of “life events”, said: “For those attending a wedding service at 3pm, I’d strongly encourage you to make sure you are fully on-side with the happy couple and switch off your mobile phone in advance.”
She said that while guests at reception “may be forgiven” for sneaking a look at the score, such behaviour ought to merit a red card if taking place in church. She added: “For those getting married on Saturday, like England fans you might experience a few nerves – but you can be sure that it will also be the best day of your life, with memories to cherish. Who knows, come 6pm, that may be something you share with the rest of the nation too.”
Many marrying couples have altered their plans to accommodate the game against Sweden amid dissent from guests upset at the prospect of missing the match. One couple, Matt Yeo, 30, a graphic designer from London, and Sophie Wood, also 30, have banned mobile phones from 3pm, when the speeches are due.
But they have brought in satellite television equipment to beam the game to their reception at 5pm, allowing guests to watch the match “as live”, oblivious to the score. Mr Yeo said: “It has changed our plans quite dramatically. My fiancée, Sophie, is not a football fan, but she is now embracing it, and in fact is looking forward to it.”
Guests at other weddings expressed dismay at the prospect of a clash. Julian Fortuna tweeted: “I have my mate’s wedding on Saturday. Ceremony starts at 4.30pm. Luckily, there is a pub just outside the cathedral. Not missing the game.”
Jordan Brown said: “I’m doing my best man speech at 3pm. If I wasn’t nervous before I am now.”
Gary Snoad, a groom, wrote on Twitter: “My own wedding clashing with the big game on Saturday – what have I done?
“Apologies to the English contingent, definitely the Welsh family side that picked the date.”