Speech by Mike Broadfield

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Mike Broadfield
Speech Date: Aug2004
Welcome,Everyone
I'm Mike

As father of the bride it's my pleasure and privilege to make the first speech.

On behalf of Dorothy and myself, Mary and John, I would like to start by saying what a pleasure it is to welcome on this very happy occasion all the relatives and friends of both families.

Weddings are a great expense for most families and I know how hard Vicky and Tim have worked to help make their wedding day a memorable one.

This wedding has taken a lot of time and patience to organise and some decisions have not always been easy to reach but I'm delighted everything has turned out so well and I thank everyone who has played a part.

However i would like to say a special thank you to Tim's parents, Mary and John for their valuable help and contribution.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank especially, Dorothy, for not only being a tolerant wife, but more importantly an outstanding mother, and the guiding influence in the upbringing of Vicky, culminating in today's celebrations.

Now I would like to just say a few words about my delightful daughter Vicky if I may, however it is not my intention to embarrass her.

For those of you who don't know, Vicky is our youngest daughter and I like to think that we are extremely close.

She has always been a model daughter to Dorothy and myself, and we are both proud to see her looking so radiant on this her wedding day.

Anyone that knows Vicky, will know how she likes to talk, and how she can rattle away at great speed, never seeming to pause for breath.

Our house is certainly much quieter now, in fact when she first moved out I thought I must have gone deaf, as the place was so quiet, even with three other people still around.

Vicky always had a great Passion for TV in her younger days, especially the soaps.
Evenings would start with her watching neighbours, then crossroads, Emmerdale Farm used to be next followed by Coronation Street and Brookside not forgetting Eastenders of course.
Watching it once was not good enough either and weekends were spent watching the omnibus editions where possible.
I think she has now been cured or out grown her addiction as I believe the Simpsons will now take priority in what is soon to be the Dallow household.

At least I now get to watch the 6 o'clock news in peace.

However they say that you are not losing a daughter when she gets married and leaves home but gaining a son.

So Dorothy and I would like to welcome Tim into our family.

Tim is a very likeable, hard working, caring, sensitive and an easygoing person. well at least that's what vicky tells me.
I have my doubts though.
For when he rings up and I answer the phone he greets me with the warm welcome of

How you doing grandad you grey haired old.
I'll leave the rest to your imagination.

It's taken Tim quite a while to find his perfect partner and I have been told he once sent his photo to a lonely hearts club,

the trouble was they sent it back saying we're not that lonely.

Tim is also said to be very knowledgeable on most subjects.

I say knowledgeable on most subjects,however as I don't think his knowledge extends to football.

Tim in case any of you don't know is an ardent football fan and supports West Bromwich Albion.

Well it could be worse,at least he's not a bluenose.

And this is where I question his knowledge.
because I've never quite understood the connection between West Bromwich Albion and football.

Tim will probably say that's because I'm a Villa fan and I know even less about football than he does.

Joking apart I am sure Tim will make Vicky a great husband and Dorothy and I a good son in law and we are delighted he has chosen to become part of our family.

It‘s traditional for the brides’ father to offer some worldly thoughts and advice on marriage.

To Vicky…..The definition of a perfect wife is to always help your husband with the dishes.

And to Tim remember a man is incomplete until he finds a wife,— then he's finished!

Tim never go to bed on an unfinished argument. Be a man stay awake and fight to the bitter end! You're going to lose anyway, so you might as well get it over and done with.

Some proper advice?
And I think after being married for 28 years I am qualified to offer some.

Marriage isn't easy but it's not impossible.
There is no challenge in a marriage that cannot be overcome by the following three sentences.
I was wrong
You were right
I love you.
Ladies and gentlemen it gives me great pleasure to propose a toast to the happy couple.
Please be upstanding and raise your glasses.

To Vicky and Tim
The Bride and Groom.