Six Reasons We Still Love 'Bridesmaids'

Who's ready to paaartayyyy? Because the iconic, female-led comedy Bridesmaids starring mega-comedians Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, and Maya Rudolph turns 10-years-old today.

This film's relatable nature, heart-warming moments, and ability to make you snort-laugh and simultaneously cry are all reasons I love this film. But leave your pre-conceived notion that it's just another rom-com at the door because its two 2012 Academy Awards nominations prove it's so much more than that. The comedy has all the hallmarks of a great film, which is why Wiig and her writing partner Annie Mumolo earned a Best Original Screenplay nod. And when you peel back layers of jokes, wit, perfect timing, and well-crafted one-liners (a la McCarthy's character Megan), there's a much deeper emotional truth, which why we still return to it all these years later.

There's a reason why Bridesmaids has become one of the most prominent comedies in the past decade. The film actually makes you think: about friendship, about life, about what truly matters. And, let's be real; it sheds light on the sometimes over-the-top wedding industry.

Ahead of this big anniversary, last week Maya Rudolph spoke with Entertainment Tonight about the film. And the Saturday Night Live alum said she'd be "down" to participate in a sequel. She even joked about what they'd have to call it. "I guess it wouldn't be called Bridesmaids — it would be called Old Ladies or something," she said.

She also revealed to the publication that her favorite scene to film was the bridal shower "with the cookie and the puppies." Admittedly, also one of our favorites to watch. "Having puppies for a week that are not yours is really fun," she said. "I remember that just being a place of goofiness."

It turns out there was also a deleted strip club scene in Las Vegas that didn't make the final cut, but Rudolph shared the cast did their, uh, due diligence in the research department. "We prepared for the movie by going to a male stripper club, which I had never been to and haven't been to since," she said. "But that was pretty delightful. What great character research," she added teasingly. "I will never forget it for as long as I live."

While I could obviously get behind a Wiig-Rudolph-McCarthy-Rose Byrne-Jon Hamm reunion, something so perfect about the original makes us not even want to touch it. Director Paul Feig agreed with this sentiment at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival. "It's really up to Kristen, but also, sequels are dangerous," he said. "The whole reason that movie worked was [Kristen's character] is a mess, and she learned how to repair her life, so you can't do a sequel, and she's a mess and has to repair her life again. People tend to think the artifice around all that is what made the movie great, but it was really that emotional journey, and so you almost have to be careful of it."

In honor of the movie's anniversary and all its greatness, I've rounded up all the reasons I still love Bridesmaids to this day.

It's Written By Women

The film industry is evolving every day, and women, especially women of color, are finally getting a much-deserved seat at the table. Just look at this Sunday's Oscar recipients (Chloé Zhao, Emerald Fennell, H.E.R.).

But 10 years ago, this film was revolutionary. A female comedic writing duo developing a major Box Office hit was a big deal in an industry that was (and still is) primarily a boys' club. The Hollywood Reporter even became producer Judd Apatow's highest-grossing film as of 2011, beating out Knocked Up.

And according to Indie Wire, it is also one of the most popular female-centric comedies of all time, beating movies like Sex and the City and Miss Congeniality. Wiig and Mumolo shattered the ceiling and paved the way for other women writers and comedians. Plus, they created one of the most iconic comedies of all time with a supremely talented cast, who has gone on to flourish in other projects since the movie's premiere.

It's Totally Relatable

Listen, weddings can stress out everyone and cause major tension with your fiancé/fiancée, friends, and family. This movie hits that nail on the head. It's also a pointed example of some of the bridesmaid drama you might experience during your own wedding—though, for your sake, we hope it's nowhere near this level. Two best friends and bridesmaids that butt heads? Tale as old as time.

Not to mention, Lillian's friend Helen represents some of the over-the-top expectations that come with wedding planning, like a ridiculous bachelorette party, froufrou bridesmaid dresses you'll only wear once, and absurd and unnecessary bridal gifts. This movie is painfully relatable for anyone who has planned a wedding, which brings me to my next point.

It Brings Some Much-Needed Humor to Wedding Planning Process

Brides and grooms-to-be, if you're stressed out and in the thick of wedding planning, (re)watch this movie. All of us could use a good laugh, for starters, especially those planning a wedding.

But it will also remind you that you are not alone in this. Wedding planning is hard; it causes frustration, stress, and drama. And, this film recognizes just how ridiculous it all can be. It's easy to lose yourself and put your wedding above your relationships. But, with one viewing of this comedy, and you'll be laughing off all the silly stresses that would normally freak you out. So plan your next movie date night-in with your fiancé/fiancée and be prepared to laugh until you cry.

Friendships Are Complicated, and That's Okay

Friends and weddings are a tricky subject. Picking your bridesmaids is always a hot topic: do you pick your childhood best friend, your college best friend, your cousin, your S.O.'s sibling, your siblings? It can get all very messy. Lillian's bridal party is a theatrical representation of this genuine struggle that brides-to-be know all too well.

In the movie, Lillian struggles to find the balance between her current self, who is close with Helen, and her childhood identity, which grew up with Annie. But it doesn't mean you love one friend more than the other. There's room in your heart, life, and wedding for both friends.

It Taught Me To Always Pick the Nice One

OK, let's be real. Jon Hamm is hot, but you know throughout the movie that he isn't the one for Annie. So now apply that lesson to your own dating life: we all know at least one Ted. He's not your end game, not even close. Take a page out of Annie's book and walk home because he is so not worth the ride.

Besides, there's probably another lovely person about to drive by who will pick you up, take you home, and surprise you with baking supplies—or whatever it is you're into.

It Reminds Us of the True Meaning of Weddings

At the end of the day, no matter how complicated weddings can be, there is one true reason behind it: love. It can be too easy to get wrapped up in the festivities and lose the true meaning behind it all (ahem, Helen).

But it's never too late to salvage your wedding. Just as Lillian is about to call off the wedding, Annie reminds her friend what all of this effort is for. And she didn't give up until Lillian was able to put all of the drama behind them and really enjoy her wedding and the reason for the wedding: her love for Dougie. The pyrotechnics and performance from the '90s girl band Wilson Phillips are just the icing on top of the cake.