A December Bride
Where to watch
Via 
JustWatch · can change anytime.
The premise
A holiday wedding brings no joy to the bride's cousin, who was once engaged to the groom. But she might find her true love there when she gains a fake fiancé.
How unusual is it?
Mostly classic comfort-watch, give or take a fake relationship and a second-chance romance.
Who’s in it
Alongside them
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Behind the camera
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Directed by
Written by
Wait, what?
The quirks and curveballs that make this one a little weirder than your average Hallmark. No spoilers, promise.
- The love interest is the man who literally caused the protagonist's initial heartbreak by introducing her fiancé to her cousin.
- The protagonist's obsession with being a 'December Bride' is treated as a major personality trait and life goal.
- The fake engagement is announced via a public toast at the wedding of the ex-fiancé.
Every trope, all in one place
Here’s everything this one has going on, from the setting to the way it wraps up. Tap any of the 34 to find more movies that do the same thing.
Setting2
Time & season3
Premise2
Characters4
Romance6
Tone & quirks7
Why we’d put this one on
A fake-engagement romance with an unusually thorny knot at its center. Jessica Lowndes plays Layla, dreading the wedding of her cousin to her own ex-fiance, when family friend Seth, played by Daniel Lissing, blurts out at the reception that he and Layla are engaged. The wrinkle: Seth is the very man who introduced her ex to her cousin in the first place, so the romance has some forgiving to do. At a weirdness of 3 it is a tidy, warm holiday charmer with an appealing lead pair. A cozy pick for the fake-relationship faithful.
How it all plays out
Already seen it, or just can’t wait? Open this up for the whole story, ending included.
Full story (spoilers)
The film opens with Layla O'Reilly, an interior design assistant, facing the ultimate social nightmare: her cousin Jessica is marrying Layla's ex-fiancé, Jack. The couple met through Seth Murphy, an investment banker who feels responsible for the heartbreak. When Layla's original date falls ill, Seth offers to accompany her to the wedding. During the reception, to shield Layla from the pity of her family and the smugness of her ex, Seth announces that he and Layla are also engaged. This lie quickly spirals out of control when Stanley Malcolm, a powerful real estate mogul Layla hopes to work for, expresses interest in hiring her based on Seth's endorsement and their 'happy' news. Layla and Seth strike a deal to maintain the fake engagement for three weeks until the 'Holiday Tour of Homes' event. Layla agrees to decorate Seth's bachelor pad to impress his boss's wife, while Seth helps Layla secure a career-making contract with Malcolm. As they spend time together stringing popcorn, choosing trees, and navigating awkward family dinners, they discover a deep connection. Layla is fired by her demanding boss, Darcy, who views Layla as competition, making the Malcolm contract even more vital. Seth, influenced by Layla's Christmas spirit, begins to reconcile with his emotionally distant father, who eventually helps them find a vintage sleigh for the house tour. The tension peaks when they plan a 'fake fight' to end the engagement after the tour. However, during the planned breakup at a family gathering, Seth realizes his feelings are real. He abandons the script and delivers a heartfelt confession of love, proposing for real. Layla accepts, and the film concludes with Layla finally achieving her dream of being a December bride in a beautiful winter ceremony.
Beat by beat
Opening
Layla is forced to attend the wedding of her cousin and her ex-fiancé, who were introduced by Seth Murphy.
Inciting Incident
At the wedding reception, Seth impulsively announces a fake engagement to Layla to save her from embarrassment.
Midpoint
Layla and Seth agree to maintain the ruse for three weeks to help Layla's design career and Seth's social standing with his boss.
Rising Action
Layla is fired by her boss Darcy for being a competitor in the Holiday Tour of Homes, making the fake engagement and the Malcolm job offer critical.
Climax
During a planned 'breakup' scene at a family party, Seth goes off-script and confesses that he has actually fallen in love with Layla.
Resolution
Layla and Seth get married in a real December wedding, and Layla secures her dream job with Malcolm Realty.
34 tropes in one movie
We counted 34 distinct Hallmark tropes packed into this one — a genuine greatest-hits reel.
How it stacks up
Where this one’s rating lands against every other rated Hallmark movie.
Higher-rated than 75% of every rated Hallmark movie. The median is 6.4.
Where this one fits
The corners of the catalog A December Bride belongs to — handy if you’re after more of the same.
- Best Hallmark Christmas MoviesIt is, of course, a Christmas movie.
- Hallmark Fake Relationship MoviesBuilt on a fake-dating setup.
- Hallmark Second-Chance Romance MoviesA rekindled romance.
- Hallmark Wedding MoviesWedding bells are involved.
- Hallmark Baking & Cooking MoviesPlenty of time in the kitchen.
- Hallmark Small Town MoviesA classic small-town setting.
Lines worth quoting
The lines that stuck with us — the ones you’ll be repeating after the credits roll.
“I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
— The MinisterSaid twice in the movie: once at the cousin's wedding (the source of pain) and once at Layla's wedding (the resolution). “It's not about the finished product, it's about the process. The hanging the stockings, the decorating the tree.”
— Layla O'ReillyExplaining the true meaning of Christmas to the cynical Seth. “Layla O'Reilly... will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
— Seth MurphyThe moment the fake engagement becomes real.
Meet the characters
Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.
Layla O'Reilly
LeadInterior Designer
AmbitiousChristmas-obsessedResilientCreativeSeth Murphy
Love interestInvestment Banker
Fake fiancé turned husband
Guilt-riddenCharmingWorkaholicSecretly RomanticJack
SupportingFinancial Advisor
Ex-fiancé
InsensitiveTraditionalJessica
SupportingBoutique Owner
Cousin
CompetitiveRegretfulAunt Lorraine
SupportingSocialite/Volunteer
Aunt
MeddlingKind-heartedFamily-oriented
Questions people ask about A December Bride
Where can I watch A December Bride?
A December Bride is available via fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Philo. Streaming options change often, so check current availability before settling in.
How long is A December Bride?
A December Bride runs about 1 hour and 26 minutes, and was released in 2016.
Is A December Bride a Christmas movie?
Yes. A December Bride is a Hallmark Christmas movie, set during the holiday season.
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Curated by the Talking Hallmark team.Last updated .