Speech by Vic Rempel

Speech Type: Father of the bride/groom
Speech Creator: Vic Rempel
Speech Date: Dec2005
Good evening everyone, I am Vic, the bride's father I will endeavor to keep this as short as possible for the sake of everyone. Especially me. If you hear any strange noises it is only my knees knocking, please take no notice.

Speechmaking is not something I would normally look forward to, but today is a happy exception.

As Father of the Bride, it is my privilege to make the first speech, and, Grace and I would like to start, by saying what a real pleasure it is to welcome, on this very happy occasion, Bonnie and James, Chris's parents, together with relatives and friends of both families.

We are very proud today, to see Stephanie, looking so beautiful, and married to Chris.

During the time we have known him, we have come to realize how special he is to Stephanie, and anyone can see that they are made for each other.
He is really likeable and easy going, and we are very happy to welcome him formally into our family.

Of course, marriage is not only about finding the perfect partner, but also about being one.

I believe that marriage will teach Chris, loyalty, self-restraint, and control. It will develop in him a sense of fair play ..… and many other qualities…..which he wouldn't need if he had stayed single!
Funny thing marriage. Did you know they carried out a survey recently to establish whether married men live longer than bachelors.
Apparently, there's absolutely no difference….it just seems longer when you're married!

According to Charlton Heston, the key to a long and happy marriage Chris is to remember these three little words, "I was wrong."

Another piece of advice I would like to pass on is this:
Valentine cards understandably stress burning love, and the minister stresses fidelity, but old married couples like us know that the secrets of a well-worked-at marriage, are persistence and patience, tolerance and forbearance, stoicism, tenacity, stamina, forgiveness and, failing that, a defective memory. It also helps, of course, if the husband is always prepared to take the blame, as is only right and just. My wife insisted that I made this last point!

To be serious for a moment, I know that we suggested that you should have your wedding on a beach in Mexico, but we're so glad you didn't, because this has been a wonderful wedding day, and it's not over yet!
It is only right that we should toast the Bride and Groom, but we should also toast each of you here.

You have come to help us celebrate this special occasion, of those we love, and who love each other.

By your presence, you show friendship and love, and bring even greater joy to us all.

We are all God's children, and I would like to extend to everyone …love and friendship.

Now it is my pleasant duty to propose a toast to the happy couple.…
Here's to the past, for all that you've 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 & Gentlemen, please be upstanding and raise your glasses to the Bride & Groom.