Speech by Chris Harrison

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: Chris Harrison
Speech Date: 19/10/2011 22:13:40

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Firstly I'd like to thank you all for coming here today to witness Rob and Claire's big day, and what a fantastic day it's been! I am going to keep this speech fairly short because of my throat, Claire said that if I went too far she would cut it! On that note I've read somewhere that a best man speech shouldn't take any longer than it takes the groom to make love. So ladies and gentlemen – I give you Mr and Mrs Smith. (Take drink and sit down).

Can I take this opportunity to say how stunning both the bride and bridesmaids look this fine day. Ladies you've done a fantastic job. Claire, you scrub up well. Rob, I always knew you were punching above your weight! Whilst on this subject, can I please ask you all to raise your glasses to the bridesmaids.

Now when it came to choosing our attire I was a bit dubious of seeing Rob in a suit. If his stag do was anything to go by I thought he'd be wearing a floral number from Evans!!

I've heard that an ideal best man's speech should include singing the grooms praises and also list his good points. Two problems with this though, 1) I can't sing and 2) my parents told me never to lie!

I've known Rob for over 20 years and we met at first school. Rob was the year above me and had an odd nickname for a carrot top, Rasta! I soon found out that it was short for Rasta Blaster as this child seemed to possess the power of a grown adult when it came kicking a football! From then on it stuck and to this day people have puzzled looks on their faces when they find out his nickname.

Over time he's grown into a semi respectable and partly dignified adult. A vast improvement though from his earlier years when stealing park benches after copious beers came like second nature to him.

I was totally gobsmacked but also honoured when I was asked to be best man however it was a tad strange when he asked. Rob stood at my parent's doorstep and we had arranged to go look at some suits. I got into my car and he came round to the front in his, he then opens my passenger door and sits down looking slightly distressed. Then he says “I need to ask you something that's been on my mind for a while now”. Now at this point I was thinking I can't remember doing anything to offend him and I really hope he's not going to say the engagements off because he loves me instead!

I knew that the latter wouldn't be the case as the bond between these two is so strong that no secret goes unsaid, to the point where Rob spoke to Claire on the night of his stag do to let her know how much he admired the evening's visual entertainment.

In all seriousness mate, it's been a great privilege to do this for you and I hope that I haven't let you down. You're a good friend to me and I hope that this friendship still remains intact for many years to come. In the days when we used to go drinking I thought that I'd never see you marry, but after spending time with you all I know how much both Claire and Joe mean to you. I honestly believe you'll make an amazing husband and a fantastic father figure, not to mention a good dog walker.

In my eyes marriage symbolises not only love but partnership and teamwork, and what you have both done over the past 11 months fills me with great admiration. In these times of austerity, most people would have put marriage off but the fact that you've pulled out all the stops and sacrificed many things, just goes to show how close and determined a unit you both are.

So with this in mind ladies and gentlemen, can you all please join me in toasting these two all the health, wealth and happiness in the world.

Rob and Claire…