Father of the Bride

George Banks is a practical, middle class father who suddenly faces his daughter's Annie's announcement that she is marrying into a wealthier, more glamorous world. He fears what the life changing moment might mean for their small family and for the bond he has with Annie. His wife Nina urges him to embrace the joy of the occasion, but the wedding begins to take on a life of its own. A parade of consultants and opinions arrives, and a well-meaning yet distracting foreign wedding planner adds to the chaos. Through the stress and humor, George weighs pride against love and the evolving ties of family. The film keeps the pace brisk with visual gags and genuine moments in small ways.

Directed by Charles Shyer, this film reimagines the classic tale of a daughter's wedding and the father's longtime anxiety. It draws on Edward Streeter's novel and the 1950 film, with a contemporary, witty screen adaptation by Nancy Meyers, with warmth.

With a budget of $20,000,000, it earned $89,325,780 worldwide, marking a box office return and underscoring its broad appeal to families and couples who enjoy warm humor, relatable nerves, and a celebration of everyday life that resonated with family audiences.

Steve Martin's performance as George Banks helped define a gentler comic energy for wedding farces, while Diane Keaton's Nina provides the counterpoint. The film became a touchstone for wedding day mishaps and spawned a sequel that kept the story in circulation throughout the 1990s, influencing romcoms about family and ceremony.

Critics generally praised its warmth and humor, balancing family pride with the awkward funny moments of planning a big day. The movie explores letting go, class distinctions, and the way families adapt when a new generation chooses its own path, all wrapped in bright, accessible comedy for many viewers today.