Speech by James Slater

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: James Slater
Speech Date: June 2002
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen, and boys and girls.

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Jim and I'm the best man for today.

A wise man once told me that a best man's speech should last only as long as it takes the groom to make love………thank you and goodnight (BEGIN TO WALK OF STAGE).

No seriously, I will keep this speech short in order to save my own throat…if I go on too long then Dave and Ali have threatened to cut it.

So, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to thank the groom for his considerate words. You know I had a feeling it was going to be difficult to follow a speech by Dave, and I was right…..I couldn't follow a single word.

I would like to also thank Dave on behalf of the bridesmaids for his kind comments and echo the fact that all they all look wonderful today. I remember the bridesmaids all sharing a moment before the wedding. They were having a furious argument over who was going to be first to dance with the Best Man…..I got closer and heard them saying, “You”, “No You”. Oh well!

I had the pleasure of first meeting Dave back in 1993, when we were both in our second year at university. Our friendship was born out of trawling the bars and clubs of York…and has evolved into, umm, well something pretty similar really.

I'm sure there are many stories to tell, but fortunately for Dave, the alcohol-fueled nature of those nights has prevented me from remembering most of them…well the broadcastable ones at least.

Since then he has launched into a successful career (or so he tells me), met Ali (I think we can believe that one), they've fallen in love, got engaged, moved into their own home and the reason we are all here today, are now husband and wife.

So what can I say about Dave?

He's:
• Handsome
• Witty
• Intelligent
• Charming
• Good Looking
• Per…Per…Sorry Dave, I'm having trouble reading your writing. Seriously though, you are all those things and I'm very proud and honoured to be your Best Man.

I've got a few messages to read from people who unfortunately could not be here today:

READ CARDS

On a serious note, I would like to thank each and every one of for you coming today, especially those who have travelled long distances. I'm sure you would all agree it has been a very special day and one that Dave and Ali will look back on with fond memories. Personally, I would just like to add my own final thought:

You do not marry someone you can live with; you marry the person you cannot live without. This is obviously true for Dave and Ali so please all join me in a toast. To special people who are the reason we are all here today…..The new Mr. & Mrs. English, David and Alison.

THE END