Need a planning break? These wedding movies are the perfect pre-big-day watch list – funny, romantic and full of relatable moments if you’re getting married soon
Planning a wedding is basically a full-time job – so when you do get a night off, you deserve something better than scrolling for an hour and then falling asleep mid-episode. Enter: wedding movies.
Whether you’re in the mood for proper romance, chaotic bridal party energy, or a few “note to self: do not do that” moments, these are the best wedding films to watch before your big day. Perfect for a cosy night in, a bridesmaid sleepover, or a pre-wedding date night when you’re both burnt out from emails and spreadsheets.
Why watch wedding movies before your wedding?
Aside from giving you the excuse to eat snacks in your comfiest clothes, wedding movies can help you reset your brain when planning gets intense. They’re a great reminder that the day doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to feel like you.
Plus, they’re full of unexpected inspiration, from styling ideas and bridal looks to music choices and even wedding vows (minus the dramatic running away bit… ideally).
The best wedding movies to watch before your big day
Made of Honour (2008)
If you’re after a wedding movie with a Scottish setting, Made of Honour is the one. It’s a rom-com classic with a backdrop of the Highlands and wedding-day stakes turned all the way up. It’s also ideal viewing if you’re planning a destination wedding in Scotland or simply romanticising your own Scottish wedding venue choice.
Best for: couples who want Scotland on screen, with laughs and a bit of drama.
Father of the Bride (1991)
A classic for a reason. It’s funny, heartfelt, and nails the “how is everything suddenly so expensive?” moment that hits every couple planning a wedding. Also: peak 90s wedding aesthetic.
Best for: couples who want laughs, comfort, and a reminder to breathe.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
If you’ve ever tried to plan a guest list with two families and approximately 197 opinions… this one will feel personal. It’s warm, hilarious, and surprisingly sweet.
Best for: anyone navigating family dynamics, big weddings, or cultural traditions.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Iconic, chaotic, brutally funny, and weirdly comforting if you’re feeling wedding pressure. It’s basically a reminder that friendships matter more than chair covers.
Best for: bridesmaids nights, hen weekend viewing, or blowing off steam.
27 Dresses (2008)
A wedding movie that’s basically a love letter to being the supportive friend (even if you’re secretly exhausted). It also gives strong rom-com energy without trying too hard.
Best for: bridal party vibes and low-stakes pre-wedding escapism.
The Wedding Planner (2001)
Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, and a planner who absolutely should not be falling for the groom. Unrealistic? Sure. Enjoyable? Completely.
Best for: couples deep in planning mode who need a light reset.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Luxury, drama, and a wedding scene that will have you staring at the screen in disbelief. It’s one of the most visually stunning wedding films out there.
Best for: style inspiration, modern romance, and “wow” factor.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
A sun-soaked fun-fest with music, sparkle and zero stress. If you’re having a destination wedding (or just want to escape), this is the vibe.
Best for: hen party viewing, karaoke energy, and pure escapism.
Leap Year (2010)
The perfect rom-com that feels like a mini escape. It’s full of big scenery, travel chaos and slow-burn romance – ideal for a pre-wedding night when you want something light, funny and easy to watch.
Best for: cosy date nights and couples who love a countryside backdrop.
The Proposal (2009)
Not technically a wedding movie in the traditional sense, but it’s full of pre-wedding antics, comedy, and surprisingly great chemistry.
Best for: date night, easy laughs, and a reminder not to overthink everything.
Runaway Bride (1999)
A wedding rom-com that leans into the pressure that can build when everyone else has opinions about what you should do. It’s still a rom-com, but it's also a solid reminder that your wedding day doesn’t need to follow anyone’s script but your own.
Best for: couples who want something funny with a tiny bit of heart.
Bride Wars (2009)
Two best friends. One dream venue. A scheduling disaster. Bride Wars is peak wedding chaos in the best possible way – and a gentle reminder that no matter how intense planning gets, it’s not worth falling out over a colour palette.
Best for: a bridesmaids night in, or anyone who’s ever been personally victimised by a wedding spreadsheet.
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
A wedding movie, but make it royal. Princess Diaries 2 is pure comfort watching – complete with ballroom drama, unexpected romance, and a wedding that’s all sparkle and tradition.
Best for: feel-good vibes, low-stress romance, and nostalgic movie nights.
Sex and the City (2008)
Fashion, friendship and the kind of wedding planning pressure that snowballs quickly. It’s iconic for a reason – and whether you’re watching for the designer dresses or the relationship reality-checks, it’s a proper pre-wedding classic.
Best for: style inspiration, big feelings, and a reminder that it’s okay to change your mind on the kind of wedding you want.
Anyone But You (2023)
A modern rom-com with wedding-weekend energy, chemistry and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a great one to add to your watch list when you want something current, light and easy.
Best for: couples planning a wedding who need a night off and a fun reset.
FAQs
If you want a mix of laughs, romance and proper wedding chaos, start with Father of the Bride, Bridesmaids, 27 Dresses, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and The Wedding Planner. They’re easy watches and ideal for a pre-wedding movie night.
For a Scottish setting and destination wedding vibes, Made of Honour is the one. It’s a fun rom-com with a dramatic Scotland backdrop – perfect if you’re tying the knot in the Highlands or countryside.
Go for Bridesmaids, Mamma Mia!, and 27 Dresses – they’re fun, big on friendship energy, and guaranteed to get everyone in the mood for celebrating.
Try The Proposal, Love Actually, or Father of the Bride – they’re romantic without being too intense, and ideal for a low-effort date night when you need a break from planning admin.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a fan favourite for a reason – it’s funny, warm, and full of heart (plus it’s very relatable if you’ve got a big family involved in your wedding plans!).
