Speech by Matt Perkins
Giving my little sister away was one of the proudest moments of my life. Giving the speech during the breakfast was probaly one of the most nerve-racking. If i could give one piece of advice, it would be to write your speech down and practice, practice, practice. Okay that's technically 4 pieces of advice but good advice. Practice on your own and then try it out on your partner, friend or anyone who'll listen, just practice. You'll be a bag of nerves leading up to your speech but dont worry, dont drink too much and remember, no-one in the room wants you to fail, they are all on your side. W
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Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Matt Perkins
Speech Date: 27/05/2013 23:53:32
Ladies and Gentlemen….… and anyone else who has sneaked in for a free meal.
My name is Matt and I am the brother of the bride and whilst I'm sure that Paul and the best man, Lee, are desperate to stand up and give their own speeches, it is my privilege to make the first speech of the day.
Firstly, on behalf of my mum, Jan, myself and Paul's Mum & Dad, Mick and Kate, I would like to welcome and thank everyone for joining us in celebrating Emma and Paul's wedding day.
I would also like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in making today so special. I know that Emma and Paul have put a lot of effort and planning to make today a relaxed and enjoyable celebration, and I'm sure that you will all agree with me that it has been a brilliant day so far.
As I have the pleasure of the first speech, I get to be the first to officially congratulate Emma on how beautiful she looks today. And just so there is no favouritism, Paul…… you're looking pretty good too.
Normally giving a bride away on her wedding day is the responsibility of the bride's father, but unfortunately our dad passed away several years ago. However, I know dad would have felt so honoured and, in his words, ‘chuffed’ to have walked you down the aisle today. I feel so proud that you gave me the privilege of being a part of you and Paul exchanging your vows.
One of the disadvantages of having your brother give you away, is that he is bound to know many, many, more embarrassing stories about you that your father ever would….
So here goes…
Number 1.
I can remember when Emma was about 5 or 6 years old and……….
You know what, seeing as Emma probably has more embarrassing stories about me, and today is not about embarrassing the bride, we'll leave those stories to the best man.
Growing up with Emma wasn't always easy, she was a princess, she was a little madam, she was a drama queen and everything always seemed to be my fault… but I still love her.
My little sister has grown into a beautiful woman that has achieved so much already, and I'm sure that she will go on to achieve so much more. We are really proud of her.
Paul, I am delighted that Emma chose you to spend her life with. You're funny, kind, good looking and have all 10 fingers and I am proud to welcome you to our family.
If I could've chosen anyone to marry my little sister I would've chosen you. And that's not just because I needed help with building my patio.
It doesn't seem more that 5 minutes ago that Emma and Paul returned from their trip to New Zealand and announced their engagement. Now..… I know that it was quite late in the vacation, actually in Shanghai on the way home, when Paul eventually asked Emma that all important question. And.… I am sure that this delay was only because he wanted to wait for it to be perfect, rather than him having to build up the courage to ask her. He knew that it would be a moment that would be remembered for a lifetime, as will, I'm sure, the celebrations today.
I believe it is traditional at this stage of the speech for me to offer some wisdom, or perhaps corny advice on how Emma and Paul should conduct their marriage, but since Paul is several years older than me and Emma has politely listened to every piece of advice I have ever given her and just as politely gone on to do exactly what she wanted, that seems a little pointless.
I do however have a piece of advice that I'd like to share with Paul that was passed down to me from my dad..… and that is the phrase ‘Yes dear’.
I have a few examples for its use: …….
I've seen a nice handbag that is awfully expensive. Do you think we should buy it? Yes Dear
You do value my opinion don't you? Yes Dear
Does my bum look big in this? Yes De…….
Our dad didn't always get it right.
And as we come to the end of my speech, there is a saying I would like to share with you all, which goes a little something like this
‘Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry.’
So, Emma and Paul, may your marriage be a truly happy one, may it begin with an unforgettable honeymoon in Borneo and may you both have a long and wonderful life together.
Ladies & Gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to propose the first toast to the happy couple. Would you please be upstanding and raise your glasses – The Bride and Groom.
