Hell's Bells (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Plot

The episode opens with Buffy and Willow complaining about their unflattering bright green bridesmaid dresses while discussing the rehearsal dinner for Anya and Xander. They note that Xander’s family surprisingly accepted Anya’s demon friends by explaining them away as circus performers. Willow serves as best man, with Buffy, Dawn, and Tara as bridesmaids. Xander struggles to get dressed while surrounded by his complaining parents, Tony and Jessica, and Anya’s chaotic friends. Meanwhile, a mysterious old man suddenly appears in Sunnydale.

Buffy helps Xander with his suit, while Tara and Willow assist Anya with her wedding dress. Xander’s uncle Rory arrives, showing off a date who turns out to be the caterer. D’Hoffryn and Halfrek show up, and Dawn greets them, receiving a live animal as a wedding gift from D’Hoffryn. While mingling, Dawn runs into Spike, who has brought a date. Buffy and Xander discuss how to keep his parents from causing trouble, but Xander is soon overwhelmed by complaints. A drunken Tony insults Anya’s demon friends, nearly sparking a brawl.

The old man claims to be Xander from the future and warns present Xander not to marry Anya, showing him a bleak vision of what lies ahead. Shaken, Xander is urged to call off the wedding. Buffy and Spike talk about the ceremony, and Spike admits he brought a date to make Buffy jealous, then leaves with her. Willow gives Xander a final pep talk. Anya practices her vows, and Buffy stalls the guests by leading them in a game of charades. When Anya learns Xander is missing, she panics. Xander walks away in the rain, while his parents return to the bar, blaming Anya for the ruined wedding.

A fight erupts among the guests, and Willow rescues Tara. Anya confronts a man in a trench coat, discovering he is a demon she once created, now seeking revenge. He showed Xander false visions of the future to sabotage the wedding. Buffy and Xander defeat the demon. Ultimately, Xander admits he fears becoming abusive like his father and refuses to marry Anya. They part, both heartbroken. D’Hoffryn comforts Anya and offers her the chance to return to her role as a vengeance demon.