Printable Book Club Questions for The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Let’s start with Phoebe at the beginning of the story. She is broken and plans to commit suicide at the hotel. First, were you surprised at the dark tone that started the novel?
Why did Phoebe choose this particular hotel?
Phoebe’s plans are forever altered when there’s a wedding being held at the hotel. Let’s talk about the first encounter between Phoebe and Lila, the bride. Why do you think they both were instantly so honest with each other?
As Phoebe learns more about the interesting interactions that are taking place at the hotel, she starts to reconsider her plans to end her life. What were your thoughts as this scene unfolded?
Phoebe goes to the hot tub, and meets a man there who she instantly connects with. Despite being shy and reserved in the past, she is upfront about what she wants from him. Why do you think Phoebe start to shed her reserved nature and become more outspoken?
The man is actually Gary, the groom who is set to marry Lila. What was your impression of Gary? And what was behind the connection between Phoebe and him? In what ways are they similar?
The story features plenty of flashbacks as we learn that Phoebe’s ex-husband Matt cheated on her with a colleague, and initiated the divorce. Why was it important for the reader to read these flashbacks?
In what ways was Phoebe holding herself back with her relationship with Matt, and even in her career?
Phoebe hoped to become a mother, but it wasn’t in the cards for her, at least to have a biological child. Let’s talk about how this revelation impacted both Phoebe and her relationship with Matt.
What did you think about the other cast of characters, including Juice (Gary’s daughter), Marla (Gary’s sister), and Jim (Gary’s best friend, and brother of Gary’s first wife who passed away)?
The novel covers grief quite a bit. From Phoebe grieving the end of her marriage and not becoming a biological mother to Gary and Juice’s grief of losing a wife and mother. How do you feel the novel handled grief, and moving forward?
When did it become apparent that Lila and Gary weren’t a good fit?
Matt eventually seeks Phoebe out at the hotel when he’s concerned she didn’t show up at work, and didn’t answer text messages. The two seemingly reconcile, but in the end, Phoebe realized they had outgrown each other. What were your thoughts about their final reunion, and officially finding closure?
Were you surprised when Lila called off the wedding?
What did you think about the ending? What happens next for Phoebe, Gary, Lila and Jim?
Did Phoebe and Gary end up together? What are your thoughts about that?
What was the most memorable wedding you’ve attended?