Entertainment

13 Must-See Movies To Watch Before Getting Engaged

by Zainab Akande

Like 21st birthdays and graduations, weddings are on the list of life's most exciting major milestones. An engagement, followed by a wedding, is an important step in life should a couple decide to take that leap forward. Planning to wed that one special person means that you're ready to commit the rest of your life to him or her, for better or for worse, through sickness and in health, until death do you part. Getting hitched is all about saying goodbye to the single life and focusing on building a life from the ground up with your one true love (or bae — whatever you want to call your significant other). But just before getting to the altar and saying "I do," there are a handful of movies you should watch before getting engaged to your fiancé or fiancée.

For anyone who loves a good film, what better way than to mentally prep for a lifetime of commitment by seeing how it all plays out on the big screen over the years? While movies can only teach us so much in the way of doing, they can certainly lead in the way in what not to do for everything leading up to the wedding.

1. Mamma Mia (2008)

This ABBA-infused musical provides an important warning to maybe not try and not solve your "who is my father" drama in the backdrop of your destination Greek wedding. Also, you might want to consider singing at your wedding — lots and lots of singing.

2. 27 Dresses (2008)

For all the ladies who have been bridesmaids several times before becoming brides. When the right person comes along, your time to shine does as well!

3. Bridesmaids (2011)

Who will be the maid of honor at your wedding? And are they up to the task? This movie shows that there's a lot that can go wrong behind the scenes for more than just the bride.

4. My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

Let's hope that you're not only planning to wed the love of your life, but someone who is your best friend as well, otherwise you could be caught in the midst of an awkward scenario like in this movie.

5. The Proposal (1997)

While marrying someone for the sake of remaining in the United States isn't exactly romantic or ideal, you can't help but root for the couple of this accidentally-found-love rom-com.

6. Made Of Honor (2008)

Another "friend is in love with bestie but the bestie is engaged" flick. It just goes to show that if you're in love with your best friend, you might want to speak up before it's too late. And hey, if my bestie was Patrick "McDreamy" Dempsey, I definitely would not hesitate to confess my heart out.

7. Bride Wars (2009)

Make sure your wedding doesn't fall on the same day as your BFF's, otherwise you may find yourselves duking it out, just like leading ladies of this movie.

8. The Hangover (2009)

The Hangover, by far, is the worst case scenario for any bachelor or bachelorette party. How crazy you want things to get at your last celebration of the single life is definitely something to keep in mind before before you get engaged.

9. The Princess Bride (1987)

This '80s film is a hilarious in-between an actual movie and Disney-esque fairy tale, complete with princesses, princes, and saving the one you love. Thankfully, feminism is a big deal in this modern age, so no having to be saved from not-so-nice princes here, thank you very much.

10. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

For anyone getting engaged who also may also be heading into a intercultural union, this movie is for you — despite differences, love and dedication can make it work.

11. The Wedding Singer (1998)

This movie, which takes place in the '80s, totally reminds us why we've all dreamed of falling in love with a musician at some point and time (even if we actually don't end up engaged to one).

12. Wedding Crashers (2005)

Because no one really likes it when someone shows up uninvited (though this comedy totally makes party crashing look cool).

13. Sex And The City: The Movie (2008)

When Mr. Big got cold feet and left Carrie at the altar, we all thought they would be done for good, which just goes to show, you want to be absolutely certain before you saying yes. Also, a Vogue wedding shoot? #Goals!

Now that you've theoretically viewed all 13 of these movies, you're more than ready to take on the world of being officially engaged. And enjoy the honeymoon period, because as we all known, as wonderful as planning a wedding is, there's a lot to stress over as well (if these movies are any indication).

Images: New Line Cinema; Giphy