The Big Wedding (2013) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Alejandro asks his parents to pose as a couple for three days because his biological mother Madonna is devoutly Catholic and struggles to accept his family's unconventional dynamic. He fears that if she learns his parents are divorced, it will cause further conflict and potentially ruin his wedding. The request comes after he learns Madonna plans to attend the ceremony.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the story, Alejandro's turmoil increases when he learns his mother is coming, setting up this request.

• alejandro wedding parents divorce Madonna catholic

Alejandro's biological mother Madonna causes tension because her devout Catholic beliefs conflict with the family's unconventional structure. She struggles to accept that her son was adopted, that his parents are divorced, and that he's marrying someone outside her expectations. Her presence forces the family to hide their true situation.

Foreshadowing: The story establishes early that Alejandro learns his mother plans to attend and is troubled by how she might react to his family dynamic.

• madonna catholic Alejandro biological mother wedding conflict

Alejandro and Missy decide to elope on their wedding day because the chaos and pressures from the family become overwhelming. With tensions escalating, secrets being revealed, and a physical confrontation occurring between Don and Bebe, they choose to leave the ceremony and marry privately to escape the familial drama.

Foreshadowing: The chaotic dinner and escalating tensions throughout the weekend build to this moment of overwhelmed escape.

• alejandro missy elope wedding day escape family drama

Don proposes to Bebe at the reception after the emotional chaos of the day forces everyone to confront their true feelings. Having maintained their friendship through the pretend reunion and witnessed Bebe's patience throughout the difficult weekend, Don decides to commit to her publicly in front of the family.

Foreshadowing: Bebe's frustration with the pretend reunion and her eight-year relationship with Don set up this moment of commitment.

• don propose bebe reception wedding proposal

The confrontation between Don and Bebe on the wedding day stems from the accumulated tension of the weekend. Bebe has been frustrated by having to serve as a waitress at the family dinner and by the fact that Don and Ellie are pretending to be a couple. The stress of the day and unresolved feelings culminate in a physical altercation where Don punches Bebe.

Foreshadowing: Bebe's role as the waitress and her evident frustration during the chaotic dinner hint at the brewing conflict.

• don bebe punch confrontation wedding day fight

Jared and Nuria share a passionate encounter at the reception because Nuria showed romantic interest in Jared when she arrived with her mother. Throughout the family interactions, this attraction builds, culminating in them connecting during the chaotic reception festivities.

Foreshadowing: When Alejandro's mother arrives with his biological sister Nuria, it's noted that Nuria expresses interest in Jared.

• jared nuria reception romance attraction

Lyla reconciles with her husband Andrew during the wedding events after she confided to her brother Jared about her struggles with motherhood and her separation. The emotional weight of the family gathering and perhaps seeing the importance of commitment at the wedding helps them work through their issues.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Lyla confides in Jared about her marital struggles, revealing her separation from Andrew.

• lyla andrew reconciliation husband marriage

Alejandro's mother forgives him when confronted with her own romantic history. The story reveals that she had also experienced complicated relationships and perhaps even made similar choices in her past. This realization helps her understand and accept Alejandro's situation, leading to forgiveness.

Foreshadowing: The tension between Madonna and the family builds throughout the story until this confrontation forces her to reflect on her own life.

• madonna forgives alejandro mother forgiveness family

Bebe is frustrated about the pretend reunion because she has been Don's girlfriend for eight years and was once Ellie's close friend. Being asked to step aside so the family can pretend to be whole again, while she serves as a waitress and watches her partner pose with his ex-wife, is emotionally painful for her.

Foreshadowing: Ellie's surprise encounter with Bebe at Don's house establishes the awkward tension between the three of them.

• bebe don girlfriend frustrated pretend marriage ellipse

The reveal that Lyla named her daughter Jane is played as a humorous twist just before the credits roll, adding another layer of chaos to the family's already vibrant dynamics. It serves as a comedic callback to the eccentric nature of both grandmothers, wrapping up the film on a light-hearted note.

Foreshadowing: The story mentions Lyla as a mother struggling with motherhood and her separation, establishing she has a daughter.

• lyla daughter jane name newborn ending credits