Speech by Rebecca

Speech Type: Maid of honour/Best woman
Speech Creator: Rebecca
Speech Date: Feb 2002
For those of you that don't already know me I'm Rebecca, Xanthe's ‘slightly’ older sister.

When Xanthe first asked me to give her away I felt two things, the first was one of extreme and enormous pride that she'd asked me, and the second was ‘Oh my God’ I have to do a speech. So please don't worry this won't take too long.

I would like to thank the vicar for a lovely service, the vicars mate for keeping an eye out on the weather, although Uncle Anthony could well have had something to do with that and Victoria, Xanthe's lifelong friend and beautiful bridesmaid. I am also delighted to have my Mum, sisters and brother here today to celebrate Xanthe's (and Stuarts) day, one which I hope is the start of many more ‘happiest days of their life’.

Xanthe has given me, and all of my family some incredibly happy and joyous moments over the years. She was a delight to grow up with, and has always provided us with some memorable moments.

Having known Xanthe all her life I have a huge library of stories to leave her embarrassed and humiliated, but out of respect for her on her big day I have decided NOT to tell them…

So I'm not going to tell to tell you about the milkman, yes they were around in those days, asking me how my brother was on many an occasion – well done Mum, Xanthe always loved that hair cut,

And I'm not going to admit that I did my bit towards Xanthe's hairstyles when I cut her fringe to about 1cm and it took most of the next 5 years to grow back. In fact im surprised she ever forgave me! I can so clearly remember the horror on her face when I finally let her see it

And I'm not going to mention the fact that Xanthe as a young child was at her happiest playing on her own with her fisher price toys, she liked the red headed one with the long fringe best!! – Funny that!

Xanthe, as im sure you all know is fiercely independent – I am reminded of a particular suitcase, small red one, that was often packed on her way to leave home for one shore or another, and this one's first outing was to go back to Yorkshire with my Uncle George, even then an old man when she was about 4 years old. As far as I can recall the only things she'd actually packed were books – and perhaps that little fisher price friend?

When Xanthe first introduced Stuart to us all, well we weren't quite sure what to make of him really, and I'm sure Stuart felt exactly the same, I think someone coming into a family of four sisters and a brother can find the whole experience quite daunting but Stuart took it all in his stride and has since become the comedian and magician of family social events………….…

ON a more serious note, I hope you all agree that the wedding so far, has been a huge success, I would like to thank all of you for celebrating the day with us especially those who have travelled almost the length of the country to be here.

It has been an absolute honour for me, Xanthe, to give you away today; you are a fantastic sister, great daughter and brilliant friend.

I've never seen you happier than you have been over these last few years with Stuart; I hope the best for you now and always

Finally, On behalf of my Mum, my sisters and brother, and of course all our partners, not forgetting Zach and Maddy, I would like to welcome Stuart, his Mum and Dad, Jill and Roy, and his brother, Pete, into our family, we all look forward to getting to know you better.

Now ladies and gentleman, it gives me great pleasure to invite you all to stand and raise your glasses in a toast to the bride and groom, Xanthe and Stuart. To love, laughter and happily ever after – Cheers!