Bridesmaids: Their Place And Role In Weddings

The 2011 comedy Bridesmaids was primarily set in Milwaukee and Chicago, but was actually filmed in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. The film follows Annie, who suffers a series of misfortunes after being asked to be the maid of honour at her best friend Lillian's wedding. The bridal party scenes were filmed at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, while the exterior of the swanky bridal store was shot at an old Bank of America building in downtown Los Angeles. The wedding itself was filmed at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.

The bridal shop

In the movie, Annie (Kristen Wiig) takes Lillian (Maya Rudolph) and the other bridesmaids to this chic bridal shop to try on gowns. However, due to Annie's forgetfulness in making a reservation, they have to rely on Helen's (Rose Byrne) influence to gain access to the exclusive store. While trying on dresses, the entire party, except for Helen, falls victim to food poisoning from a previous meal, ruining their afternoon.

The choice of a luxurious and elegant bridal shop as the setting for this scene contributes to the comedic effect and heightens the contrast between the characters' expectations and the reality of their situation. It also serves as a visual representation of the social status and wealth often associated with modern weddings and bridal parties.

The Brazilian restaurant

In the 2011 comedy film Bridesmaids, Annie (Kristen Wiig) takes the bridesmaids to a Brazilian steak restaurant. The restaurant is called La Sirenita, located at 14032 Oxnard Street, east of Hazeltine Avenue in Van Nuys. While it is depicted as a Brazilian restaurant in the film, La Sirenita is actually a Mexican restaurant. The rear parking lot entrance of the restaurant is shown in the film.

The meal at the Brazilian restaurant is a pivotal scene in the film, as it sets off a chain of events. After lunch, Annie takes the bridal party to a chic bridal shop. However, due to Annie's negligence in making a reservation, they have to rely on Helen's influence to gain access to the shop. The entire party, except for Helen, who did not eat at the Brazilian restaurant, ends up suffering from food poisoning, ruining their afternoon.

The choice of the Brazilian restaurant for the lunch outing is significant in the context of the film's theme of social class. Brazilian steakhouses, also known as churrascarias, are known for their all-you-can-eat meat offerings and lavish dining experience. This choice of restaurant reflects Annie's attempt to impress and showcase her ability to provide an extravagant experience for the bridal party. However, the subsequent food poisoning incident underscores the contrast between Annie's aspirations and her inability to execute her plans flawlessly.

The engagement party

Annie suggests a bachelorette party at Lillian's parents' lake house, but this idea is overruled in favour of a trip to Las Vegas, planned by Helen. Annie is unable to afford a first-class ticket and is too proud to let Helen pay, so she books a ticket in economy. This sets off a chain of events that leads to a breakdown in Annie and Lillian's friendship and results in Annie being kicked out of the bridal party.

The bridal shower

History

The tradition of the bridal shower dates back to 16th-century Holland, where it emerged as a substitute for the dowry system. Friends and family would present the bride with small gifts to help her start her married life, especially if she lacked the means to provide a dowry or faced opposition to her marriage from her father.

Timing

Bridal showers usually take place anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before the wedding. This timing is chosen because the bride is often too busy to enjoy a party in the final weeks before the wedding.

Location

Bridal showers can be held anywhere, from someone's home to a restaurant or an outdoors location. The location often depends on the type of shower and the host's budget.

Theme

While not a requirement, some hosts choose to incorporate a theme into the bridal shower, such as a baking party, yoga-themed gathering, beach party, tea party, or disco. The theme can influence various aspects of the event, including decorations, activities, and attire.

Gifts

Gift-giving is a customary practice at bridal showers, continuing the tradition rooted in Dutch and American bridal history. Guests often bring presents for the bride, ranging from sentimental keepsakes to personalised items, homeware, self-care products, and more.

Food and drinks

The food and drinks served at a bridal shower can depend on the theme and time of day. Brunch affairs might include mimosas and breakfast foods, while other options include finger foods, appetisers, charcuterie boards, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Drinks can include cocktails, the bride's favourite drinks, wine, craft beer, or fun cocktail concoctions.

Games and activities

Games and activities are a common feature of bridal showers, providing entertainment for guests and an opportunity to break the ice. Popular games include "How Well Do You Know the Bride?", "Guess the Bride's Age", and "Bridal Shower Bingo".

Etiquette

Although there is no right or wrong way to throw a bridal shower, some established etiquette guidelines should be considered. For example, it is generally expected that only people invited to the wedding are invited to the bridal shower. Additionally, the bride's partner may arrive towards the end of the shower to greet the guests and help with gifts.

The wedding

The film's protagonist, Annie Walker, played by Kristen Wiig, serves as the maid of honor for her best friend Lillian, played by Maya Rudolph. In the lead-up to the wedding, Annie experiences a series of misfortunes and embarrassments, including food poisoning at a bridal shop, an ill-fated trip to Las Vegas, and a public outburst at the bridal shower. Despite these setbacks, Annie perseveres and resumes her role as maid of honor on the day of the wedding.

As the ceremony unfolds, the audience sees the fruits of the bridal party's labour, from the carefully selected flowers and decorations to the emotional toasts and well-wishes. The wedding march signals the start of the procession, with the bridesmaids walking down the aisle ahead of the bride, each carrying a bouquet. The maid of honor, Annie, takes a prominent role, standing by Lillian's side throughout the ceremony and offering a supportive hand whenever needed.

The exchange of vows and wedding rings seals the union between Lillian and her fiancé, Doug, played by Tim Heidecker, surrounded by their loved ones and friends. The film's comedic tone is woven throughout the ceremony, with light-hearted moments and witty dialogue providing a contrast to the traditional wedding rituals.

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