Meetings Blog Nov 08, 2019
When it comes to planning a wedding, on a shoestring or breaking the bank, there are sources of advice all around. Those experienced planners that have ‘been there, done that’, the happy couple themselves, their keen-to-help family and friends, and a plethora of websites all have their tips and recommendations on how best to deliver the ‘happiest day of their lives’. But what do they know?
As any regular cinema goer or Netflix addict can attest, the real experts in this world are the actors and actresses that portray the characters on our screens. With that in mind, let’s dive into a few famous movies where there is something to learn when it comes to planning a wedding…
As the title suggests, the story behind this classic centers on George Banks and his long, painful journey to eventually ‘give away’ his daughter, Annie. The lesson for any wedding planner from this is surely that anything and everything can go wrong in the build up, and also that people, especially close family members under some pressure, can behave in rather strange ways. Maybe you could look to the movie’s very own Franck Eggelhoffer as the planner example to follow. Then again…
Coincidences happen. That’s an important message to bear in mind when piecing together your wedding plans, and perfectly captured in the 2009 movie starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway. Best friends Liv and Emma couldn’t believe it when an administration mix-up puts their individual celebrations on a collision course. Obviously, things got a bit nasty before they eventually returned to being besties, but as a planner you always need to consider that even the most unlikely situations can pop up. And being a top influencer can certainly help in finding the solution without guests, or brides, rolling about on the floor.
This comedy sees John and Jeremy (aka Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn) take on a variety of personas as they go round a number of weddings with one thing on their mind…fun! As a planner, it’s good to be mindful that any wedding can be infiltrated by unexpected guests, and that their arrival can change the desired flow of the day. And it doesn’t always have to be imposters that cause this. Caterers, band members, or the weird second cousin that nobody knows but who had to be invited, can all add to your required improvisation. Best to try and identify any potential loose cannons early on, and then stay ahead of any rash moves.
Of course this movie was going to be on our list. As the title makes clear, the whole premise of the story lies with the planning protagonist Mary, played by Jennifer Lopez. Mary is fully dedicated to her work, fabulous at coordinating all the required tasks, and demonstrates her therapeutic skills on numerous occasions as she paints the optimistic picture for any couples having second thoughts. Charm and class exude from the star as she sets an example of professionalism for all non-Hollywood wedding planners to follow. Oh, just don’t fall in love with the client!
So, there you have it. By taking a few of the ideas from our newly-defined ‘experts’ above you can be sure to get it right on the big day. Let’s all raise a glass and make a toast: to the movie wedding planners.
