Speech by Dave Sutherland

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Dave Sutherland
Speech Date: sep 2003
Good afternoon everyone.
For those of you who don't know me I'm Lisa's brother David and I'm here today to say a few words on behalf of our father. Unfortunately Des is unable to be here today due to ill health. Nevertheless it goes without saying that he passes on all his love and best wishes to Lisa and Stephen on their special day.
When Lisa asked me to give her away I was chuffed to bits. But all I could think was God I'll have to make a speech. To be honest standing here I feel a bit like a sheik walking into his harem for the first time. I know what I've got to do I just don't know where to start. All I can say is thank God for the Internet.
First of all, on behalf of my mother Linda and I, I would like to welcome Stephens parents Lyn and Michael, who I'm sure are very proud of their son today.
I'd also like to welcome relatives and friends of both families and thank you all for being here, especially those of you who have travelled a long way to make this special occasion so memorable.
Lisa and Stephen have obviously worked really hard organising everything for today but your hard work has definately 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, including Chris and Joanne for their efforts with the wedding invitations and order of service. Not to mention the staff here at Grinkle Park for this superb reception.
I'd like to say how proud I am today to be giving away my little sister. I'm sure you'll all agree that she looks absolutely stunning today. It's easy to see who got the looks in our family (brains I'm not so sure about).
Even though we were pretty good at getting on eachother nerves a skids it's great to see what a confident and generous woman Lisa has become. Without sounding too corny she is a wonderful person who deserves a good husband. All I can say Stephen is that you are lucky that you married her before she found one.
Right well now is the time for me to relate an embarrasing anecdote form Lisa's past.
Actually no sorry I'm not going to do that.
To be honest I couldn't think of any that would be fit for a family audience. But if anyone wants to see me in the bar later I'm sure I can be persuaded.
At this point I would like to formally welcome Stephen into the family, even though you have been part of it for a good while now. Again without sounding too corny Stephen you are a great lad who clearly loves our Lisa and obviously makes her very happy.
I think you have been with Lisa long enough now to know what you are letting yourself in for by joining our family, So to be honest mate I haven't got any sympathy for you. Seriously though Stephen we are glad that you are part of our family and I am proud to have you as a brother-in-law.
Sticking with tradition it would be usual for me to leave Lisa and Stephen with some words of advice as they enter into this next stage of their lives together. However I think you know each other well enough to know how to stay on each others good side. So all I will say is this.
Lisa – If you want something from Stephen just ask for it. Don't forget he's a man and hints don't work.
Stephen – Always remember as a great philosopher once said, a man who gives in when he is wrong is a wise man. Whilst a man who gives in when he is right is married.
And finally everyone all that remains is for me to ask that you all join me in a toast. Lisa and Stephen may you both live as long as you like and have all that you need for as long as you live. Ladies and Gentlemen I give you Lisa and Stephen."