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Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016) Plot Summary & Timeline

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016) movie poster

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is a 2016 adventure and comedy film directed by Jake Szymanski, running 1 hour 38 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 722 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
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Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m
Director
Jake Szymanski
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates About?

The premise of Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates in 288 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a sun‑kissed Hawaiian paradise, two brothers are thrust into an unexpected quest: find respectable dates for their sister’s destination wedding. The stakes feel both personal and hilariously high, as the whole family has gathered to ensure the ceremony goes off without a hitch. The tone is breezy, irreverent, and primed for comedic mayhem, with the ocean backdrop promising both romance and chaos in equal measure.

Mike Stangle is the outspoken, self‑styled black sheep of the clan, constantly pushing the limits of good taste and good sense. Beside him, Dave is the reluctant sidekick, equally prone to mischief but usually dragged along by his brother’s reckless enthusiasm. Their parents, Burt and Rosie, embody the weary yet hopeful generation trying to corral their sons into adult responsibility, while their sister Jeanie and her fiancé Eric stand on the brink of a picture‑perfect start that the brothers keep threatening to derail.

Enter the wild cards: Alice, a sharp‑tongued, quick‑thinking woman nursing a broken engagement, and Tatiana, her equally audacious friend who thrives on turning ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures. The two women answer a Craigslist ad promising a free trip to Hawaii, instantly injecting the brothers’ orderly plan with a dose of unfiltered energy. Their chemistry with Mike and Dave crackles, hinting at unexpected connections that might reshape more than just wedding party seating.

The film promises a kaleidoscope of comic set‑pieces—impromptu parties, reckless challenges, and a clash of generational expectations—all set against the lush Hawaiian scenery. As the brothers, their reluctant dates, and the whole family converge, the stage is set for a raucous celebration where love, friendship, and a healthy dose of mayhem collide, leaving everyone wondering just how far a wedding can stretch the boundaries of fun.

Full plot

What Happens in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates?

The complete story of Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, from the first scene to the last, in 722 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

The movie kicks off with Mike Stangle (Adam DeVine) attempting to sell some liquor to a bar owner named Randy (played by Marc Maron). To help him with this, Mike enlists his brother Dave (Zac Efron), who pretends to be a stranger on the lookout for quality booze. Despite Randy’s familiarity with the brothers’ antics, he surprisingly decides to purchase three cases of their product.

Both Mike and Dave are portrayed as immature party enthusiasts, often causing trouble. Their parents, Burt (Stephen Root) and Rosie (Stephanie Faracy), gather everyone, including their sister Jeanie (Stephanie Beard) and her fiancé Eric (Sam Richardson), for a family meeting. Burt showcases a slideshow marking all the occasions when Mike and Dave wreaked havoc on family events—like dangerously setting off fireworks and causing an injury to a girl who fell off a roof. Burt insists that the brothers must bring respectable dates to Jeanie’s upcoming wedding in Hawaii. Reluctantly, they agree for Jeanie’s sake, although Mike is seen as the family’s black sheep while Dave is dragged along for the ride.

As we delve into the story, we meet best friends Alice (Anna Kendrick) and Tatiana (Aubrey Plaza), who are portrayed as rebellious women. They dodge a cab fare on their way to their waitress job at a bar, leading to a drunken night where Alice ends up dancing on tables. This behavior leads to their termination from the bar, and we discover Alice still grapples with the heartbreak of her own wedding being called off. Tatiana suggests they embark on a daring adventure to lift their spirits.

In a bid to find dates, Mike and Dave post an ad that garners an overwhelming response due to the allure of a free trip to Hawaii. After interviewing numerous candidates, they fail to find anyone suitable, encountering ridiculous applicants, including one bizarre individual in drag. On “The Wendy Williams Show,” Alice and Tatiana, intrigued by the brothers’ offer to travel, decide to spruce themselves up and seize the opportunity for an adventure.

The two ladies make a splash by nearly causing an accident to catch Mike and Dave’s attention, prompting Mike to jump in and attempt CPR on Tatiana after her stunt. Following a wild night out, the brothers feel they have found their dream dates when Alice, posing as a hedge fund manager, and Tatiana, claiming to be a schoolteacher, agree to accompany them to Hawaii.

Once in Hawaii, the brothers introduce Alice and Tatiana to the family, who are charmed by the women, especially when the girls persuade Jeanie and Eric to join them on an ATV excursion, steering away from the agreed-upon dolphin swimming expedition. During an exhilarating ride, Mike, goaded into a challenge, accidentally collides with Jeanie, resulting in a terrible bruise on her face.

Feeling guilty, Alice tries to assist Jeanie by accompanying her to the spa. However, their antics backfire as they inadvertently add to Jeanie’s stress, leading to a hilarious but embarrassing situation when Jeanie enjoys a surprisingly intimate massage. Mike’s shocking discovery of this leads to further chaos as he confronts Tatiana and learns the truth about their initial intentions.

As the story unfolds, Dave and Alice share a moment that hints at a budding romance, which Mike interrupts with news of their real relationship status. During the rehearsal dinner, further complications arise when Alice gives Jeanie ecstasy, resulting in wild antics that put the wedding in jeopardy. Amidst family revelations and confrontations, Mike’s attempt to sabotage Terry’s stand-up performance leads to surprising declarations, and Eric and Jeanie find their relationship on thin ice.

The brothers and their companions realize the gravity of their blunders and rush to make amends. Eric confronts Jeanie about her feelings of boredom, prompting them to address their issues and reaffirm their love. As the brothers scramble to put together a last-minute wedding, Burt and Rosie find themselves astonished at what the boys can accomplish.

After a whirlwind of a wedding, Mike proposes a business partnership to Tatiana while Dave and Alice solidify their relationship. The night culminates with the brothers performing a song for the newlyweds, leading to the chaos of fireworks that spirals out of control. The film concludes on a comedic note as Mike and Tatiana sneak away for a private rendezvous in the stables, leaving behind the laughter of the celebrations.

Timeline

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Mike Attempts a Sale” to “Private Rendezvous”. 5 events name a place, across 4 locations.

  1. 1

    Mike Attempts a Sale

    The movie begins with Mike Stangle trying to sell liquor to bar owner Randy. He recruits his brother Dave to pose as a customer to help with the sale, and despite knowing their antics, Randy surprisingly makes a purchase.

  2. 2

    Family Meeting

    Mike and Dave's parents, Burt and Rosie, hold a family meeting, showing a slideshow of the brothers' past misdeeds. This includes events that caused havoc during family gatherings, and they insist that the brothers bring dates to their sister Jeanie's wedding in Hawaii.

  3. 3

    Alice and Tatiana's Night Out

    We are introduced to Alice and Tatiana, who lure a cab driver and experience a wild night. Their reckless behavior results in them getting fired, and in the aftermath, they decide to embark on an adventure to shake off their troubles.

  4. 4

    Posting the Ad

    In an effort to secure dates, Mike and Dave post an ad offering a trip to Hawaii, which gets a huge response. However, they encounter outrageous applicants during the interview process, including one particularly memorable person in drag.

  5. 5

    The Opportunity Arouses Interest

    On 'The Wendy Williams Show', Alice and Tatiana see the brothers' ad and decide to prepare themselves for what could be a thrilling trip. Their excitement grows as they reflect on the opportunity for a fresh start amidst their personal struggles.

  6. 6

    Hilarious First Encounter

    Alice and Tatiana make an impression by nearly causing a traffic accident to catch Mike and Dave's attention. This outrageous stunt leads to a funny misunderstanding, prompting Mike to jump in to help Tatiana.

  7. 7

    Heading to Hawaii

    The group travels to Hawaii, where Mike and Dave introduce Alice and Tatiana to their family. The girls quickly charm everyone, especially when they convince Jeanie and Eric to join in on an ATV adventure.

    Where:Hawaii

  8. 8

    Indeed an ATV Mishap

    During the ATV excursion in Hawaii, Mike accidentally collides with his sister Jeanie, resulting in a serious bruise. This incident adds to the escalating comedic chaos as the group begins to unravel.

    Where:Hawaii

  9. 9

    Spa Day Trouble

    With guilt hanging over her, Alice accompanies Jeanie to a spa hoping to help her relax. Unfortunately, their playful antics create an embarrassing scene, particularly when Jeanie is subjected to an overly intimate massage.

    Where:Spa, Hawaii

  10. 10

    Rehearsal Dinner Antics

    During the rehearsal dinner, Alice slips ecstasy to Jeanie, leading to unexpected and wild behavior that puts the wedding at risk. This moment adds tension as family secrets and confrontations rise to the surface.

Show the other 5 events of Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
  1. 11

    Attempting Redemption

    Realizing the seriousness of their mistakes, the brothers rally to rectify the chaos they have caused. Eric confronts Jeanie about her feelings, and they work together to reignite their relationship, illustrating the power of communication.

  2. 12

    Wedding Day Whirlwind

    On wedding day, things spiral into frenzy as Mike and Dave scramble to pull off the wedding arrangements. Their parents witness the chaos, astonished at what their sons are managing to orchestrate.

    Where:Wedding Venue, Hawaii

  3. 13

    A Business Proposal and Relationship Blossoms

    As the night culminates, Mike surprises Tatiana with a business proposal, hinting at a new chapter in their relationship. Meanwhile, Dave and Alice solidify their bond, showcasing growth and potential within their connection.

  4. 14

    Musical Performance

    In a heartwarming conclusion, the brothers perform a comedic song for the newlyweds. This moment encapsulates the film's joyful chaos and the celebration of family and friendships.

  5. 15

    Private Rendezvous

    In the film’s final moments, Mike and Tatiana stealthily slip away for a romantic moment in the stables, leaving behind the noise of the wedding festivities. Their connection symbolizes the new adventures ahead for all involved.

    Where:Stables, Hawaii

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates?

4 characters, among them Mike Stangle, Dave Stangle and Alice: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Adam DeVine as Mike Stangle in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

    Mike Stangle

    Played by Adam DeVine

    Mike is an immature but charismatic party enthusiast. He often acts as the 'black sheep' of the family, causing chaos while also trying to navigate his own feelings and responsibilities during the wedding event.

    • 🎉 Party
    • 🤪 Chaos
  • Zac Efron as Dave Stangle in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

    Dave Stangle

    Played by Zac Efron

    Dave is Mike's more responsible brother, often reluctantly dragged into his brother's antics. Despite his hesitations, he undergoes personal growth and finds a potential romantic connection with Alice throughout the chaos.

    • 💞 Romance
    • 😕 Conflicted
  • Anna Kendrick as Alice in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

    Alice

    Played by Anna Kendrick

    Alice is a spirited and rebellious woman trying to recover from her own heartbreak. Her lively personality shines through as she embarks on an adventure with Tatiana, leading to unexpected romantic developments with Dave.

    • 💔 Heartbreak
    • 💃 Rebellious
  • Aubrey Plaza as Tatiana in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

    Tatiana

    Played by Aubrey Plaza

    Tatiana is Alice's best friend, known for her bold and adventurous spirit. She pushes Alice to step out of her comfort zone, leading them both into a whirlwind of fun and mischief during their trip to Hawaii.

    • 🌟 Adventure
    • 🤪 Wild
Setting

Where and When Is Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates Set?

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is set in Hawaii. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting current social norms and behaviors. Events unfold rapidly over a few days leading up to a wedding, showcasing modern relational dynamics and party culture.

Where

Hawaii

Hawaii is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring lush landscapes and pristine beaches. Known for its unique culture and vibrant marine life, it serves as a popular destination for vacations and celebrations, such as weddings.

  • 🏝️ Tropical
  • 🌊 Beach
Themes

What Are the Themes of Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heartbreak, Party Culture and Love & Relationships.

  1. 01

    Heartbreak

    Heartbreak is a central theme as Alice deals with the aftermath of her wedding being called off. The characters navigate their own emotional turmoil amidst the chaos of their comedic adventures, highlighting how relationships can be both complicated and turbulent.

  2. 02

    Party Culture

    The movie explores the theme of party culture through the antics of Mike and Dave, who often indulge in wild and reckless behavior. Their quest for adventure leads them to create unforgettable moments, although their immaturity often results in chaotic outcomes.

  3. 03

    Love & Relationships

    The evolution of relationships is palpable as Mike, Dave, Alice, and Tatiana navigate the complexities of dating and commitment. As the story progresses, true connections are formed, ultimately leading to romantic developments that shift their perspectives on love.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates?

Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced, raucous comedy that feels like a carefree tropical vacation spiraling into hilarious chaos, with a surprising undercurrent of sweet romance emerging from the mayhem.

  • hilarious
  • chaotic
  • raunchy
  • carefree
  • playful
  • energetic
  • wedding chaos
  • brother relationship
  • found romance
  • destination wedding

Content notes: public nudity, sexual content.

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FAQ

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates about?

In a sun‑kissed Hawaiian paradise, two brothers are thrust into an unexpected quest: find respectable dates for their sister’s destination wedding. The stakes feel both personal and hilariously high, as the whole family has gathered to ensure the ceremony goes off without a hitch.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates take place?

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is set in Hawaii. The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting current social norms and behaviors. Events unfold rapidly over a few days leading up to a wedding, showcasing modern relational dynamics and party culture.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates?

The story follows Mike Stangle (played by Adam DeVine), Dave Stangle (played by Zac Efron), Alice (played by Anna Kendrick) and Tatiana (played by Aubrey Plaza).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Heartbreak, Party Culture and Love & Relationships.

The themes explained

Who directed Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates?

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016) was directed by Jake Szymanski and runs 1 hour 38 minutes.

Jake Szymanski’s films

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