Speech by Alan Walton

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Alan Walton
Speech Date: Nov2005
As Father of the bride, it is my privilege to make the first speech, At least I thought it was a privilege until I realised that I'm actually the warm up act for the groom and the best man…………..…

I make no apologies guys………………if I bore them to sleep………… that's your problem.

On behalf of Kathleen and myself, I would like to start by saying what a pleasure it is to welcome, on this very happy occasion, Frank and Lynne, Kevin's parents, together with friends and relatives of both families who have travelled both near and far.

Caroline and Kevin have obviously worked really hard organising everything for today but your hard work has definitely paid off. I'm sure everyone here agrees that the ceremony was wonderful.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone else involved in making the day so special. Not to mention the staff here at the Mitre Hotel for this superb reception. I'd like to thank the vicar Barry for a moving service, the lovely bridesmaids, flower girl, pageboys and the vicar's boss/friend for keeping the weather at bay.

I am so proud of everything that Caroline has achieved and done over the years and I only regret that her Gran Mary could not be here to see it. Caroline, I am sure she is up there watching over us all. Because other friends and family have been unable to attend today, I would like you to raise your glasses and Toast “Mary and absent friends”

I know that Caroline is going to change her name, but I thought I should change mine, to Stagecoach. You know what I mean, you are waiting for a bus and 1 doesn't come for ages then 2 together. Well my daughter's weddings have been like that, nothing for a long time then 2 in 14 month. Not only weddings but, no grandchildren, then 1 born (Grace) and one on the way. I hope they keep up with a proper timetable in the future.

Kathleen and I are very proud today, to see Caroline, looking so beautiful, married to Kevin, the dashing groom. During the time we've known him, we've come to realise how special he is to her; and anyone can see that they're made for each other, they both support SPURS!
We're delighted that Caroline has chosen someone we like so much to be her partner. I would like to welcome my new son-in-law Kevin into our family, Caroline deserves a good husband and we certainly approve of her choice. Kevin she is now yours please look after her

When Caroline and Kevin stood together earlier and she spoke those magic words “I do”,
I had cause to reflect that it was one of the few times in her life that she's agreed to do something without question.
Don't get me wrong, Caroline was a wonderful and obedient child – if with a bit of prompting, and then she discovered the word opinion. I am sure you all know what I mean.

Actually Caroline has a long list of qualities – but I can't quite decipher her handwriting at this time. Seriously though, for those of you who don't know Caroline very well, I can tell you that she is a daughter to be more than proud of.

Yes, I know fathers are biased! Yes I know she could never do anything wrong in my eyes.
And she does have a mind of her own, as I dare say Kevin has discovered by now.

Caroline has however always brought brightness into our lives and I am sure this will continue into Kevin's. They together have provided us with a beautiful granddaughter Grace of which I know they can be very proud.

I asked Caroline what she was looking for in a marriage, and she said, "Love, happiness and companionship".
I asked Kevin the same question, and he said "A wide screen TV," they have one at home so that's him happy already!

Apparently it's traditional for the bride's father to offer some thoughts and worldly advice about marriage, so here goes.…

Caroline, a perfect wife is one who helps her husband with the dishes.…

And Kevin, remember man is incomplete until he's married, then he's finished!

Advice? Well, I will give you both the same advice I gave to Kirstyn and Anthony last year, just keep four things in mind.…

The first is love, closely followed by friendship, then tolerance, and then communication. Easy to say – but they can be quite hard to carry out.

You must both realise that marriage isn't easy, but it's not impossible. Many of us know that everyone faces ups and downs in a life commitment. There is no secret to a happy marriage. You'll both have to work at it, like many of us.

Kevin always remember that just before you take Caroline out the answer is
“No! Your bum doesn't look big in that”.

Finally…Never go to bed in the middle of an argument – be a man stay up and fight
You've lost anyway so you might as well get it over with.

That's about all I have to say. It now gives me great pleasure to propose a toast to the happy couple.

Here's to the past, for all that you've learned,
Here's to the present, for all that you share,
Here's to the future, for all that you look forward to together.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please be upstanding, and raise your glasses
to Caroline and Kevin.…

The Bride and Groom.