Ryan McNeilSeventy eight hours from now, my days as a single man are over. It’s kinda funny to write that, for the same reason that jokes about my impending doom bore me – when you’ve co-habitated with someone for a few years, you have a pretty good idea what you’re in for.
But this is not a relationship blog, this is a movie blog!
Weddings have had an interesting history on film. Sometimes they turn bloody, sometimes they turn funny, and sometimes Julia Roberts runs away. But whether they are happy-ever-after, or foiled by the most inappropriate outburst, weddings on film are often much livelier than those in real lofe (well, mine’s gonna rule…but all the others).
So as I play out the clock on my bachelor days, allow me a moment or two to talk about some of my favorite wedding scenes. Oh, and can someone please get me to the church on time?
#5. THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN (1984)… Sing it with me once, “Somebody’s getting MA-reeeeeeed!”. Yes, I know, this is the second week in a row I’ve heralded The Muppets…but they’re just so darned cool. After an amazing romp around Gotham, and after pulling everyone from Liza Minnelli to Gregory Hines into the fracas, Kermit and The Gang finally land their dream and put on a gigantic Broadway show. And what better way to end the show, than by having Kermit and Miss Piggie finally get married?
#4. THE PRINCESS BRIDE… Really? Do I need to explain why I chose this one? Along with the fact that it proves how any sham of a wedding can be voided on a technicality, it point out what is truly the most important thing of all. Wuv…twue wuv.
#3. OLD SCHOOL… In some ways, I have a hunch that of all the movies I chose on this list, this one stands the greatest chance of what my wedding will turn into. I did indeed choose my groomsmen for their frat packishness, and there have already been a few moments of *coughdontdoit!* All in good fun of course. Then again, I do have to sit there while at least two of them get to handle a mic (Crap…is it too late to elope?). While we don’t have any wedding singer to raunch up “Total Eclipse of The Heart”, that version did come up at the karaoke night that served as our Stag & Doe! Now if only I can keep people from hanging a giant squinty photo of me…
#2. LOVE ACTUALLY (2003)… They say that lots of girls have long imagined various details of their wedding day. Guys, on the other hand, don’t do such things. However, I will admit, that the first time I saw this scene I was a grinnin’ fool, and did indeed wish that someone would do such a thing for me. As it happens, we won’t be doing it, but there will be enough rock & roll in the ceremony to more than make up for it.
#1. THE GODFATHER (1972)… In many ways, this is what I have to look forward to, except for the fact that my side of the family isn’t Italian, and thus will be outnumbered. Still the singing, the dancing, the drinking, and the food…lots and lots of food! I won’t be watching Luca Brasi practicing his speach, but I will have to make sure nobody upsets cousin Frank (he’s friggin’ huge!). I will see what sort of favours I can get out of Lindsay’s dad as a gift on his daughter’s wedding day…all the while bemoaning my lack of Sicilian roots that prevented our big day from going Full Corleone.
Did I miss one? Feel free to leave comments naming your favorite movies weddings, along with suggestions for the next top five.
I can't fault your judgement…but seeing the post name I was sort of expecting – Rachel Getting Maried, My Best Friend's Wedding, Steel Magnolia…they're all popular weddings.
@ Andrew… I've actually never seen STEEL MAGNOLIAS (I know, I know).
RACHEL GETTING MARRIED is a good choice though, especially with the obscene amount of music going on at that wedding.
Hmmm I've never been an Old School fan, but I can't deny that it's a strong possibility with close nit friends. I loved Rachel Getting Married, but I'm not sure the wedding there is as good as some of the others listed.
Though I would most definitely have to throw in Father of the Bride (original + remake combo). Simple and sweet, just the way I like them.
Oh, and for the love of everyone who is watching I recommend you keep it short ;). Quick I love you, bang bang kiss, marriage, and you're off (all the guys shall thank you for it).
Yeah, Rachel Getting Married's wedding was awesome. Really dug that one. Good list though. Old School was a dealbreaker.
@ Univarn… Ceremony is taking about twenty minutes, so before anyone's mind has a chance to wander, we'll be over and done.
Maybe it's a sign I need to re-watch it, but I can't seem to remember the actual ceremony from FATHER OF THE BRIDE.
@ Aiden… What makes OLD SCHOOL a dealbreaker?
@Mad no need to go back, it's on youtube if you need a quick refresher 😉
Did you forget the wedding in The Deer Hunter? It takes up almost half the film.
A Mad Hatter list with the Muppets in it, I didn’t see that one coming!
A couple of mentions for Rachel Getting Married. I wouldn’t pick the wedding itself but the meal the night before especially Kym’s speech: “I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening.”
And as far as speeches go obvious but still funny. Four Weddings and a funeral:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry to drag you from your desserts. There are just one or two little things I feel I should say, as best man. This is only the second time l've been a best man. I hope I did OK that time. The couple in question are at least still talking to me. Unfortunately, they're not actually talking to each other. The divorce came through a couple of months ago. But I'm assured it had absolutely nothing to do with me. Paula knew Piers had slept with her sister before I mentioned it in the speech. The fact that he'd slept with her mother came as a surprise, but I think was incidental to the nightmare of recrimination and violence that became their two-day marriage. Anyway, enough of that. My job today is to talk about Angus. There are no skeletons in his cupboard. Or so I thought. I'll come on to that in a minute. I would just like to say this. I am, as ever, in bewildered awe of anyone who makes this kind of commitment that Angus and Laura have made today. I know I couldn't do it and I think it's wonderful they can. So, back to Angus and those sheep.”
Finally. My favourite. Again not the wedding but the preparation for it from Fandango:
@ Tony… I could never forget DEER HUNTER. That damned wedding scene was an amazing test of my patience the first time I watched it.
@ Fandango… Damn – those are some great additions! Almost makes me want to go back and re-jig my original five.
Almost…
I haven't said 'I DO' yet so you should include my suggestions or I'll change my mind.
You didn't include Betsy's Wedding!
BOO!
-almost Mrs. Hatter
Great choices!!! I now pronounce you frog and pig always gets me.
I love the wedding in Sixteen Candles … "I guess those guys who thought we had to get married feel pretty stupid, huh, Padre?"
I would have to add in Muriel's Wedding (because it's so sad)and My Big Fat Greek Wedding (because the prep. so ridiculous) and then ice that cake with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (because nothing says love like musical manipulation and also as it may have the largest shot-gun wedding on film)
The Love Actually wedding scene is so romantic!! Love that.
Nice to see the muppets in your list!
I love Father of the Bride as well, but it is more focused from the dad's point of view.
@ Almost Missus Hatter… Like you say to me, everybody's been paid: you're saying "I do" whether you want to or not. Love ya!
@ Jess… It's because they share a love so big 🙂
@ Danger… Good choices all, though I haven't seen 7BF7B. Maybe you could loan me that when I return your copy of LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN.
Hatter — sending you and your lovely bride every good thought in the universe. Love does conquer all.
I like your take on wedding movies, very interesting. However, I would have put the Princess Bride at #1. That movie is amazingly funny!
@ Franny… Thanks for the well-wishes. We'll keep your sound advice in mind until we are old and grey.
@ That Show… PB might have gone higher, had it not been for the musical moment that is truly aimed at my heart, and the fact that I will be living out that GODFATHER scene in about sixteen hours.
I love the pick with the Muppets!
@ Tom… We thought about incorperating the "Somebody's Getting Married" song into our ceremony somehow, but couldn't figure out a way to make it work. Pity.