Chick flicks may not be the first place you would turn to for advice on planning the perfect wedding, but you can learn some valuable lessons from watching wedding movies. What better excuse to curl up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and several great movies? After all, it’s all in the name of wedding research.
Keep sight of the important things
It’s easy to freak out about the smallest details, but no matter how much preparation you put into a wedding, things can, and will, generally go wrong. The wedding disaster scene in A Few Best Men (2011) is the worst-case scenario, but it is a reminder to keep sight of the bigger picture. The most important thing is that you love each other, so a hungover best man, a drunk groomsman and an out-of-control topiary tree aren’t going to change that.
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Even the best made plans can go awry
A hens night and stag do are a newlyweds’ rite of passage. Schedule your last night as a singleton a couple of weeks before the wedding, not the night before. Should you end up with a missing tooth, or married to a stripper Hangover-style, at least you’ll have 14 days to rectify any problems.
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Be considerate of your bridal party
If you’ve been a bridesmaid before, you’ll know the horror of being forced to squeeze into a dress that looks divine on the other bridesmaids, but makes you look like a stuffed sausage. Don’t force your own bridesmaids to undergo the same torture. Pick out a timeless design, one that’s not sent off to the Salvos or lent out for fancy dress parties. 27 Dresses (2008) has one particular scene that demonstrates which styles are best to avoid.
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Don’t be afraid to think outside the box
You want your wedding ceremony to be unique, something you and your guests will remember and cherish for years to come. Possibly one of the best wedding ceremonies ever is the one from Love Actually (2003), the idea for which was actually inspired by Jim Henson’s funeral. The co-creator of the Muppets was sent to his final resting place with a farewell from his famous furry creations, who popped up amid the congregation.
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It’s not a wedding without a brawl
It’s not the end of the world if a fight breaks out at your wedding. Nerves are usually fraught on such a big day; add alcohol to fuel the fire and there’s a chance the odd scuffle will break out. Don’t let it ruin your day. There’s no bigger wedding fight scene than in The Graduate (1967). If you are worried about an ex appearing uninvited in an attempt to stop your wedding, hire a few burly bodyguards.
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Everyone has a dysfunctional family, so don’t sweat it
Do you generally avoid family events because you feel like you’re the only one with messed-up parents? Perhaps watching The Big Wedding (2013) will make you feel better about how screwed up your family is.
It’s your day and generally everyone will endeavour to be on their best behaviour. If they drive you to regret that you didn’t elope, at least you’ll know not to invite them to the first birthday party of the first grandchild.
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The things that go wrong only make the ceremony more memorable
Whether the flowers don’t make it to the church on time, the ring won’t fit because your fingers have swollen or you fall flat on your face up the aisle, don’t get too upset. Things are bound to go wrong, just go with it and have a laugh. At least it will be a wedding the guests won’t forget in a hurry. In the movie When in Rome (2010,) the matron of honour has a few problems with a family tradition.
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You don’t have to spend thousands for a beautiful day
Yes, it’s supposed to be a perfect day, but it doesn’t mean you or your parents have to mortgage your soul to pay for the event. In Father of the Bride (1991), George Banks’ (Steve Martin) daughter’s wedding is spiralling out of control. With Franck Eggelhoffer (Martin Short) as the wedding planner, the cost of the wedding keeps skyrocketing. Not only does George have to buy a new suit, he’s expected to pay for house renovations and a pen for swans. Keep in mind, it’s just one day in the grand scheme of things and spending thousands could be the difference between living with your parents and buying your first house.
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Other wedding movies to add to your to-watch list:
- Wedding Crashers (2005)
- The Wedding Planner (2001)
- The Wedding Singer (1998)
- Muriel’s Wedding (1994)
- Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
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