Development

Following the release of Father of the Bride Part II, it was confirmed in 1996 that initial work had begun on a third installment. Meyers stated at that time, that she and Charles Shyer were writing a story that would see the Banks family "confronting serious problems in their relationship – but ending up with a stronger bond than ever."^[4] In June 2014, rumors arose regarding the plot including a gay wedding for Matty Banks, but Steve Martin denied these rumors.^[5] By February of 2016, Martin cast doubt on the realization of a third installment stating that while he would like to play the grandfather role, he didn't know if it would actually be made.^[6] By October 2017, George Newbern confirmed that a script was being written, expressing excitement for the story that was being developed.^[7] In July 2018, Kimberly Williams-Paisley expressed interest in reprising her role should the third movie be realized.^[8]

By April 2019 CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger announced among other projects that a relaunch of the franchise was currently in development for Disney+.^[9][10] In 2020, Meyers stated that she had been working on pre-production of a project leading up to the restrictions on filmmaking as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, though she could not state what the project was at that time.^[11][12] During the pandemic, Meyers grew weary of the future and went to the store to purchase supplies prior to the self-isolation order by U.S. and state officials. Meyers stated that she became very concerned and worried about how the virus would impact the lives of her children in the years that would follow. As she forwarded every news article about the virus to her children, she eventually began to wonder how George Stanley Banks would react to conditions such as these. After decades of remaining in development hell, she officially began work on the next installment. The filmmaker began to wonder what each of the beloved characters had been up to for the last twenty-five years, and after sending an email to Steve Martin stating that she wanted to make a Part III short film that would also serve as a fundraiser for those who did not have the food supplies during ongoing pandemic, he stated that he would join the cast. This was followed by each of the respective returning cast members, with casting for the roles of Megan Banks and George Banks-MacKenzie thereafter, now chronologically adults.^[13]

Writing

In preparation for the script, Meyers rewatched Father of the Bride and Part II and created some notes. She stated that all of the worries and anxieties she had about the world at that time, she put into her writing for George Banks; a character she describes as a "self-admitted overreactor". The filmmaker stated that as she worked on the project, she found happiness and excitement that she hadn't felt in a while due to the ongoing worldwide circumstances. Meyers had each of the cast members show her the rooms of their homes via Zoom, to choose a setting that she felt fit the character; while Culkin was sent a green screen to place behind him so that his New York backdrop could be changed to Los Angeles. Initially ordering various sweats to be mailed to Martin, the pair decided none of them matched the character exactly the way they wanted. When they chose an option from his personal collection, she decided to have the actors go through the clothes in their personal closets to choose the wardrobe for each character.^[13]

Filming

Principal photography commenced in July 2020, and was conducted remotely with each actor filming their scenes in predetermined rooms of their personal homes. The production crew had previously sent a box filled with equipment for each of the actors to set up; with technology for cinematography, lighting, and sound. Meyers would direct each of the actors from her remote location through her laptop, with the use of Zoom. With ten cameras rolling through the entire production span, the cast followed her direction and the guidance of cinematographer Dean Cundey, through the use of their computers and iPhones. Though the cast couldn't always see the additional actors through their video feed, they could audibly hear each other. Filming lasted for four days. The director stated that at various times, the video for each actor would become blurry but through the use of various takes, they were able to get the scenes she needed to complete the short. Additionally, while each of them didn't have the usual hair and makeup team, nor the production crew present during filming, she was impressed with their abilities to follow directions and bring together the project she had hoped to realize; stating: "It all felt a bit like those old films where everyone in town helps put on a show, except these were movie stars, and I could not have been more grateful for their efforts."^[13]

Post-production

Meyers stated that bringing the resources together into the cohesive story she had written proved to be a unique experience for her. She worked with the film's editor David Bilow, to compile the useable footage and captured audio, with enough footage for a standard short film. Together the production team continued to work remotely, sharing their screens through a number of programs available to do so. The filmmaker later explained that though production was difficult, the entire team had fun during the process: "Even though we were never in the same room or even the same time zone, the camaraderie was still there. When it was over, it felt like all movies feel when shooting ends — a little sad. For me, I guess I always do need a project. This one, with its positive themes and love of family, made me feel whole at a time when I needed it most. And if our efforts lead to a little relief for someone else, then it was a summer well spent."^[13]