Speech by Simon Guilliatt

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Simon Guilliatt
Speech Date: Aug 2002
Ladies and gentlemen good afternoon. I'm only going to speak for a couple of minutes because of my throat……………….if I go on too long my sister Becky has threatened to cut it !!

It is my privilege to make the first speech. I would like to start by saying that my Mum Jean, and Lee's parents Marta and Julian would like to welcome both relatives and friends of both families to this very happy occasion.

I know that a number of the guests have had to travel a considerable way (some even from America) – I would like to say thank you to all of you for attending, and I hope that you are enjoying sharing Becky and Lee's day with them.

When I first learnt that Becky and Lee were to be getting married, I was delighted to hear that I was to be given the honour of giving my sister away. Most of you will be aware that my dad, Ian, has unfortunately passed away. I am sure however that he would be extremely proud of
Becky and Lee today, and feel sure that he is looking down and wishing you both well for your future together, and feeling especially proud of how great my Sister looks today.

I would very much like you all to join Becky, Mum and I in my first toast today dedicated to the memory of my Dad Ian. Ladies and gentlemen please be up standing and raise your glasses to Ian.

Today has been so long in the planning stage (or so it seems) and now I get my chance to say a few words. I read books and surfed the Internet
(not) to find out what I should say, I suppose the best way to do this is by example of some quotes and to impart some works of wisdom onto the newly weds:

One of which being: "Marriage is an institution in which a man loses his Batchelor degree and the woman gets her Masters"

And as Groucho Marx said, "Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution".

I asked Beck what she was hoping for out of marriage, she said LOVE, HAPPINESS AND COMPANIONSHIP.

I asked Lee the same question (admittedly this was half way through the stag night and some 10 pints later) and he said, A NEW CAR AND THE LATEST ???? VIDEO – MMMM may be this causes us all to be a little concerned.

Becky and Lee first met on the internet, she thought she was buying a new dress, but infact she was buying a new husband. When they met Lee lived in Manchester, and after 3 months of time together he tried to escape to Brighton, with my sister hot on his heels!!

I feel that I must share with you all that when Becky first visited the hotel regarding menu details, she first requested Marmite sandwiches, her favourite dish, thank goodness my Mum stepped in!!!

Having done my research about both the hen and stag do's, understand that they were both really success events, unfortunately I am unable to recall the event so am reliant upon feedback !!!!.

Before closing, I would like to offer Lee some final words of advise as he joins the family:

First – In the words of Charlton Heston, "the key to a long and happy marriage is to be remember these three words, I WAS WRONG".

Second – In the words of Oscar Wilde, "women are meant to be loved and not understood".

And third – "Always put the toilet seat down after you".

But seriously, it now gives me great pleasure to propose a toast to the happy couple:

Here's to the past, for all that you learned.

Here's to the present, for all that you share.

Here's to the future, for all that you look forward to together….Ladies and gentlemen please be upstanding and raise your glasses to the Bride and Groom, Becky and Lee.