Harry And Sally's Wedding: A Recipe For Love

The 1989 classic When Harry Met Sally is a popular source of inspiration for weddings. The film features a wedding between the characters Jess and Marie, but it is also well-known for a monologue delivered by Harry (played by Billy Crystal) to Sally (played by Meg Ryan) in which he declares his love for her. This monologue is often used as a reading during wedding ceremonies, particularly for couples who were friends before they fell in love. The film has inspired themed wedding videos and has been described as one of the greatest love stories and rom-coms of all time.

When Harry Met Sally-themed wedding video

Planning a wedding can be challenging, but a "When Harry Met Sally"-themed wedding video will add a unique and memorable touch to your special day. Here are some ideas to capture the spirit of the classic 1989 romantic comedy in your wedding video:

Iconic Scenes and Quotes

Incorporate iconic scenes and quotes from the movie into your wedding video. One of the most famous and heartfelt moments is Harry's monologue in the New Year's Eve party scene. This declaration of love is perfect for a couple who were friends before romance blossomed:

> "I love that you get cold when it's seventy-one degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

Visual References

Use creative visuals to pay homage to the film. You can incorporate New York City locations featured in the movie, such as Central Park, or recreate the famous scene where Harry and Sally have lunch together. Add a playful touch by including visual gags or references to the film's humorous moments, like the deli scene where Sally demonstrates her particular way of ordering a sandwich.

Musical Accompaniment

The right music can enhance the theme. Consider using the film's soundtrack or jazz standards, reminiscent of Harry and Sally's New York City adventures, during the video's montage or background score.

Guest Interactions

Involve your guests in the video by recreating some of the film's iconic scenes or lines. For instance, you could have guests re-enact the famous "I'll have what she's having" scene, adding a touch of humour to your celebration.

Storytelling

Weave your love story into the theme. Like Harry and Sally, your journey might have started as friends, or you may have experienced a similar journey of self-discovery and love. Include personal touches that reflect your unique connection.

By incorporating these ideas, your "When Harry Met Sally"-themed wedding video will be a delightful tribute to your favourite movie and a heartwarming keepsake of your special day.

Harry and Sally's wedding outfits

In the 1989 classic When Harry Met Sally, the titular characters have distinct styles that reflect their personalities. Here is a breakdown of their wedding outfits and some of their other memorable looks from the film.

Harry's Wedding Outfit

Harry's wedding outfit is described as "unimpressive," but he "looks great because he's happy." He wears a simple outfit, but the details are unknown.

Harry's Other Outfits

• Leggings and a Sports Jacket: Harry is seen power walking in a pair of leggings and a sports jacket, a bold and influential look.
• Layers and Light-Wash Jeans: Harry favours layers, particularly when paired with his beloved light-wash jeans.
• Coats: Harry understands the importance of a good coat, and his deep charcoal ulster coat with a tucked-in scarf is a standout piece.
• Turtleneck: Harry makes an unusual but appealing choice by wearing a turtleneck to bed.
• Maroon and Greyish-Green: Harry commits a fashion faux pas by pairing a maroon top with a weird greyish-green, evoking the image of Santa's evil corporate twin.
• Post-Sex Dinner: Harry opts for a blazer and a cloth tablecloth for a post-sex dinner with Sally, perhaps to convey that he doesn't want their encounter to become "a thing."

Sally's Wedding Outfit

Unfortunately, there is no description of Sally's wedding outfit. However, it is likely that she wore something memorable and true to her unique sense of style.

Sally's Other Outfits

• Layering: Sally is a master of layering, often incorporating multiple layers into her outfits, such as a white shirt, a blue sweater with large buttons, and a surprise red sleeve.
• Diane Keaton-inspired Look: Sally channels Diane Keaton with a dramatic blazer for a trip to the mailbox.
• Mixing Neutrals: Sally fearlessly mixes multiple neutral colours in one outfit, including black, brown, grey, and taupe.
• Feminist Message: In a hidden feminist message, Sally wears shorts instead of a skirt, refusing to change out of pants for anyone, even her love interest.
• Party Dress: Sally rocks a late '80s party dress with a fountain ponytail, a charming and fluffy hairstyle.
• Regency-era Look: Sally pulls off an Elinor Dashwood-approved regency-era outfit with a nerdy, historic feel.
• Bathrobe: Sally's bathrobe is not just comfortable loungewear but also serves a practical purpose, as it gets her laid.

Harry's monologue in the film

In the film *When Harry Met Sally*, Harry Burns (played by Billy Crystal) delivers a monologue at a New Year's Eve party, declaring his love for Sally Albright (Meg Ryan). Here is an extended version of the monologue:

"I love that you get cold when it's seventy-one degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

This monologue is a heartwarming and comedic declaration of love, showcasing Harry's unique perspective on what makes Sally special to him. It captures the essence of their relationship, which began as a friendship and gradually evolved into something more.

In the film, Harry and Sally first meet in 1977 when they share a drive from Chicago to New York City. They have differing views on relationships, particularly on whether men and women can be friends. They lose touch after arriving in New York, but their paths cross again five years later when they meet on a flight. Another five years pass, and they reconnect in a bookstore. They begin to spend time together, sharing their experiences with love and relationships. At a New Year's Eve party, they share an awkward kiss, and their relationship takes a new turn. Despite some challenges and misunderstandings, they eventually realize their feelings for each other and get married, exactly twelve years and three months after their first meeting.

Wedding readings inspired by the film

Harry's monologue to Sally

"I love that you get cold when it’s seventy-one degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour-and-a-half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

Prime Minister's monologue

"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. The general opinion is starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there — fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the twin towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge — they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."

Harry's monologue, shorter version

"I love that you're the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. It's not because I'm lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

Alternative wedding reading ideas:

• Love’s Philosophy by Percy Bysshe Shelley
• Blessing for a Marriage by James Dillet Freeman
• Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare
• I Carry Your Heart by E.E. Cummings
• My True Love by Sir Phillip Sydney
• Extract from Symposium by Plato
• Extract from Every Day by David Levithan
• A Chinese Wedding Poem

Wedding planning inspired by the film

The iconic 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally" has inspired many couples to incorporate elements of the classic rom-com into their wedding celebrations. From readings to videos, here are some ideas for wedding planning inspired by the film:

The Iconic Monologue

One of the most famous scenes in the film is Harry's monologue, where he declares his love for Sally. This scene has become a popular choice for wedding readings, with its heartfelt and humorous tone. The monologue captures the essence of knowing someone inside out and loving them for their unique quirks. It's perfect for couples who were friends first, like Harry and Sally, as it celebrates the depth of their relationship and the comfort they find in each other.

A Video Tribute

For couples who want to go beyond traditional readings, creating a video tribute inspired by the film is a creative option. This could involve recreating iconic scenes, incorporating quotes, or simply capturing the spirit of the movie. It's a fun way to involve your wedding party and add a personalised touch to the reception.

Central Park Charm

The film's famous New Year's Eve scene takes place in Central Park, and this location can inspire a wedding theme. Whether it's a winter wonderland-themed celebration or a more general New York-themed affair, incorporating elements of the city that never sleeps can be elegant and romantic.

Music and Dance

Music and dance play a crucial role in the film, from the New Year's Eve party to the iconic final scene. Couples can take inspiration from the soundtrack and incorporate swing or jazz music into their reception, creating a lively and nostalgic atmosphere.

Fashion and Style

The fashion in the film is also noteworthy, with Harry and Sally's styles reflecting their unique personalities. Couples can draw inspiration from the film's wardrobe for their wedding attire, especially if they want to capture the late 80s or early 90s vibe.

In conclusion, "When Harry Met Sally" offers a wealth of inspiration for wedding planning, from heartfelt readings to stylish themes. Couples can pay homage to this classic rom-com while adding their unique twist to create a memorable celebration.

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