Speech by Steve Cowell

Speech Type: Groom
Speech Creator: Steve Cowell
Speech Date: Feb2005
1. INTRODUCTION

First of all, apologies for having to read this.

I had memorised it but for some reason I‘ve been a bit distracted today.

That's my excuse, but Donna will tell you later I left it so late and spent that long pratting about writing it that I didn't have time to learn it

It's traditional for the Groom to tell the guests that he's unaccustomed to public speaking, but those of you who know me will appreciate that in my case it really is true @ and those of you who don't are about to find out. But if you think you're suffering listening to me just think how bad I feel whilst I'm inflicting it on you.

Well, despite my nerves I had a great speech prepared for today, but as we are now married Donna has told me what to say instead.

2. THANKYOU TO ALL THE GUESTS FOR COMING

My wife and I would like to thank you all for coming here today and sharing this special occasion with us.

I know that many of you have travelled a long way – because it's a long way from anywhere to Brid. It's not quite the end of the world but they say you can see it from here.

We really hope that you'll enjoy the day as much as us and we'd especially like to thank you for all the kind wishes, cards and presents.

3. THANKYOU TO GEORGE FOR THE SPEECH &amp TOAST

Of course I would like to thank my father@in@law George for allowing me to marry his daughter and for his kind words in welcoming me to the family.

Whilst our wedding day probably seems to have come upon you really quickly @ I can reassure you that Donna's not pregnant @ honest.

I knew it was safe to propose to Donna when she told me that her Dad had said of me ‘At least he's not a pudding like the others’ and she regarded that as a real compliment. High praise indeed.

It really doesn't seem like 5 minutes since we were watching him rounding up Donna's neighbours to block my car in, because he thought it was from the Masonic Lodge on the corner.

On that morning I was under strict orders to be up and dressed before he came around @ presumably so he'd think that I'd nipped over the 70 miles from Otley on a Sunday morning for a quick cuppa @ but I'm pretty sure he didn't fall for that one.

4. THANKYOU TO DONNA FOR MARRYING ME

The one person in the room to whom I owe the most thanks is Donna, my wife.

It is true to say that meeting her has changed my life beyond all recognition. If somebody had told me just over a year ago that I'd be standing here today making a speech at my wedding I'd have thought that they were mad.

Not only has Donna done all of the work to make this day so special for us, but she's managed to fit in the time to look beautiful as well.

I'm sure you'll all agree with me that she looks stunning in her dress @ but I know that she'll look even better out of it later on.

As Donna will tell you – I'm often wrong, but in marrying her I know I've definitely made the right decision and I don't have to hope that our future together will be a happy one because I know it will be.

5. THANKYOU TO OUR PARENTS + GIVE FLOWERS TO MOTHERS

I would like to thank all our parents for their support since we met and for their generous contributions to our special day.

It's no secret that my wife and I haven't known each other for very long and I'm sure our parents could have been forgiven for being a bit unnerved when we told them that we were getting married – especially given some of the past ‘puddings’ in our lives. I'm pleased to say that like us they never had any doubts and they've been behind us all the way.

Whilst I'm on the subject I'd like to thank our recent ex.’s for not showing up today, but I believe mine might be joining us for our Honeymoon next week if she can arrange a babysitter.

We'd like Margaret and Joan to accept these flowers as a small token of our appreciation for all that our families have done for us.

FLOWERS TO MOTHERS

6. THANKYOU TO BRIDESMAIDS / USHER / PAGE BOY + GIVE GIFTS

No wedding would be complete without beautiful bridesmaids, and I'm sure that you'll all agree with me that Bethany and Jade look fantastic and have done a wonderful job today.

Thank you also to Liam our Usher and Luke our Page Boy. You've both done us proud today, but I won't dwell too long on you as I know I'll only make you cringe.

Special thanks to Luke for not climbing under Donna's dress or hoisting it in the air, and to Liam for remembering not to disappear off with his mates just prior to the ceremony and not turning up in a pair of muddy trainers.

We'd like each of you to have these gifts as a token of our thanks for your help and as a memento of this lovely day.

GIFTS TO EACH

Ladies and gentlemen, can I ask you all to be upstanding and raise your glasses in a toast to the Briesmaids, Usher and Page Boy.

TOAST

7. THANKYOU TO DARREN + HANDOVER

Last but by no means least I would like to thank Darren for being my Best Man.

The competition for the honour of not fulfilling this role was intense, but Darren drew the short straw because he was the only one without an excuse to get out of it.

Fortunately, as he's an all round good bloke, he's risen to the challenge and done a good job of it @ so far.

I've known Darren for about 12 years and in that time we've worked together on a number of occasions @ I've even had the dubious pleasure of sharing lodgings with him in London.

In fact I'm surprised to say that I've probably lived with him longer than I have with Donna @ so far.

When you look at him it's hard to believe that throughout that time he existed on a diet of beer and kebabs from the takeaway on the way back from the pub.

Before I met Donna, when times weren't so good for me he proved to be a great friend as well as a valued ex@colleague.

My wife and I would like you to accept this small gift as a token of our appreciation of your efforts on our behalf.

GIFTS TO DARREN

Of course I could continue with a tissue of lies, half truths and semi@fictitious stories but instead I'll let Darren do that on my behalf.

Over to you mate……

HANDOVER TO DARREN @ THANK GOD!