Speech by Bob Greaves

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: Bob Greaves
Speech Date: jun 2003
"Thanks Norman, and thanks for your generosity in providing such a splendid reception and, as an Arsenal supporter, missing out on watching today's FA Cup Final! I'm not good at speeches, so I'll try to keep to less than half an hour…

(Thank You – Guests)
Both Annabel and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for being here today and sharing this special occasion with us, and I know many of you have travelled a long way to be here, so we hope you really enjoy the day. Thank you all very much for all your many cards and presents which are very much appreciated. Some family and friends haven't been able to make it here today, owing to imminent new arrivals amongst other things, so they're in our thoughts as I'm sure we're in theirs.

(Thank You – In Laws)
Norman and June, thank you very much for your support and for welcoming me into your family and thank you both for this lovely reception. I am really proud to have become Annabel's husband, and in the process, become your son-in-law. I promise I'll take good care of her.

(Thank You – Mum and Dad)
I would also like to thank my own parents for their love, support and patience through the years of loud music, guitars and motorbikes, which I'm sure I'll grow out of one day. Thank you for giving me a great start in life and for your contribution to today's event.

(Flowers)
And now I think we have some flowers for my two Mums…

(Thank You – Bride)
So to my wife: It doesn't seem five minutes since I was proposing to Annabel under the stars and as it was a freezing cold night, I ensured she had to answer ‘yes’ quickly, before she could get back into the car to warm up. I'm so glad I'm married to Annabel…caring, talented, modest, good looking…I can see why you picked me. Seriously though, the term ‘better half’ doesn't quite do you justice. I suppose every groom thinks his bride is the most beautiful in the world and that's how I feel today. I'm completely overwhelmed at how fantastic she looks, and feel hugely privileged that she's chosen to be my wife. I commented before the wedding that, in my nervous state I probably wouldn't notice what she was wearing, but there was absolutely no danger of that happening. Thank you for making this the best day of my life and I hope that every day will be as happy as today…just less expensive.

(Thank You – Best Man)
I would like to give a big thanks for a job well done, to my aptly named ‘best man’, Ashley. My long-time school friend and a ‘great, really really nice bloke’…who would never say anything embarassing about me in his speech… Let me assure you in advance that all the good stuff's true but anything else is pure fiction.

(Thank You Bridesmaids)
We would also like to thank Cathy for being an excellent Bridesmaid. You've been terrific and I'm sure you all agree that she too looks beautiful. Thanks for helping Annabel with her preparations today and in the past months. So, in traditional fashion, would you please be upstanding…as I propose a toast.… To the Bridesmaid.

(Best Man and Bridesmaid's gifts)
And we have a small token of our appreciation here, for both you and Ashley…

(End)
Annabel and I will be holding an ‘open house’ tomorrow between 12 and 3, if anyone would like to pop round for a drink and view the presents…if we can unwrap them all in time! Speak to us later if you need directions…
Lastly, I read somewhere that "a man is incomplete until he is married…after that he is finished". Which is what I am now, so again, thank you all for coming and I'll hand over to Ashley."