Speech by Mark Lambeth

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: Mark Lambeth
Speech Date: nov 2003

Thank you for those kind words William. Of course, having you as a father-in-law is a bonus to marrying your daughter. I'll do my best to live up to your expectations and promise to take good care of Jo, and I can assure you that I will do all I can to make sure she looks after me properly.

The list of things I need to thank my parents for is endless. When I was getting ready today I looked in the mirror and thought ‘What a great bloke you are – your parents done a good job.’ Thank you for your love and your support, but not least for picking up the tab for the bar today. I know I don't say it but I love you both dearly.

Mum, we've got a present here for you.

My wife and I would like to thank you all for being here and sharing in the best day of our lives. I know many of you have travelled a long way and I hope you're all glad you came. A special mention has to go to Suzi and Antoni for coming over from the states to be with us.

Thank you all for your kind words, cards and gifts, especially the expensive ones, but most of all, for the smiling faces I can see before me.

One of the rules of weddings is no-one is to look more beautiful than the bride, and, I guess, no-one is allowed to look more handsome than the groom. That's why we invited all the fellas you see around here, no such problems from them – especially those at the back.

For those of you that don't know, I met Jo in a night club. Now, I'd be the first to admit that I wasn't the best at pulling – but, BOY, did I get lucky one night. Then a couple of weeks later I met Jo.

Jo, even after living together for seven years, and knowing everything about me, you are still willing to marry me. I love you and am looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together.

You always look beautiful, but I knew today was going to be something special and I tried to prepare myself. Even so, seeing you walk down the aisle took my breath away.

I've been asked ‘how did I know Jo was the right girl for me?’ Well, she's kind, generous, intelligent, and she makes me laugh, but for those of you who have tried Jo's roast dinners, I think you know the answer.

Jo has to be thanked for organising today. I'm not saying I didn't do my bit, I am here after all, but I'm sure you'll all agree she's done a fantastic job. I hope that every day will be as happy as today – just cheaper.

There are a few people I need to thank for helping out today – two special people, Sarah and Rebecca, for their readings. We're both glad you could be part of the day.

Thanks to Neil and Matt for helping out as ushers, and, of course, my Best Man. Every groom needs a Best Man he can totally rely on, somebody organised who can take charge and make the day run smoothly – a person who is serious and responsible. But what do you do if you don't know anybody like that? Well, I picked Jon.

Now, my friends and I may look like we enjoy ourselves occasionally, but I can assure you we're all pretty tame. As such, you will probably find that some of the tales Jon may recite in a moment will have been exaggerated to sound mildly interesting.

Before that happens, we've got a gift for you.

I'd like to finish off with the traditional toast to the Bridesmaids. Kya looks adorable and even Val's scrubbed up well. You both look fantastic. We've got presents for both of you too.

Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses with me – the bridesmaids.

I'll now pass you over to Jon – the best man.