Speech by Mitun Patel

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Mitun Patel
Speech Date: 23/08/2015 20:45:51

THE WELCOME Good evening everyone, for those of you who don't know me I'm Dipa's younger brother Mitun and it is my privilege to make the first speech of the evening. And for those of you that do know me may agree that public speaking is not my greatest forte. Nonetheless nothing would give me greater pleasure then saying a few words about my big sister, and of course being the warm up act for Ed and his best man Andy. So with that in mind, just like myself, I'll make sure I keep this short and sweet!  Firstly, on behalf of my mum, dad and myself, I would like to welcome and thank everyone for joining us in celebrating Dipa and Ed's wedding day. I know that many of you have travelled long distances to be here with us which is a great testament of the care and appreciation we have for them both.  I would also like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in making today so special. I know that Dipa and Ed have put a lot of effort and planning into making today a relaxed and enjoyable celebration. So thank you all so much for coming to help celebrate this very special occasion and I hope you all have a good evening.

THE BRIDE As I have the pleasure of the first speech, I get to be the first to officially congratulate Dipa on how beautiful she looks today. And just so there is no favouritism, Ed……you've scrubbed up pretty well yourself. Now I would be the first to admit that Dipa inherited the good looks out of us both, however what she also does have on the flip side are some quite un-lady like habits. My sister could quite frankly claim first prize in the loudest burp contest if she ever decided to enter one. She also has a habit of guzzling her food down like it's the last meal she is ever going to eat….and tends to get half the meal all over herself in the process. So I thought that it would be wise to provide you with something to help protect that beautiful wedding dress of yours (hand her the bib)…Ed if you could please make sure she wears the bib when necessary that would be great. Usually it is customary for the Father of the Bride to provide the newlyweds with some profound advice for them to take away. However as I have taken on the speaking responsibilities on behalf of my dad, I have decided against that. I would however like to provide some advice to you Ed, especially since you have both recently moved into your new home. During her teenage years, Dipa had her room filled with David Beckham posters. And not just a couple of larger posters ladies and gentleman. Like a shrine she had an entire wall filled with posters of Becks. And although she quickly grew out of that phase, Ed If you come home one day and see a poster of David Beckham hanging up on the wall…be sure to take immediate action!! Touching upon another one of Dipa's many noteworthy habits, is her tendency to lose belongings. I don't think there is a day gone by where she has forgotten or lost something. There is one particular instance that comes to mind when she went on holiday to New York with my cousin Amy. Late in the evening and in a fairly inebriated state I might add, they stopped for some food. And, when Dipa had gone to pay, she realised that although she had her purse strap hanging off her shoulder….her purse was not attached…with all of her belongings inside…not your finest moment! So ladies and gentlemen, if you come across anything tonight, a lost phone….set of keys…..a wedding ring, you won't need to contact lost and found, just return the goods to the rightful owner right here. But in all seriousness, Dipa you are a wonderful big sister, you have provided us all with so much joy and laughter over the years and mum, dad and I are immensely proud of you.

THE GROOM As well as her habit of losing things, there's no denying that she has found her perfect partner in Ed. I think we all agree that Ed matches Dipa very well and since we have known him, we've come to realise how special he is to her; and anyone can see that they're made for each other. Ed, I would like to welcome you into the family, even though you have been part of it for a good while now. I think you have been with Dipa long enough to know what you are letting yourself in for, so to be honest I haven't got any sympathy for you. Over time I have grown a huge amount of admiration for you. You're kind, well-mannered and above all have been able to see past Dipa's various flaws, supporting Man United being one of them.

THE TOAST I would like to thank you both for the honour of giving this speech, it has been a great day and I, like everyone here is privileged to share it with you…It is my very great pleasure to propose the first toast to the happy couple. So could I ask you please be upstanding and raise your glasses….to the Bride and Groom.