As a first tme FOTG I'm starting to compose my speech for my son's wedding in ten days time. I think he is expecting something light and humourous.
Having not done this before I am looking for suggestions from those who have 'been there before' for things I should include in the speech.
Cheers
Graham
Humor is good. So long as it doesn't embarrass anyone too much. Do not show pictures of "Junior" sitting on his potty chair beaming with pride because he just dropped a load. Do not mention any old girl friends and his connection with them. Brag on him for being able to find such a wonderful young woman to join your family. Congratulate him on growing into such a fine young man who is worthy of his bride.
Mr Cow
He was a hyper-active child and once confessed that his greatest fear in marriage was having a child like he was. So I might 'warn' his bride about some of his childhood traits.
Cheers
Graham
First, don't worry about it. I jotted down a speech then pretty much just talked. I am not a big public speaker but delivering the speech was a lot more automatic than I thought it would be.
1. If the Father of the Bride welcomed everyone then you can skip over it otherwise do so.
2. Recognize the parents of the bride and perhaps a few kind words about them.
3. Recognize any members of your family as needed, mostly your wife and grandparents on your side.
4. Tell some stories about your son growing up, keep it light. I don't recommend mentioning anything too embarrassing. Also DO NOT mention old girlfriends, leave the past in the past other than lighthearted stuff.
5. Most of all-Welcome the Bride into your family.
6. You can do Fatherly advice if you want to, but I skipped it. This depends on what you think is best.
7. Close with a toast, it can be as simple as "long life and happiness."
It will be over before you know it. Usually by the time the speeches come around everyone has had at least a few drinks so you really can't go wrong if you jot down what you want to say then say it.
Dave
I have done a fair bit of public speaking before. I find that If I write the speech out it becomes fixed in the memory and then all I need is some memory notes which I then rarely refer to.
This way I am disciplined to a time limit and always know where I am going.
The content of this speech is new ground to me.
Thanks for the advice. I had forgotten the bit about the Bride's parents who I have only met once. They live about 400 mile away.
Cheers
Graham
7a. “And Grandma, take your teeth out before you start drinking out of the wine bottle”.
Sorry, Outside my experience. I just have been there at daughters weddings.B-)
Best Man Speech
If the Best Man at someone's wedding starts to elaborate on his life-long crush on the Bride at the rehearsal dinner or the post wedding reception, take him outside, gag him, knock him out, or do whatever it takes to stop him from doing this as it will be immediately disasterous and the effects will last for years.
(Nephew's wedding a few years ago. The best man was the groom's brother. Wow!)
Anytime I get a chance to speak at a wedding, I always say what my Uncle told me at my wedding:
“Most people say that a marriage is a 50-50 endeavor. It is not it is a 100-100 endeavor. Each of you will need to give 100% of your love, dedication, faithfulness, and respect to each other. When you do, you will live in a long loving relationship.”
My aunt and uncle live by this (married 45 years), my parents live by this (married 42 years), and my wife and I live by this (married 16 years). Just food for thought.
Miguel A. Escobar, LSLS, RPLS
true.
It is true but he can see that for himself. I think that I'll advise him to have the last word in any discussion with his wife. That is 'yes dear'.
It worked for me.
Cheers
Graham
The old saying, "Ain't Momma happy, ain't no one happy!" is very true.
