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Romantic comedies have a way of embedding themselves in our hearts, providing a delightful mix of humor, romance, and sometimes, a dash of reality. One such gem that has remained a favorite over the years is 27 Dresses. Released in 2008 and directed by Anne Fletcher, this film stars Katherine Heigl as Jane Nichols, a perpetual bridesmaid who has been in not one, not two, but 27 weddings. In this week’s episode of the Wedding Reporter podcast, we dive into what makes 27 Dresses such an enduring rom-com classic.
The Premise: A Perpetual Bridesmaid
From the opening scene, 27 Dresses sets the stage for Jane’s life. We meet her as a young girl in the 80s, dressed in a bubblegum pink, puff-sleeved dress with white pearls, a typical fashion statement of the time. This scene is not just a flashback; it’s a crucial moment that defines Jane’s lifelong love for weddings. Despite not being a wedding planner, Jane has an innate talent for orchestrating the perfect day for others, always the bridesmaid, never the bride.
The podcast highlights an interesting tidbit: the story was inspired by the screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna’s friend, Kate, who was a real-life perpetual bridesmaid. Kate had been a bridesmaid in 12 weddings at the time of the movie’s creation and was known for going above and beyond for her friends, much like Jane in the movie. This real-life inspiration adds a layer of authenticity to the film’s portrayal of wedding culture.
Jane Nichols: The Heart of the Movie
Katherine Heigl’s portrayal of Jane is both endearing and relatable. Jane is the epitome of the friend who is always there for others, often at the expense of her own happiness. The podcast hosts, Alyssa and Kayla, discuss how Jane is essentially a wedding planner without the title. She manages every detail, from dog sitting to airport pickups, all while donning the bridesmaid dress—27 times, no less.
Kayla points out an interesting observation: Jane’s love for weddings never translated into a career as a wedding planner. Instead, she became the go-to bridesmaid for her friends. The hosts ponder why Jane didn’t pursue this passion professionally, suggesting that perhaps her constant involvement in weddings left her with little time to consider it as a career. After all, as Alyssa notes, planning weddings can be a full-time job, even if you’re not being paid for it!
The Fashion: A Nostalgic Trip Back to the 80s and Beyond
One of the most memorable aspects of 27 Dresses is its fashion. The movie features a variety of bridesmaid dresses, each more outrageous than the last, showcasing the evolution of wedding fashion over the years. The podcast delves into the details of the opening scene’s bridal look, complete with lace appliqué and a huge pink bow—elements that were quintessentially 80s. Kayla notes that bows, a key accessory from the era, have made a comeback in 2024, albeit in a more refined form.
The evolution of fashion in the movie mirrors Jane’s own journey. While the dresses she wears are often comical and over-the-top, they represent her willingness to put her friends’ desires above her own. This selflessness is at the core of Jane’s character, making her someone many can relate to and root for.
The Heartthrob Factor: James Marsden as Kevin Doyle
No rom-com is complete without a swoon-worthy leading man, and 27 Dresses delivers with James Marsden as Kevin Doyle. Kevin is initially portrayed as cynical about weddings, but his relationship with Jane reveals a softer side. Kayla admits to having a bit of a crush on Marsden, a sentiment shared by many viewers. The chemistry between Heigl and Marsden is undeniable, adding an extra layer of charm to the film.
Conclusion: Why 27 Dresses Remains a Rom-Com Staple
27 Dresses has all the elements of a classic romantic comedy—humor, romance, and a protagonist who is easy to love. But what sets it apart is its heart. The movie captures the joy and chaos of weddings while also exploring themes of self-discovery and the importance of standing up for oneself. As the podcast hosts reflect on the movie, it’s clear that 27 Dresses is more than just a rom-com; it’s a celebration of friendship, love, and the journey to finding one’s own happiness. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just in need of a feel-good film, 27 Dresses is a must-watch.
Show Notes
In this episode, Alyssa and Kayla review the movie ’27 Dresses’ and discuss various aspects of the film, including the costumes and wedding themes. They highlight the character of Jane, who is a perpetual bridesmaid and has been in 27 weddings. They also discuss the relationship between Jane and her boss, George, and the complications that arise when Jane’s sister, Tess, falls in love with George. The hosts analyze the different bridesmaid dresses featured in the movie and share their thoughts on the romantic storyline. In the second part of the conversation, Kayla and Alyssa discuss the various wedding themes and bridesmaid dresses in the movie ’27 Dresses’. They explore the idea of mismatched bridesmaid dresses and the evolving trends in bridesmaid fashion. They also touch on the role of the maid of honor and the pressure to please the bride. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the iconic ‘Bennie and the Jets’ scene and the transformation of the main character, Jane.
27 Dresses fun facts sprinkled in from: https://blog.overthemoon.com/planning/7-things-probably-didnt-know-27-dresses/
Ep. 4 Runaway Bride: https://redcircle.com/shows/76e6a514-5adb-4b83-859d-208d403f23a5/ep/c8667516-c126-4ff8-83a5-5e25052fe8b5
Ep. 11 Father of the Bride: https://redcircle.com/shows/76e6a514-5adb-4b83-859d-208d403f23a5/ep/719d248a-f4c5-4466-b09c-d0ac2b24bece
See more on this episode here: https://www.nashvillebrideguide.com/27-dresses-movie-review-a-wedding-rom-com-classic
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