Father of the Bride Part II (1995) is a warm, humorous, and deeply nostalgic sequel to the 1991 hit Father of the Bride. Directed by Charles Shyer and written by Nancy Meyers, this film continues the story of George Banks — a man learning to accept life’s changes, one family milestone at a time.
Detailed Summary
The Banks Family Returns
We rejoin George Banks (Steve Martin) and his wife Nina (Diane Keaton), now enjoying a calmer life after their daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) got married. Things seem peaceful — until Annie drops a life-changing surprise: she’s pregnant.
George, still struggling to accept that his daughter is an adult, spirals into comic denial about becoming a grandfather. He starts exercising, dyes his hair, and even impulsively sells the family home, thinking it’s time to “move on” — only to regret it immediately.
The Big Surprise – Double Pregnancy
As if Annie’s pregnancy weren’t enough chaos, Nina soon discovers she’s pregnant too. George’s reaction is priceless — pure panic. The realization that his wife and daughter are expecting at the same time sends him into full-blown comedic hysteria.
Franck Eggelhoffer (Martin Short), the flamboyant event planner from the first movie, returns — this time as their decorator and emotional support system through the chaos of pregnancy.
Preparing for the Babies
As the pregnancies progress, George begins to come to terms with the changes in his life. He and Nina move back into their old house, which they manage to buy back after selling it impulsively. He tries to act calm and mature about becoming both a father and grandfather simultaneously, but naturally, his efforts are filled with slapstick comedy and heartfelt moments.
Franck helps the Banks family prepare for the arrival of the babies, adding his signature over-the-top flair to everything. George’s son-in-law, Bryan (George Newbern), tries his best to keep up with the eccentric Banks family as well.
Movie Ending
The film’s final act brings all the emotional threads together in a tender and funny climax. Both Annie and Nina go into labor on the same night — of course. Chaos ensues as George tries to juggle two hospital rooms, shuttling back and forth between his wife and daughter.
After a series of frantic (and very funny) hospital scenes, both deliveries go smoothly. Annie gives birth to a baby boy, and Nina gives birth to a baby girl. The parallel births symbolize the continuation of family and life cycles — a perfect metaphor for George’s journey from resistance to acceptance.
In the final scenes, George reflects on how everything he once feared — his daughter growing up, becoming a grandfather, losing his house — has actually brought him more joy and love than he ever imagined. The movie closes with a touching moment: George holds both newborns in his arms, smiling with genuine peace and pride.
It’s a classic “circle of life” ending that perfectly captures the movie’s heart: time moves forward, families grow, and change, while bittersweet, can be beautiful.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Father of the Bride Part II does not have any post-credits or mid-credits scenes. The story concludes neatly with the final family moment, leaving viewers with a sense of closure and warmth.
Type of Movie
A comedy-drama with strong family and romantic themes. It blends situational humor with emotional realism, offering both laughs and heartfelt lessons about love, aging, and family.
Cast
- Steve Martin as George Banks
- Diane Keaton as Nina Banks
- Martin Short as Franck Eggelhoffer
- Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Annie Banks-MacKenzie
- George Newbern as Bryan MacKenzie
- Kieran Culkin as Matty Banks
- Eugene Levy as Mr. Habib
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Alan Silvestri, known for his emotional and melodic soundtracks (Forrest Gump, Back to the Future). The music blends light orchestral themes with playful cues that underscore the film’s humor and heart.
Filming Locations
Most of the movie was shot in Los Angeles, California, especially in Pasadena and Alhambra. The Banks’ iconic family house, a staple of both films, is a real residence in Pasadena. The neighborhood setting was chosen for its timeless, classic American charm — representing suburban stability amidst life’s changes.
Awards and Nominations
Although Father of the Bride Part II didn’t win major awards, it received several nominations, particularly for its production design and family-friendly screenplay. It also earned praise for Martin Short’s supporting performance as Franck.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The idea for the sequel came from Nancy Meyers’s real-life experience of having children later in life.
- Steve Martin improvised several of his comedic lines, especially during the hospital scenes.
- Diane Keaton reportedly laughed so hard during filming that multiple takes had to be reshot.
- The babies used in the film were actually twins, rotated on set to comply with child labor laws.
- Martin Short based parts of Franck’s accent on a combination of European dialects, purposely making it unrecognizable.
Inspirations and References
The movie is loosely inspired by the 1951 film Father’s Little Dividend, which was the original sequel to Father of the Bride (1950). It explores similar themes of family, aging, and generational change but in a modernized, 1990s context.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Deleted scenes include:
- A longer version of George’s meltdown when he learns both pregnancies coincide.
- A comedic scene where George attends a birthing class and faints.
None of the alternate cuts changed the overall ending; test audiences preferred the sweet, emotional hospital finale that made it into the theatrical release.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Unlike the original Father of the Bride (which was based on Edward Streeter’s novel), Part II was an original screenplay. However, its tone and structure intentionally mirror 1951’s Father’s Little Dividend, acting as both homage and modern reinterpretation.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- George finding out Nina is pregnant right after Annie’s announcement.
- The hilarious house sale sequence and his desperate attempt to buy it back.
- Both women going into labor simultaneously.
- George holding the two newborns for the first time.
Iconic Quotes
- George Banks: “I’ll be a grandfather… and a father… at the same time!”
- Franck: “Welcome to the baby wars, Mr. Banks!”
- Nina: “You’re going to love being a grandpa.”
- George: “I just got used to being the father of the bride!”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Banks’ family home interior subtly mirrors the layout of the original 1950 film’s set.
- Franck’s floral design business logo is a nod to his wedding planning company from the first film.
- The movie includes brief cameos from crew members in the hospital scenes.
Trivia
- Steve Martin learned baby care basics from a real nurse on set for authenticity.
- The nursery set was later reused in another Nancy Meyers film, The Parent Trap (1998).
- It was the last collaboration between Steve Martin and Charles Shyer.
Why Watch?
Because it’s one of the rare sequels that genuinely deepens the original. Father of the Bride Part II balances laugh-out-loud comedy with heartfelt family moments. It’s a warm comfort film about love, acceptance, and the bittersweet beauty of growing older — and funnier than you remember.
Director’s Other Movies
- Baby Boom (1987)
- Irreconcilable Differences (1984)
- Alfie (2004)
- The Affair of the Necklace (2001)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Father of the Bride (1991)
- It’s Complicated (2009)
- The Intern (2015)
- Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
- Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
- The Family Stone (2005)
