7 movies to add to your watchlist before getting married

Whether you're looking for inspiration, a good laugh, or a reminder of what marriage truly means, these feature films are the perfect way to set the mood for your big day.

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Whether you're looking for inspiration, a good laugh, or a reminder of what marriage truly means, these feature films are the perfect way to set the mood for your big day.

Planning a wedding can be tough. Between choosing the perfect venue, managing never-ending guest lists, and balancing family expectations, it can feel like you’re in the middle of a rom-com drama yourself. So, why not take a break from all the chaos and escape into this world of cinematic love stories? These films are not just about entertainment; they also act as a source of inspiration for your wedding. To make it easier for you, ahead, we have curated a list of seven movies to add to your watchlist before you get married. 

Father of the Bride (1991)

This film is a modern take on the classic Spencer Tracy comedy where the lives of George Banks and his wife, Nina, parents to Annie take a surprising turn when Annie returns from studying abroad with the news of her engagement. George, the overprotective father, finds himself struggling to cope with the whirlwind of wedding preparations, making us have a whole new level of appreciation towards the idea of marriage.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

This musical set on a picturesque Greek island follows the story of Sophie, a young bride-to-be who secretly invites three men to her wedding, hoping to find out which one of them is her biological father. As Sophie’s free-spirited mother, Donna, reunites with her former lovers, and chaos unfolds. The film is entirely driven by ABBA’s classic hits, celebrating love, family and all the unexpected surprises that weddings can bring, making it a perfect feel-good movie for anyone about to tie the knot. 

27 Dresses (2008)

This romantic comedy follows Jane, a selfless woman who has never been a bride herself but a bridesmaid 27 times, helping others plan their dream weddings, secretly longing for her own happy ending. However, things get complicated when Jane’s younger sister gets engaged to the man Jane has been secretly in love with. The story follows Jane juggling her sister’s wedding plans and her growing feelings for a charming journalist James Marsden, offering a fun look at wedding traditions, serving as a reminder to prioritise your own happiness amid all the wedding chaos.

The Wedding Planner (2001)

This romantic comedy centres on Mary Fiore, a successful wedding planner who has a talent for making others’ dream weddings come true. However, her professional life takes a complicated turn when she falls for a charming doctor, Steve, only to discover that he’s the groom in one of the weddings she will be planning. As Mary tries to navigate her growing feelings while still doing her job, this film explores the unpredictability of love, offering a lighthearted take on the pressures of wedding planning and the surprises that can happen when you least expect them. 

Love Actually (2003)

This heartwarming, romantic comedy, narrates the story of eight couples from different walks of life, who encounter love in their own special ways in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Set in London, this movie follows a diverse cast of characters—ranging from a newly elected prime minister falling for his staff member to a recently widowed father helping his son with his first love. With romance, heartbreak and joy being the key features, this film explores different facets of love, including weddings, new relationships and long-term commitments. 

The Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

The Big Fat Greek Wedding tells the story of Toula Portokalos, a Greek woman who feels out of place in her large, traditional family. She falls in love with Ian Miller, a non-Greek man, and the film hilariously explores the cultural differences and challenges they face as they prepare to get married. As Toula navigates her family's expectations, including the extravagant wedding plans and her father's insistence on preserving their Greek heritage, the film highlights themes of love, acceptance, and the importance of family.

Bride Wars (2009)

This movie is a comedic take on friendship and rivalry between two best friends, Emma and Liv, who have dreamt of their perfect weddings since childhood. When they both accidentally schedule their weddings on the same date and at the same venue, the friendly competition quickly spirals into a full-blown feud. As they go to increasingly outrageous lengths to sabotage each other’s plans, this film explores the pressures of wedding planning and the importance of friendship. 

Featured image credit: IMDB

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