Speech by Harold Fry

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Harold Fry
Speech Date: Dec 2001
To all … Family and Friends of the bridal couple

Good Afternoon ..
I am Michelle's Father…..…

On behalf of myself and Theresa, Brendon's parents Gene and Rhona , we
extend a warm welcome , and thank you all sincerely for being here to share
this special day with us

Before getting up to make this speech I was giving instructions…
Not to tell jokes…
To keep it short…
And I was reminded about the ABC and XYZ of public speaking…
ABC … – Always be confident..
XYZ … – eXamine your zip.…

When Michelle told me that she and Brendon wanted to get married in
the berg , my first thought was hell no one will come.…
I stand here… , today, with mixed emotions,
I fell so proud .…
Relieved .… that you guys showed up.
Humble .… that you all thought it worthy to honour our two families.
Grateful .… you all arrived safely and I will pray for your safe return
home…

Some weeks ago Michelle jokingly told me that men think wedding arrangements
just take care of themselves…
I read on the Internet that men are always excluded… from getting involved
in the wedding arrangements because they ask stupid questions all the time.
……….… Like how much?

Tradition has it that the Father's speech ,.… normally
include a funny or embarrassing story on the bride or groom…or both .
And also because I was excluded from the wedding arrangements

I would like to invite Theresa , Michelle's Mom , to join me
up here..
I know she wants to thank a number of people for helping to put all this
together.… She may also have a story or two about M & B she wishes to
tell.

Hand over mike to Theresa.

Thank you's , funny or embarrassing stories etc.

Hand mike back to Harold.

Theresa you also put in a lot of effort , so on behalf of bride, the
groom and myself a special thanks for all your hard work
Thank you,

Finally …, before we all rise to toast the bridal couple I would like
to give them some advice.
Some of it flippant , some serious

Michelle ….… A good wife will always help her husband with the
dishes.
Brendon ….… A man is incomplete until he is married … then he's
Finished……….… And now for the serious stuff

M & B I know this is the best advice you both will ever receive and without
fear of being labelled or called names …….here goes

A family that prays together stays together.

This should be the dogma you live by.

Michelle I can point out to you the perfect example , Your Grandparents
Harry and Yvonne Bromfield who have been married for 54 years.

And now please all stand…

It gives me great pleasure to propose a toast to the happy couple.

To … Brendon and Michelle