Speech by Martin Burke

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: Martin Burke
Speech Date: Dec 2000
Thankyou

First, on behalf of the Bridesmaids , I'd just like to thank Richard for his very kind words.

They say being asked to be the best man is like being asked to kiss the Queen Mother – it's a great honour but nobody wants to do it.

…you're supposed to laugh at that bit,

I however, am delighted that Richard has asked me to his BEST MAN today and to give this little speech. I would also like to thank Becky for allowing Richard to ask me to be best man.

Now, I've tried to memorise this speech, but forgive me if I have to look at these notes, Richard has instructed me to Dress Up, Stand Up, Speak up then Shut Up.

Just in case you're wondering about these suits we're wearing today, they are very exclusively tailored, by Moss Bros. Richard and I picked the style, which is called Cheltenham.

And, this is a true story, once we decided which suit we wanted, Richard took charge and we both drove to Cheltenham, only to discover that:

A There wasn't a Moss Bros in Cheltenham
B Although the STYLE of the suit was The ‘Cheltenham’, that didn't mean you had to go there to buy it.

Thank goodness we didn't choose the ‘Canada’ style.

Anyway, I first met Richard in 1994 in Sheffield, where we were doing precisely the same jobs but for two different hospitals. Things in the NHS have moved on a little bit these day, there are now plenty of people doing the same job for the same place without ever knowing about each other.

As we got to know each other, we discovered that we had many things in common already, and, though we didn't know it then, we were to become good friends and follow similar paths – something which I hope continues into the future.

In our youth, we both had had the pleasure of going to an English boarding school, which I'm pleased to say has left no significant mark on either us, has it Richard darling?

We both had a great love of Sheffield, which continues to this day, but it was around this time, that I began to hear of Richard's other great love, Becky, and Management Science.

There was never any doubt that Richard was going to progress into Senior Management, and he had already completed most of his MBA, by the time he was 24. When it came to management, I was but an amateur, Richard however was clearly a Professional (pause)Amateur.

In recent years Richard left Sheffield for the dizzy heights of the West Midlands, where he worked to make his mark in the private sector. Around 12 months ago, I too moved to Birmingham and during that year, Richard became my social lifeline, as he was the only person, let alone friend, that I knew for a hundred miles.

It was during this time that I got to know Richard even better, and we took up golf. We also joined the club called ‘Men who are planning to join a club, but not actually getting round to doing it.’ – of which I believe there are many members.

More recently, as you will all know, Rich has started a new job at where I am sure he will be a great success, with the support of Becky.

Both Richard and Becky's career successes have been due to their hard work, self drive and support for each other. A big part of their success to date, and for the future is also owed to the family and friends here today.

The people in this room have and will always be there for Richard and Becky, just as they will be there for you as well. This is what makes weddings special, and what makes them worth celebrating together.

To conclude, may I kindly offer some words of advice to Richard and Becky, on this happy day.

Remember marriage is not one word it is a sentence..… you'd get less for armed robbery.

There are more than 2 rings to a marriage… what about the suffeRing, the enduRing and the tortuRing!

A man once remarked of marriage … I muttered a few words in church and I was married. A year later I muttered a few words in my sleep and was divorced.

And finally, always tell her those 3 little words..… "Becky, you're right".

CARDS

This special message comes to say
Hope all goes well on your wedding day
If you need advice or any tips
Call 0898 and ask for hot lips!

Could you please all stand now and join me in a toast to the bride and grooms parents for this special day. Thank you.

And while you are all standing I've just one last things to say..…

Richard, you are an excellent friend and it's been an honour to be your best man. I wish you and Becky all the very best for the future.

If everyone could now join me in a toast to Mr and Mrs Richard and Rebecca. Congratulations.