Louisiana Brides Should Avoid Getting Married on These Dates in 2026

(Lafayette, Louisiana) -  Many couples will tie the knot in 2026, but there are a few dates that brides may want to avoid this year.

Weddings can be very expensive, and the day requires extensive planning. When it comes time to get married, you want the best and want everyone close to you in attendance.

As a wedding DJ with over 20 years of experience, I can tell you that if you don't plan accordingly in South Louisiana, you risk fewer guests at your wedding. As insensitive as this may sound, people here do prioritize, and if your "Big Day" conflicts with another event or attraction, the person you invited to your wedding may not be able to attend.

We will look at a few dates that brides may want to avoid getting married on in South Louisiana. No, it's not because of Mardi Gras or a festival; it's football.

Yes, many of us prioritize football over other commitments, and if you set your wedding date on the same day as a big game, some guests may choose to stay home to watch or attend.

Let's start with September 5, 2026. While many brides are now beginning to avoid summer weddings due to the extreme heat in Louisiana, September seems to be the start of wedding season here as we inch closer to Fall.

However, on September 5th, LSU will host Clemson in Baton Rouge, and you better believe that many of your guests may decide to attend the first game of the season in Tiger Stadium to begin the Lane Kiffin era at LSU.

Date for the LSU and Ole Miss Game

Another date to avoid planning a wedding in Louisiana is September 19, 2026. No, there's no huge game in Baton Rouge on this date, but there is a huge game in Oxford, Mississippi, as LSU and Lane Kiffin return to Ole Miss.

Now that Kiffin is in Baton Rouge, after leaving Oxford, you better believe fans will be invested in this one, and many LSU fans are already planning the road trip. Again, some of your guests may elect to Venmo you a gift but not attend your wedding.

When Does LSU Play Alabama

Lastly, we mention this game and date every year for brides to avoid, and that is when LSU and Alabama play. This year, that game in Baton Rouge fallls on November 7, 2026. While this is a rival game for LSU, this year matters even more due to the SEC rescheduling.

After this year, LSU and Alabama will not face off every year, so fans will be super invested in this game at LSU, and if you have football fans on your guest list, they may decide to just make the drive down I-10 and wish you well on a later date.

Again, as insensitive as this may sound, some fans may prioritize the games over your wedding date. If you can avoid getting married on these dates, it may only improve the attendance at your wedding and reception. Some people have suggested that couples should not get married during football season, but that is a bit extreme.

We hope this helps, and we congratulate all of you on your upcoming 2026 weddings.