5 Books For Fans of Father of the Bride

Do you long for the days of watching Steve Martin and Kimberly Williams-Paisley strike up the most enviable father-daughter relationship on screen? Us too, which is why we went on a hunt for dramas that embody the perfect trifecta of family drama, heartwarming humor, and a plot that grips our imaginations (oh, and sometimes there is a wedding). Here are the five books every fan of Father of the Bride (FOTB) should turn to for entertainment at its finest.

01
The People We Hate at the Wedding by Grant Ginder
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The People We Hate at the Wedding by Grant Ginder

The wonderfully kind and cultured Eloise is set to get married in London . . . the problem? Her dysfunctional family will be in tow, and they can't stand a single moment of the fancy and opulent occasion. A bold and deft exploration of the consequences of envy running in a family, The People We Hate at the Wedding is a richly humorous tale that will have you entranced from the first page. Trust us, you won't want to miss your invite to Grant Ginder's dazzling literary occasion.

02
Once and For All by Sarah Dessen
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Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

What's more dramatic than a wedding? Wedding planning, and New York Times-bestselling author Sarah Dessen delivers an addictive tale about finding love when you least expect it (even when your entire life revolves around celebrating it). A romantic parade brimming with laughter-inducing plot, heartwarming romance, and an ending that transcends the definition of happy, Once and For All will uplift the heart of every FOTB aficionado.

03
The Ship of Brides by JoJo Moyes
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The Ship of Brides by JoJo Moyes

Yes, this does involve a literal ship of brides (650 of them, to be exact). A stunning and touching tale set in the wake of World War II, The Ship of Brides details the war brides who crossed the ocean in masses to keep marriage promises. The catch? The ship is also brimming with a thousand naval officers, and despite the Navy's ironclad sanctions, their lives and fates mingle in the most entertaining ways possible. A gorgeous plot dance of promises, hopes, dreams, and newfound love, The Ship of Brides will warm the heart of every sentimental FOTB fan.

04
American Family by Catherine Marshall-Smith
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American Family by Catherine Marshall-Smith

American Family isn't all flowers and literary rainbows, but reading your way through all levels of family dynamics (and drama) will surely balm the pangs of missing Father of the Bride. Happily sober Richard and Michael are about to start their lives together . . . but there is one issue standing in the way: Richard wants a relationship with his 10-year-old daughter. Unfortunately, her fiercely Christian grandparents won't allow it. A tender story about fighting for family in the most harrowing of circumstances, American Family will leave every reader inspired to reach for the true meaning of righteousness.

05
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
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Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

Before the wedding comes the wooing, and no modern literary read details that process better than Eligible. If you're a FOTB aficionado, then you're going to love this courtship drama. The modern-day Bennets face a plethora of millennial woes (Paleo diets, insane workouts, dead-end jobs) — but Mrs. Bennet is determined to overcome all adversities and marry off her daughters, starting with her oldest. A heartfelt emotional family tale that combines family and courtship in a deliciously uproarious literary treat, Eligible should be added to your bookshelf immediately.