Few events are as important as weddings... and few events offer so many opportunities for romance and disaster! The movies know this better than anyone, which is why so many iconic film moments occur when a couple says "I do." In honor of The Wedding Ringer, here are some of the most memorable on-screen wedding speeches, toasts and romantic gestures.
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
There has never been a more affable human being than Hugh Grant. Whether they realize it or not, every groom in the history of the world dreams of him delivering a charming speech as their best man at their dream wedding. Seriously. Grant could stand up and read the phone book at your reception and everyone would eat it up.
Along Came Polly (2004)
You don’t like the idea of Hugh Grant at your wedding? That’s cool. That’s fine. Then you’ll surely appreciate the icon of masculinity that is Alec Baldwin wishing your marriage the very best. Sure, the wedding in Along Came Polly didn’t work out, but hey -- Alec freakin’ Baldwin toasted the couple! You don’t forget that.
Old School (2003)
If you’re going to give a drunken, broken-hearted Luke Wilson the chance to speak at your wedding, make sure you have far more sober Vince Vaughn waiting in reserve to save the day. This scene from Old School is a great example of a terrible wedding moment being rescued and transformed into a sweet one. Take a lesson, people!
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
A great wedding speech should be about the bride and/or groom, but sometimes, it can mean so much more. Take Julia Roberts, who uses her toast as a chance to apologize to people she has greatly wronged. Suddenly, the general warmness of a wedding repairs broken friendships and everyone is okay. Let’s say it together now: Awwww!
The Wedding Singer (1998)
If you serve alcohol at your wedding, you have to be prepared for the occasional, uh, odd speech. One of the all-time-best drunk wedding toasts comes in The Wedding Singer where the great Steve Buscemi showcases everything that could possibly go wrong when an inebriated weirdo is given a microphone.
The Hangover Part II (2011)
Forget about alcohol. Sometimes, all you need for a great cringe-worthy toast is a genuine psychopath in the family. Zack Galifianakis spends much of the Hangover trilogy being a hilarious and unsettling weirdo, but his complete unasked-for wedding speech is, uh, memorable. Remind us to not invite him to any of our weddings.
The Five-Year Engagement (2012)
There’s only one thing better than getting married to the handsome, charming goofball that is Christ Pratt... and that’s getting serenaded by him at your wedding. In true Pratt fashion, it’s just as silly as it is romantic, but it’s so charming that even the rough edges will pull at your heartstrings. Can someone clone Mr. Starlord for the rest of us? Please?
Wedding Crashers (2005)
Rachel McAdams’ big speech turns on a dime from being a hilarious, awkward disaster to something that’s actually pretty moving. Taking Owen Wilson’s advice halfway through her speech, she drops all of the lame jokes and just gets honest with her sister, brother-in-law and their guests. It’s a wonderfully sweet moment in a movie filled to the brim with raunch.
Bridesmaids (2011)
If you’ve ever been passed over for a spot in a wedding party, then Bridesmaids is the movie for you! Although this scene technically takes place at an engagement party, it’s close enough. As Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne awkwardly battle for Maya Rudolph’s affections, you can feel the future bride’s pain. If this is an audition for the role of maid of honor, then maybe she should find a third option!
Love Actually (2003)
Most grand, romantic gestures occur at wedding receptions, but Love Actually one-ups the competition by placing its big, romantic wedding moment in the middle of the actual wedding! Right after Chiwetel Ejiofor and Keira Knightley tie the knot, best man Andrew Lincoln unveils has lavish surprise for the happy couple. If you haven’t seen it before, trust us: it will make your wedding look like small potatoes.
