College football season is upon us and with that comes tailgating, painting your face, and screaming at the TV…or is that just us? Whether you are still in college or a proud alumnus, it’s the best time of the year if you are a fan!
We have it made in Palm Beach County when it comes to college football. You can catch a game locally at Florida Atlantic University or take a quick drive to watch the University of Miami. There are also amazing watch parties for University of Florida and Florida State University alumni. Have you experienced the UF craziness at Key Lime House? It’s epic!
For those that bleed their school colors, it’s no surprise to see college related details in a wedding. However, many struggle with the “How much is too much?” conundrum. You love your college team and want to rep it, but also don’t want your reception to dissolve into a sports bar atmosphere with your wedding party doing keg stands in the corner…or maybe you do. We won’t judge! 😉
We have compiled a list of awesome ways to pull in your school pride into your Palm Beach wedding without your future in-laws giving you the “look.” Go team!
1. Team Apparel
Whether you use them for photo ops or as a quick change into something more comfortable, jerseys and shirts are an obvious way to show off school pride. It’s all in good fun, even if your wedding party are all from rivaling schools. This wedding was filled with UM, UF, and FSU alumni.
2. Mascot at the Wedding
You’ve toiled over your guest list for weeks, but you’re forgetting the VIM (Very Important Mascot)! Inviting your school mascot is a sure way to land some great photos or rev up the reception when it’s time to get the party started. These Florida Atlantic University brides loved having Owlsley on the guest list.
3. Ice Luge
Cocktails need to be chilled, right? You might as well make the ice pretty! Swan ice sculptures are so 1993 so jump on board the school pride train and get a masterpiece worth showing off. We love this “house divided” ice luge featuring a University of Miami and University of Florida.
4. Campus Photos
Most campuses are built to be functional AND aesthetically pleasing. Gorgeous architecture, open spaces, and iconic spots make for a photographer’s dream. Show your school pride by taking your engagement photos around campus. We love this engagement shoot at FAU.
You could even take it one step farther and host your wedding on campus. Schools like Florida Atlantic University and University of Miami actually have great event spaces!
5. Grand Entrance
One of the key moments of the wedding day is your entrance into the reception, so why not make it memorable. Join the party like your fav college football team. If you are a Canes fan, run through smoke or if you are a Seminole fan, don Chief Osceola’s headdress and spear. Whatever your school’s tradition, you’re guaranteed to get the crowd pumped. We love this bride and her ring bearer rocking the FSU Foam Fingers!
6. Shoes
These University of Florida Gator Shoes are to die for!! Who wouldn’t want to rock shoes that are this fun and show off their school pride? Bonus – if one of your school colors is blue, it can serve as the perfect “something blue”!
7. Garter
Want a more discreet way of showing your college pride? If so, a garter in your school colors is the way to go. This University of Miami garter is perfect for any alumnus or fan.
This is also a nice surprise for your fiance, particularly if the two of you didn’t go to the same school. We can pretty much guarantee they’ll be rather pleased to see their school colors…on you. 😉
8. Suit/Tux Accessories
Let’s be honest here, the bridal gown and accessories tend to get all the attention. While we agree that it’s awesome rocking a wedding dress, we think those wearing suits or tuxes should also get a chance to show some personality, too.
A fun way to do that is through fun accessories of your own. These Florida Atlantic University cufflinks and socks are a great start and are items that can be worn long after the wedding is over. You can easily find some for you college.
9. Photo Booth
If you want to show your college pride without your whole wedding being themed in your school colors, then having a photo booth might be your answer. Photo booths are always crowd pleasers as guests have the instant gratification of taking home a printed photo of the evening.
Stock up on themed props for guests to rock in their photos. We love that this University of Miami couple supplied the different designs of the turnover chain, foam fingers, face tattoos, and various signs. Such a fun detail!
10. Cake
Wedding cakes are one of the most photographed details of a wedding, so why not have fun with it. Rock a fun college themed cake topper or order a grooms cake to show your school pride. Your guests will definitely share these cake photos! The University of Florida cupcakes are adorable and look delicious! Chomp chomp!
11. Alumni Photo
Odds are, if you are super proud of your school, there are probably guests at your wedding who are, too. Don’t forget to take an all-generations alumni photo on your big day. Just think how epic this will be if you invite your school mascot! This University of Miami wedding was filled with alumni for this amazing photo.
12. Grand Exit
Grand exits are a great way to end the night. Buck the sparkler tradition and hand out ribbon wands or pom-poms in your school colors for some amazing photos! This University of Florida couple was surrounded by orange and blue for their grand exit. And we have a feeling they wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
So whether you are looking for University of Miami wedding ideas, University of Florida wedding ideas, Florida State University wedding ideas, or even Florida Atlantic University wedding ideas, we’ve got you covered on ways to show your school pride. Happy planning!
