The Wedding Date 2005
Directed by
Clare Kilner
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
Kat Ellis, a single New Yorker, returns to her parents’ home in London to serve as the maid of honor for her younger half-sister Amy’s wedding. Little does she know that the best man at the event will be her former fiancé, Jeffrey, who unexpectedly ended their relationship two years prior. Eager to impress him and perhaps stir a bit of jealousy, Kat enlists the help of the charming escort Nick Mercer to act as her boyfriend.
As Kat attempts to make Jeffrey envious, her scheme quickly spirals out of control when Nick effortlessly convinces everyone, including Kat herself, that they are profoundly in love. In an unexpected turn of events, Kat finds herself genuinely falling for Nick, who reciprocates these feelings.
However, on the eve of the wedding, everything changes when Kat learns that Amy had an affair with Jeffrey during their previous relationship—a revelation that shatters her trust. Nick, having known this information a day earlier, unintentionally leaves Kat feeling betrayed by both him and her sister. Heartbroken, she sends Nick away, allowing him to return to America and leaving behind the money she had originally paid him.
On the day of the wedding, Kat’s step-father observes her distress and questions whether Nick might be “the one” for her. This prompts a realization in Kat about her true feelings for Nick, sparking a desperate search to find him. Meanwhile, during a moment of honesty, Amy confesses her infidelity to her fiancé, Ed, while professing her love for him.
This revelation sends Ed into a frenzy, leading him to confront Jeffrey and accuse him of being a “back-stabbing weasel,” even as Jeffrey defends his actions based on the timeline of his relationship with Amy. In a heated exchange, Ed reminds Jeffrey of his engagement to Kat, illustrating the real wrongdoing that has transpired.
As events unfold, Nick finds Ed and the two have a deep conversation about love. Ed realizes his love for Amy outweighs his anger and receives sound advice from Nick about pursuing reconciliation. They make their way back to the church, with Nick stepping in as the unexpected new best man. Just before the ceremony, Nick shares with Kat that he’d “… rather fight with you than make love with anyone else,” culminating in a passionate kiss that signifies their newfound commitment.
Kat and Nick embark on a genuine relationship, leading him to abandon his former job. Meanwhile, Amy and Kat begin to mend their relationship. After the wedding, a light-hearted moment occurs between Kat’s cousin, TJ, and Woody, hinting at budding romance. In stark contrast, Jeffrey remains blissfully ignorant, ending the story still vying for the attention of a neighbor, learning nothing from his past mistakes.
Timeline
Kat Returns to London
Kat Ellis, a single woman from New York City, returns to her parents' home in London. She is set to be the maid of honor at her younger half-sister Amy's wedding, which is an important event for her family.
Reunion with Jeffrey
Upon her arrival, Kat is surprised to discover that the best man at the wedding is her former fiancé, Jeffrey. Their unexpected reunion stirs up old feelings and unresolved tension from their breakup two years prior.
Kat Hires Nick
In an attempt to make Jeffrey jealous, Kat decides to hire Nick Mercer, a charming escort, to pose as her boyfriend. This decision sets off a series of events that spiral out of control as they start to develop a connection.
Fake Relationship Blossoms
As Kat and Nick navigate their fake relationship, Nick's charm convinces everyone around them that they are genuinely in love. This complicates Kat's feelings, causing her to question her true emotions towards Nick.
A Shocking Revelation
On the eve of Amy's wedding, Kat learns a devastating secret: Amy had an affair with Jeffrey during her previous relationship with him. This revelation shatters Kat's trust in both her sister and her romantic situation.
Betrayal and Heartbreak
Feeling betrayed by Nick, who had known about Amy's affair, Kat decides to send him away, breaking the bond they had formed. Despite the money she initially paid him, she chooses to prioritize her emotional wellbeing over the arrangement.
Realization of Love
On the wedding day, Kat’s step-father prompts her to reflect on her feelings for Nick. This leads Kat to realize that she might have genuine love for him, causing her to desperately seek him out before the ceremony begins.
Amy's Honest Confession
In a moment of truth, Amy confesses her infidelity to her fiancé Ed, revealing the complexities in their relationship. This confession ignites a conflict as Ed confronts Jeffrey about the betrayal.
Ed vs. Jeffrey
Ed, fueled by anger, confronts Jeffrey, accusing him of being a back-stabber. The heated exchange highlights the emotional tensions and serves as a reminder of the entangled relationships between the characters.
Nick and Ed's Talk
Nick finds Ed and they have a heartfelt conversation about love and reconciliation. Ed realizes that his feelings for Amy surpass his anger, and he receives encouragement from Nick to pursue a second chance with her.
Return to the Church
Nick and Ed head back to the church, with Nick stepping in as the unexpected new best man. This turn of events adds to the emotional gravity of the wedding, intertwining the destinies of the main characters.
A Passionate Moment
Just before the wedding ceremony, Nick expresses his desire for Kat by saying that he'd rather fight with her than be with anyone else. This leads to a passionate kiss between the two, solidifying their commitment to each other.
A New Relationship Begins
Post-wedding, Kat and Nick start a genuine relationship, leading Nick to leave behind his prior job. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for both of them as they embrace the love they have for each other.
Mending Relationships
Following the wedding, Kat begins to repair her relationship with her sister, Amy. Their bond starts to heal as they navigate the aftermath of the secrets and confessions that surfaced during the event.
Final Observations
In a light-hearted moment, Kat's cousin TJ shares a budding romance with Woody, creating a hopeful outlook for the future. Meanwhile, Jeffrey remains obliviously entangled in his past, still vying for the attention of a neighbor.
Characters
Kat Ellis (Debra Messing)
Kat is a complex character torn between her past and her emerging feelings for Nick. As the maid of honor, she is determined to make her ex-fiance jealous, which leads her down a path of self-discovery and emotional growth. Her journey encapsulates themes of heartbreak and transformation as she learns to prioritize her own happiness.
Nick Mercer (Dermot Mulroney)
Nick is a charming escort who becomes an unexpected catalyst for Kat's emotional journey. Initially hired to pose as her boyfriend, he quickly develops genuine feelings for her, showcasing his depth beyond his profession. His supportive yet honest nature challenges Kat to confront her true emotions.
Jeffrey (unknown)
Jeffrey is Kat's former fiancé whose unexpected presence at the wedding triggers a series of emotional upheavals. His character embodies the complexities of past relationships and the consequences of unresolved feelings. His nonchalant demeanor contrasts sharply with the turmoil he causes in Kat's life.
Setting
Time period
The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern relationships and social dynamics. The characters navigate the complexities of love and friendship in a fast-paced world where appearances can be deceiving, and true feelings often take time to unravel.
Location
New York, London
The film takes place primarily in New York and London. New York, known for its vibrant culture and singles scene, serves as Kat's home, where her initial struggles with love begin. London, a city rich in history and romantic charm, is where the wedding takes place, showcasing the contrast between Kat’s past and her evolving relationships.
Themes
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Heartbreak
Heartbreak is a central theme in the movie as Kat grapples with the emotional fallout of her past relationship with Jeffrey. The personal betrayals and unexpected revelations challenge her trust and vulnerability, illustrating the effects of love gone wrong. This theme resonates throughout the story as Kat learns to navigate her feelings for both Nick and her sister.
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Romantic Transformation
Romantic transformation is depicted as Kat transitions from trying to impress her ex-fiance to discovering genuine love with Nick. Their unexpected connection evolves from a facade to heartfelt emotions, highlighting how love can emerge from unanticipated circumstances. The theme underscores the importance of authenticity in relationships.
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Trust and Betrayal
Trust and betrayal permeate the narrative as Kat's relationships are tested. The affair between her sister Amy and Jeffrey creates conflict, revealing deep fissures in familial trust. The theme explores how betrayal can impact relationships, forcing characters to confront their true feelings and desires.
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