Our top movie picks to watch on the run-up to your big day
The romance, the chaos, the inspiration.. and a little bit of pre-wedding therapy
There’s something about a good wedding movie that just gets you when you’re deep in planning mode. The emotion. The dresses. The meltdown over floral arrangements. Whether you need a cry, a giggle, or a night off from decision fatigue, we’ve rounded up the ultimate pre-wedding watch list, packed with iconic bridal scenes, swoon-worthy love stories, and just enough chaos to remind you that your own planning journey is actually going pretty well.
1. Father of the Bride (1991 or 2022)
A classic. Steve Martin’s overprotective dad energy & the tender chaos of planning a wedding will have you laughing and crying in equal measure.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: It captures the emotional reality of what the day means to your family, not just you.
2. Bride Wars (2009)
Two best friends turn rivals when their weddings are accidentally booked on the same day. Gloriously over-the-top.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: You'll appreciate how not to react when things go wrong… and the dress scenes? Iconic.
3. The Wedding Planner (2001)
J.Lo. Matthew McConaughey. Soft-glow early-2000s chaos. A wedding planner falls for the groom-to-be.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: Rom-com gold and a reminder that sometimes love doesn’t stick to the plan.
4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
A warm, hilarious portrayal of cross-cultural love, quirky family dynamics, and what happens when your world collides with theirs.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: You’ll laugh, cry, and feel very seen if you’re navigating family traditions.
5. 27 Dresses (2008)
The ultimate bridesmaid movie. Katherine Heigl plays a professional bridesmaid who finally questions if she’ll ever be the bride.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: It’s sentimental, stylish, and gives major wedding wardrobe inspo.
6. About Time (2013)
Less about weddings, more about love, time, and living intentionally. But that beach wedding scene? Unreal.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: The most heartfelt reminder of what marriage is really about.
7. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
From couture gowns to over-the-top venues, this film defines modern fairytale excess.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: Total wedding porn. And the romance? Heart-melting.
8. The Notebook (2004)
Because sometimes, you just need a full-on sob session with your person.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: It brings you back to the why behind all the planning: deep, soul-shifting love.
9. Mamma Mia! (2008)
Sun-drenched, ABBA-fuelled chaos on a Greek island with a wedding that may or may not happen.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: Escapism, fun, and major destination wedding inspiration.
10. Sex and the City (2008)
A love letter to fashion, friendship, and second chances. That Vivienne Westwood dress, though.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: It explores what happens after the “I do” plans fall apart… and how you find your way back to love.
11. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
Julia Roberts plays the almost bride, proving love stories don’t always end the way we plan.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: A sharp, stylish, bittersweet twist on the classic wedding rom-com.
12. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Not technically a wedding film, but a must-watch for any romantic. Cringe, chaos, and Colin Firth in a reindeer jumper.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: Bridget is every woman who’s ever felt imperfect in love, oh and and it’s brilliantly British.
13. Love Actually (2003)
A Christmas film, yes, but the wedding scenes (hello, surprise gospel choir!) make it worthy of your list.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: It captures the many shapes love takes, not just romantic, but family, friendship, and forgiveness.
14. Runaway Bride (1999)
Julia Roberts again, this time playing a bride who just can’t seem to go through with it. Until…
🎬 Why it’s perfect: It’s about choosing marriage for the right reasons, not just the right aesthetics.
15. The Proposal (2009)
Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds fake a wedding for visa purposes. Unexpectedly sweet, totally hilarious.
🎬 Why it’s perfect: Great chemistry, great wardrobe, and some laugh-out-loud planning chaos.
🍿 Movie Night Ideas
Host a pre-wedding movie night with your bridesmaids, fiancé, or solo with a face mask and wine. Pair the movie with themed snacks, your favourite candles, and your wedding Pinterest board. No spreadsheets. No decisions. Just vibes.
Weddings are about so much more than flowers and timelines. These films bring you back to the emotion behind it all.. the love, the laughter, and the imperfect, beautiful moments that make your story uniquely yours.
What’s your all-time favourite rom-com or wedding film? Tag us on Instagram @thevowedit and let us know!