Speech by Phil White

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Phil White
Speech Date: Sep2005
Ladies and Gentlemen,

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Phil and it's my privilege as the Father of the Bride to welcome you all and to thank you for being here today to celebrate the marriage of Lisa and Peter, especially those of you who have had to travel some distance. I'd also like to thank all those people who have done so much to make the day the success it has been and will continue to be, particularly the happy couple themselves, Lisa's Mum Dee and Pete's Mum Sylvia who amongst other things has arranged the catering and the cake. There should also be a mention for the management and staff of the Good Companions for all their efforts, particularly the bar staff who are going to be run off their feet in the very near future.

As I said, I'm the very proud father of the bride, who even as I speak is sitting here shi….shi…..shivering with fear at the thought of what Dad is going to say. I rang her from work in Egypt last week and in passing mentioned that I hadn't written my speech yet, and she groaned and said “Please, please, don't embarrass me”. As if.

It doesn't seem possible that it's 25 years since I rushed home from an oil rig 110 miles North of Shetland, early one morning, without even asking permission, as young Madam here was going to be early, an event that's never happened since. All joking aside, she has been a constant source of joy and it's been a pleasure to watch her grow into the beautiful, charming young lady you see before you today. She's inherited from one parent looks, charm, personality and sense of humour, whilst the other one taught her to handle hard liquor. I leave it to you to work out which is which (pointing to wife and making exaggerated drinking gesture).

I'd like to officially welcome Pete into the family, although in reality he's already part of the furniture. He's a great lad with a terrific sense of humour, which is born out by the fact that he has agreed to be married on the anniversary of the first use of the electric chair, in New York, 06 Aug 1890. You did know about that Pete?

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/default.stm for past events on this date). We get on really well even though he supports Tottenham Hotspur. I suppose someone has to. I'm sure Lisa will make him an ideal wife and may even help with the housework occasionally.
It's traditional for the Brides Father to give some advice on marriage at this point, but not me. Pete, if you ever work it out, please let me in on the secret.

In conclusion Ladies and Gentleman, it gives me great pleasure to propose a toast to the happy couple, so please be upstanding and raise your glasses……
To the Bride and Groom, Mr and Mrs McCabe.