Things I Learned From The Original “Father of the Bride”
December 11th, 2007 @ 8:29 am by Mrs. Cupcake
Not too long ago, Mr. Cupcake was away for a week on vacation with his parents in the Adirondacks. It was one of my busiest times at work, so I was unable to join them (and I kind of thought it made for a nice excuse to let Mr. Cupcake enjoy a vacation with his parents, whom he is extremely close to and whom I know miss him tons since he moved two hours away to be with me).
Hanging out alone on a Saturday night with nothing in particular to do, I came across the original Father of the Bride on t.v., starring Spencer Tracey and Elizabeth Taylor, from 1950. I stumbled across it just as it was starting, so I hunkered down and began watching.
I am ashamed to admit that I had never seen the original, but I am a fan of the Steve Martin version from 1991. While watching the original, I was really surprised to hear how many lines from the remake came straight from the original; in some ways it wasn’t nearly as dated as I might have expected…. Except for maybe the following:
- In 1950, $3.75 per person was high for a wedding reception (these days that’s probably less than the cost of each guest’s wedding favor!)
- Husbands and wives shared a bedroom but slept in separate beds (at least in movieland, they did
) - Bridesmaids walked two-by-two down the aisle in a trance-like walk (I am SO GLAD this is no longer customary!)
- $85 for an orchestra to provide entertainment at the reception was pricey
Some things, though, will never change:
- Wedding rehearsals are always chaotic
- Guest list discussions always lead to arguments
- The bouquet toss can bring out the worst in women
- No father will ever understand how his little girl grew up so fast
This movie was such a great way to spend my night. It is definitely one of my new favorites! What is your favorite wedding movie?
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14 Responses to “Things I Learned From The Original “Father of the Bride””
Aww– I’ve never seen the original. Elizabeth Taylor looks so beautiful!!!
My favorite wedding movie is definitely the Father of the Bride remake. I’ve seen it a million times, but it never gets old. I’m going to watch it the night before I get married.
My favorite is Father of the Bride - the remake! I got it for my dad a couple of Christmases ago, and we watched it 4 or 5 times together before my wedding. He even quoted from it in his wedding toast to us (which made me cry!)
Oh yeah, I still adore the original, too. People used to tell me I looked like Kimberly Williams (who plays Annie) when I wear my hair curly, and I always enjoyed that!!! I always cry at the end when she calls from the airport…. and I get such a kick out of Franc and Mr. Banks’ relationship…. “we’ll take the chipper chicken.” 
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is another fave, nds24! Mr. Cupcake and I are constantly quoting that — “they did the bibipopsy, and found a spinal chord and teeth… it was… my twin!” Hehehe.
Its not a wedding movie per se, but I love love love the wedding scene in Love Actually. Especially the end with everyone whipping out instruments.
CS - I l-o-v-e that scene in Love Actually as well!
I love the remake of FotB as well. But I think one of my favorites has got to be “Love Stinks” which is kind of an anti-wedding movie. But nevertheless, one of my favorites and it will always make me remember to put the reason of a wedding in perspective and not to become crazy obessesed with getting married as a goal (i.e. Brigette Wilson-now Sampras).
The Wedding Singer.
I second The Wedding Singer! gotta love adam sandler!
MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING TOP THE LIST FOR ALL TIME FAVORITE WEDDING MOVIE.. hehee.. who doesn’t love julia roberts and cameron diaz.. =)
My favorite wedding movie (and one of my favorite movies ever) is the remake of Father of the Bride. I watch it A LOT.
i caught the original on tv too! like you, i was surprised as to how close to the original FOTB the remake was.. pleasantly surprised of course but i think my favorite wedding movie would probably be my best friend’s wedding, and the FOTB remake would be second.
I will say while Love Actually is not a “wedding movie” it is hands down my favorite when it comes to dealing with love, marriage, and the hardships that love brings with it. I watched it the other night while making cookies and it still makes me laugh and cry after seeing it 3 or 4 times. I love a couple of scenes in particular 1) the wedding scene mentioned by others 2) when the friend tells the woman he can’t have that he loves her with posterboard signs outside her door, and this one is kinda wierd 3) when a wife finds out her husband is cheating and during their back and forth he says “Oh, God. I am so in the wrong. The classic fool.” and her response is what gets me “[voice breaking] Yes, but you’ve also made a fool out of me, and you’ve made the life I lead foolish too.” Something about that scene seems so true and real. It seems like something you would say to someone at that moment.
Here are my favorite Wedding related movies.
5. Just Married
4. Meet the Parents
3. Father of the Bride
2. Wedding Planner
1. Wedding Singer
kinda cheesy, but i love the weddng planner 
Mrs. Cupcake, Philadelphia
Age and Occupation: 27, Graphic Designer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Construction Project Manager
Engagement Date: February 10, 2007
Wedding Date: September, 2008
Blogging Since: December 7, 2007
Venue: The Desmond Hotel in Malvern, PA
About Me: Mr. Cupcake and I hit it off at a Halloween party and immediately began a long-distance relationship. After two years, he moved to my neck of the woods, and a year and a half after that, he proposed at the “place we fell in love.” I am a true perfectionist who enjoys designing and creating more work for myself, so wedding planning is my perfect outlet. Mr. Cupcake and I are both old souls, and we hope to weave that aspect of our personalities into our wedding day.
my big fat greek wedding, and I also like the orginal Father of the bride:-)