When big games start clashing with big life moments...

As countries go head to head in one of the world’s biggest sporting events, the World Cup is already starting to filter into pub plans and viral takes.

And it’s also lifting the lid on unexpected questions around wedding etiquette, with the event coinciding with peak wedding season for many couples. 

Some (31%) even go as far as planning their entire social calendars around football fixtures, according to AO, with the game taking top priority across summer plans.

Translation: Even life’s big moments aren’t always safe from a quick score check.

Lucky for one couple, that wish actually came true over the weekend – when a groom got an unexpected upgrade to his wedding plans in the form of a giant match-day screen.

Manchester United fan Mark Fletcher wed Meg Fletcher at Allington Manor on Saturday (27 June), only to be left completely stunned when a full-size screen showing the game rolled up at their evening reception.

Guests ended up watching England’s win against Panama together after Meg secretly teamed up with AO to bring in their custom matchday truck and turn the reception into a live screening.

The wedding had been planned long before the fixtures were confirmed, but as the match got closer, Meg realised her new husband was disappointed at the idea of missing it – and decided to do something about it.

“Mark has been an absolute keeper throughout our wedding planning,” Meg explained. “We started organising everything around 18 months ago, long before the fixtures had even been announced, so we had no idea there would be a clash with the match. Although he never once complained, I knew he was secretly disappointed, and I just could not let him miss it.”

Meg admitted keeping the surprise under wraps wasn’t exactly easy, but said seeing her husband’s reaction made it more than worth it.

“It was such a special moment, and our guests absolutely loved being part of it. It made an already unforgettable day even more memorable,” she continued.