Speech by Ian

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Ian
Speech Date: 27/06/2017 08:42:50

WELCOME – Good afternoon everybody.

My name is Ian and I'm Sarah's Dad and it's my privilege to make the first speech of the day, and although I know Sarah and Julie are dying to stand up and speak in front you all, I appreciate you indulging me for just a little while, think of me as the warm up act for the speakers to come later.

I feel I should probably make you aware from the very start that I lack any real practical experience as a speaker, so I hope you will forgive me if this speech is not as professional as the speeches that will follow, as clearly this is a new experience for me and despite having had 35 years to produce a speech I do feel a little underprepared.

Sarah's only advice to me was “Don't embarrass me dad” so I had to scrap everything I had prepared…

But don't worry, I managed to download this off the internet this morning, I hope it's good as I haven't had a chance to read it yet.

I would like to welcome you all, and thank you for coming here today for this very special occasion to help celebrate the marriage of our daughter Sarah to Julie, and if neither of those names are familiar to you, or maybe you were expecting a groom, then there is a good chance you're at the wrong event.

But seriously, I have looked forward to this day for a long time, it's been a great day so far and it has been an absolute pleasure to give away my eldest daughter today.

Sarah makes a stunning bride, as of course does Julie, and I wish them both every happiness together.

I also want to apologise to those of you who weren't able to attend the actual wedding ceremony due to the limited space, it was very emotional, and I think everybody there was crying at some stage, even the cake was in tiers…

Now as father of the bride (or one of them at least) I am supposed to offer some advice to you both on a successful marriage, all I will say is: success in marriage is not about finding someone to live with, it's about finding the one person you can't live without, and I can honestly say I believe you both have done exactly that.

I'd like to welcome Julie to the family, and of course Karen and the rest of your family.

So all that leaves me to say is that the two of you make a fantastic couple, individually you are both great, but as a partnership you are awesome, and I wish you every happiness, excitement, love, and adventure, now, and for the future.

Well, Uncle Steve is looking at his watch, which is the signal that he needs a drink, so, ladies and gentlemen, join me in a toast.

Would you please all be upstanding and raise your glasses to the blushing Brides: Sarah and Julie!