Louisiana Brides Cautioned – Don’t Plan a Wedding for This Date

Louisiana weddings are some of the most amazing celebrations a person can attend. There is joy, happiness, family, music, dancing, money-dancing, and the obligatory arrival of the police after the open bar has been emptied of all alcohol. And while we bask in the romantic moment of a couple beginning a new life together there are things that should be taken into consideration long before the ceremony.

Did you know that the words to the very first Cajun song ever recorded in 1928 speak of going to a wedding in Lafayette, Louisiana?

Allons à Lafayette
Let's go to Lafayette
Allons changer ton nom . . .
Let's go change your name . . .

Those lyrics are from that song recorded by Joe and Cleoma Falcon as reported by Louisiana Folklife. In the old days when churches, courthouses, and other places to officially tie the knot were few and far between couples would have to travel to larger communities to recite their vows.

Are you familiar with the Cajun tradition of "jumping the broom"? It's also a staple in African-American tradition too.  It was a way for a couple to celebrate their marriage and make it legal until the traveling priest could perform the ceremony. You might still see some of these and other Cajun traditions at any Louisiana wedding you might attend.

In today's world, the modern bride doesn't have to worry about such details, she has a hell of a lot more to worry about. Besides the ceremony, there is a reception, a honeymoon, a gift registry, bridal showers, and other things that occupy a bride's mind.

This is why we are offering this totally unsolicited advice on the one day in the year 2023 you do not want to plan a wedding in Louisiana. Ladies, I know you think of everything but you probably never even considered avoiding the date I am about to give you and the reason you need to avoid it.

November 4, 2023, is the Worst Day to Have a Wedding in Louisiana

You're probably wondering why that date is such taboo. Well, it's not taboo. It has no evil connection or old wives tale warning of countless horrors for those who choose to exchange vows on that date. The reason November 4, 2023, is not a good day to get married is because of football.

The University of Alabama and LSU will play a college football game on that day. And I don't care how big your church is, it won't compare to the religious experience that college football fans have when those two teams get together.

If the purpose of your planning the perfect wedding ceremony is to make sure the attention is focused on the bride and the couple, then November 4th will not be the right day. We're not saying you can't get married on that day but let me give you an illustration of how that day might unfold if you do.

Your groom will have difficulty finding groomsmen since most of his friends will be going to the game or have plans to watch the game. Speaking of the game, if you aren't showing it at your reception hall then many of your guests will either not show up or sneak out early.

You might also hear some extemporaneous expletives at various times during the ceremony or reception as fans watching or listening on their phones react. There is nothing like an elated scream of "TOUCHDOWN" from the congregation as the wedding officiant asks for blessings. Of course, if it's LSU that scores then technically, that's a blessing.

Look, your wedding day should be your day. You shouldn't have to share it with Brian Kelly and Nick Saban. Just remember to say NO to November 4th weddings, at least this year. You'll thank us and your groom will thank us. And speaking of your groom, has he tried any of these fragrances?