Movie Weddings Vs. Real Weddings
Posted by: Steven Bryan
Filed in:
relationships
10:00AM, Sunday March 22nd 2009
Very few movie themes are as touching and poignant as a wedding, the happiest day of a woman’s life, but one that generally causes months of stress. Hollywood has put its particular spin on the process of tying the knot, but does the cinematic fantasy stack up to reality?
“Father of the Bride” (1950 - Spencer Tracy and 1991- Steve Martin)
The Fiscal Fantasy: In both the original and the contemporary remake, a devoted father must deal with the dual losses of his daughter and much of his bank account as he tries to pay for an elaborate wedding. As the costs go up, his patience goes bankrupt.
The Financial Reality: Counting everything from the invitations to the reception, an average wedding costs $28,732, which could pay for a new car or a down payment on a home. Many couples are opting for a “destination wedding,” also known as a “weddingmoon,” which combines the wedding and honeymoon in one neat, less expensive package.
“Sixteen Candles” (1984)
The Cramped Fantasy: Molly Ringwald plays Sam, an insecure teenage girl who finds her 16th birthday overshadowed by the wedding of her sister to a guy her father calls a “bohunk.” To make room for her grandparents, Sam has to give up her room and also spend time with “Long Duck Dong,” a foreign exchange student.
The Logistical Reality: Trying to accommodate relatives on the happy day can be more trouble than it’s worth. Instead of cramming everyone under one roof, talk to a nearby hotel to see if you can reserve a block of rooms for out-of-town relatives. Your family and your nerves will thank you.
“Honeymoon in Vegas” (1992)
The High-Flying Fantasy: Las Vegas, one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world, serves as the backdrop for this romantic comedy. Nicolas Cage plays Jack, a man who, despite a promise to his mother to stay single, proposes to his girlfriend Betsy, played by Sarah Jessica Parker. After traveling to Las Vegas for the ceremony, Jack gets sidetracked by gangster James Caan who has his eye on Betsy. With the help of some skydivers, The Flying Elvises - Utah Chapter, however, Betsy and Jack finally get married at one of the popular Las Vegas wedding chapels.
The Sin City Reality: The Little White Wedding Chapel on the Las Vegas Strip hosts couples who plan their weddings in advance and lots of spur-of-the-moment nuptials. It’s possible to use the “Tunnel of Love” drive-thru window for the ultimate in marital convenience, but you can opt for a more elaborate, traditional wedding inside, as well.
“In & Out” (1997)
The Big Screen Fantasy: St. Louis native Kevin Kline plays Howard, a popular schoolteacher who is “outed” by a former student on national television. Engaged to be married to another teacher named Emily (Joan Cusack), Howard finds himself struggling with his own feelings and the stress of planning a traditional wedding.
The Closeted Reality: The television show “Seinfeld” popularized the term “beard,” which generally means a woman who poses as a romantic interest for a homosexual friend. In the 1950s, actor Rock Hudson married Phyllis Gates in an effort to hide his true sexual orientation.
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ClatieK
wrote on March 22 2009 @ 11:18 am: [report]
What’s with this assertion that a wedding is “the happiest day of a woman’s life”?? It reeks of sexism and extreme pessimism about the breadth of things that can (or should!) make women happy. I hope to god that my wedding is not my happiest.
loveitlala
wrote on March 22 2009 @ 11:19 am: [report]
How funny, I’m watching Rachel Getting Married right now.
misspixie
wrote on March 22 2009 @ 12:00 pm: [report]
When I get married I want to spend more on the honeymoon than on the wedding, thanks. The wedding will be small, exclusive and as frugal as possible without being rubbish
I am sure my (imaginary) future fiance will breathe a sigh of relief at that haha. xx
Pipi
wrote on March 22 2009 @ 02:57 pm: [report]
My mom got married in Vegas at The Little White Wedding Chapel. It was great. We saw hookers and right across the street was an adult book store! If those dont scream wedding day bliss to you, I dont know what does.Oh and she got married in black.
wolfjinx25
wrote on March 22 2009 @ 03:30 pm: [report]
Cyberpixie,
It’s the same thing my mother told me I should do someday.
I was thinking the same thing. I think spending more on the honeymoon is better than spending too much on the wedding day in itself!
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on March 22 2009 @ 03:43 pm: [report]
@Pipi your mom sounds really cool.
Frugal is much better. Just spend it on the honeymoon, or just do the ceremony on the honeymoon. Pay a local man of the cloth to officiate on the beach or something.
writergirl
wrote on March 22 2009 @ 03:58 pm: [report]
A wedding is NOT the happiest day of a woman’s life and if she says it is, well, then she’s either lying or drinking heavily. Or doing happy pills. Or all three.
Don’t have a wedding. Go to Vegas. Have a destination wedding. Skip the tradition and go for what you want!
amanda lynn
wrote on March 23 2009 @ 07:08 am: [report]
i used to make wedding videos, and there was a toast that i really liked; ‘may this be the worst day of the rest of your life’ or some variance of that.
retro chic
wrote on March 23 2009 @ 08:04 am: [report]
Agree with ClatieK and writergirl. Indeed, emphasis on happy marriage—not wedding psychosis. Armed with the wisdom of others’ experiences, I averted the first wedding delusions, and am skipping right to the second marriage.
amanda lynn
wrote on March 23 2009 @ 08:11 am: [report]
@retro chic - that’s EXACTLY the way i feel! who needs a first wedding? tho i’m not married, i’d want a 2nd wedding.
retro chic
wrote on March 23 2009 @ 08:27 am: [report]
^amanda lynn: A new anti-wedding industry is born… Second Spin or something like that.
amanda lynn
wrote on March 23 2009 @ 08:55 am: [report]
@retro chic - let’s set it up! a business has begun!
develange
wrote on March 23 2009 @ 12:10 pm: [report]
ugh…i hope my wedding isn’t a white dress-infested circus.
Little Lamb
wrote on March 23 2009 @ 12:22 pm: [report]
I look forward to having a very big wedding. My boyfriend and I both have very large extended families that look at family weddings as a reunion and a vacation opportunity. I also look forward to celebrating with many family and friends.
However, I am from a small town and there are not many “fancy” opportunities. The cake will come from the bakery in the back of the grocery store. The reception will be at the local fair grounds. So even a “fancy” wedding by my hometown standards will run less than $15K.
TOO_DOPE
wrote on March 23 2009 @ 12:43 pm: [report]
I just watched Rachel Getting Married on Saturday and I must say- that reception was banging. The different music styles, the jazz band and the dj towards the end, I wanted to be invited to that wedding!