Have to do a wedding speech! HELP!

[grumpybastard]

My eldest son is getting married in a fortnights time so its going to be expected of me to do a speech.

Being generally crap at any form of conversation, im enlisting the help of Aulro!

What makes a good speech?

The only thing i can think of saying currently is "Thank you Sarah for taking him off my hands" :)

[pop058]

My eldest son is getting married in a fortnights time so its going to be expected of me to do a speech.

Being generally crap at any form of conversation, im enlisting the help of Aulro!

What makes a good speech?

The only thing i can think of saying currently is "Thank you Sarah for taking him off my hands" :)

add "woohoo" to the front of your speech and that should just about cover it I think :D

[richard4u2]

when my daughter got married the groom's dad prattled on for 15 mins and you could see every one was bored stiff, i got up spoke for about 2 min, got an applause haha, just welcome her to the family and tell her she looks stunning and wish them both a long and happy marriage and thank her for taking him off your hands ;)

[grumpybastard]

add "woohoo" to the front of your speech and that should just about cover it I think :D

Hahaha!

[grumpybastard]

when my daughter got married the groom's dad prattled on for 15 mins and you could see every one was bored stiff, i got up spoke for about 2 min, got an applause haha, just welcome her to the family and tell her she looks stunning and wish them both a long and happy marriage and thank her for taking him off your hands ;)

Im thinking that the shorter speech, the better (within reason).... my vocabulary wouldn't stretch to 15 mins anyway:)

Thanks for the tips

[pop058]

does Sarah have a sister. I still have a 32 yo (yes, three two)living at home :(

[grumpybastard]

does Sarah have a sister. I still have a 32 yo (yes, three two)living at home :(

Afraid not, which is a shame... she was raised by her Grandparents and is quite sensible and manages to keep the boy inline.

I reckon if you still have a 32yo at home you might be just a little bit to nice....trying being a GrumpyBastard and they will be out the door in no time :)

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

It doesn't really matter what you say. It's the kind thoughts you tell.
When you get up there and start your speech, a lot of guests would have had a few drinks and probably won't remember what you say any way.
Your blood pressure will rise and you will feel an uneasy sweat, don't worry, we have all been there before.
After it's all done and that itching feeling leaves your back of your neck and you propose a toast and are glad it is all over and you sit down.
your partner will say you did well.
Then when you later view a video of your speech, you'll realise what a fool you made of yourself:wasntme:, but no body cared:p:p:p:p

[QLDMIKE]

Humour. You make people laugh and they don't care how long you talk for

[grumpybastard]

It doesn't really matter what you say. It's the kind thoughts you tell.
When you get up there and start your speech, a lot of guests would have had a few drinks and probably won't remember what you say any way.
Your blood pressure will rise and you will feel an uneasy sweat, don't worry, we have all been there before.
After it's all done and that itching feeling leaves your back of your neck and you propose a toast and are glad it is all over and you sit down.
your partner will say you did well.
Then when you later view a video of your speech, you'll realise what a fool you made of yourself:wasntme:, but no body cared:p:p:p:p

Hahaha .... this is exactly what im trying to avoid :eek:

[grumpybastard]

Humour. You make people laugh and they don't care how long you talk for

Im really not that funny...the best i can provide is sarcasm (lowest form of wit) which requires a 2 way conversation .... sh1te im screwed!

[Grumbles]

Google 'Wedding Speeches" - there are hundreds of them plus ideas on how to write your own.

[grumpybastard]

Google 'Wedding Speeches" - there are hundreds of them plus ideas on how to write your own.

Ahhh ...Google will always provide!

Hmmm sounds almost religious ... I wonder is Google a religion? :)

[midal]

My brother in law and his girlfriend had lived together for a while before deciding to tie the knot.

At the wedding reception, the bride's father mentioned in his speech that the lad had done the right thing and asked for his daughter's hand....."You're asking me for her hand I said, I can't really refuse can I, you've already had everything else".

It certainly cracked the audience up and got everyone laughing for the night.

[zulu Delta 534]

Any speech should be like a mini skirt.
Long enough to cover the subject but short enough to be interesting.
Start off with something to catch the listeners attention....
Begin with something like,........ "Fornication!"
Then when you have their undivided attention, carry on and reiterate, "For 'n Occasion such as this, it is customary for the father of the.... etc etc and so on.
Should be a piece of cake.
Regards
Glen

[richard4u2]

Im really not that funny...the best i can provide is sarcasm (lowest form of wit) which requires a 2 way conversation .... sh1te im screwed!
put a video of your speach on utube and put a link on here and let us be the judge :D

[slug_burner]

What richard4u2 said in his first contribution.

Comment on how great she and the bridesmaids look and what a great day it is and how well organised and how smooth things have gone. A short funny but not too embarrassing story about your son and welcome the bride into your family.

Don't be too relaxed when you get to speak as anything you say you will not be able to take back. Remember you don't have to be Winston Churchill and give an all mighty speech, it is their day and you speaking for yourself and mother of the boy is all you need to do.

http://www.wedding-speech.biz/father-ofthe-groom-speech.html might help but don't try to do more than your comfortable with.

[Hay Ewe]

Speak clealy, loudly (but not shouting) and annunciate well
practice, not too much other wise it will sound rehearsed but so that you know what you are going to say.

SPEAK SLOWELY - too many people speak too quickly on occaissions like this and its all happens too quickly. My wedding speech was like that, dissapointed in myself.

other than that, what the others said, like a mini skirt - I like that...

Hay Ewe

[digger]

idea?


Father of the Groom Speech
Speech by the Groom's Father


It seems like just yesterday that I was driving home from the hospital after the birth of my first son, (Groom). My eyes welled with tears of gratitude that evening... or perhaps it was just tiredness after an 11 hour labor! But who am I to claim exhaustion after labor?

Well, my heart and your hearts tell us all that it was gratitude indeed that I felt as I left my wife and new child in the hospital. Since then, gratitude and thankfulness have been a theme throughout our life together ever since that blessed day. That joyous day marked the beginning of a road traveled together, between (Groom) and me, his wonderful mother - my lovely wife - and our whole family.

Marriages, like births, mark the beginning of a journey together. Today, we have marked the beginning of a wonderful new journey, in which (Groom) has joined together with a most special, most wonderful woman (Bride).

Two years ago, when I first heard (Groom) tell me about this new girl 'he had met' (I think it was more than that already), I could tell from his voice and excitement just how special (Bride) already was to him.

And today, you all bore witness, as (Bride and Groom) exchanged vows, to just how special they are to each other. Surely their love and commitment will build a long and joyous union.

Please join me in gratitude and thankfulness, to this, the day they begin their new journey together!~~~~~~



Groom's Father Toast #1


Let me honor the bride and groom for a moment. To my son, (Groom). Your giving spirit and your love have earned you most a special gift, your bride (Bride). Cherish her. (Bride), you are indeed a gift from heaven and we welcome you into our family with all our hearts, and we rejoice in (Groom)'s good fortune that he found you, and you him.

~~~~~~


Groom's Father Toast #2


Now that we've toasted the bride and groom several times, I'd like to take a moment to express our joy and heartfelt warmth in welcoming (Bride)'s family into ours. In recent days we've had a chance to get to know (Bride's Father) and (Bride's Mother) and their family, and it's now clear just why (Bride) is such a wonderful woman. She, like many of us, is blessed with giving and nourishing parents. So it's no surprise she turned out to be the catch she is! My compliments and thanks to (Bride's Father) and (Bride's Mother) for raising such a wonderful lady as (Bride).

~~~~~~

Groom's Father Toast #3


I never cry, but I'll admit I was tearing up during today's ceremony. How about the rest of you? Wasn't it beautiful? I was sure we'd never get rid of him, thanks (brides name) for taking him!! Let's toast to the joy, health and long life of the bride and groom!

~~~~~~


Groom's Father Toast #4


Life is wonderful. (pause) Just take a moment, and reflect on the beauty, and gloriousness of life. (pause) Now, with that thought in your minds and hearts, let's all wish (Bride and Groom) a life filled with their own share of beauty and glory, and that they in turn may give it in double measure to their children and loved ones.


First off, the father of the groom speech needs to be lighthearted and even humorous. But, it should also have a strong opening as well to grab the audience's attention.

One tried and true technique is to open with a famous quote. Another person's words will most likely have a strong effect, and provide a ground for you to expand upon.

Next, you'll want to make sure you introduce yourself and tell everyone what your relationship to the groom is. While the vast majority of the wedding guests will already know who you are, there might be some there who do not know you.

In the father of the groom speech, you'll want to welcome all the guests and thank them for making the wedding such a wondrous occasion. This is especially true if you are hosting or co-hosting the wedding.

Next in the speech, you can go on to talk about your feelings and relationship with your son. Speak about his personality and what makes him unique. Some fathers with to tell funny stories, but be sure not to embarrass the groom. In the father of the groom speech, it is not a good idea to talk about your son's previous wives or girlfriends, nor is it a good idea to make jokes that are sexual or off-color in nature.

Take care that you do not say anything offensive in the toast as this will detract not only from the speech, but from the wedding day and memories of that special day. Alcohol can also lead us to say things that we regret later, so be careful not to have too much to drink before you make your speech. Also, be sure not to implicate other family members in embarrassing or offensive anecdotes that might anger them as this will surely come back to haunt you.

In addition to talking about your son, in the father of the groom speech you might also wish to talk about other members of the family particularly any other sons or daughters you might have, and your son's relationship with them. A couple short, funny anecdotes will work well here.

Also, in the speech, take the time to welcome the new members of your family, namely the bride and her mother and father. You can express your happiness that your son has managed to find such a beautiful, winning bride, and wish them luck and happiness in their new union.

It is traditional in the father of the groom speech to give advice on marriage. You might wish to give a nod to your own wife about the happiness of your own marriage. But, only give marriage advice if you are comfortable doing so. Another tactic is acknowledging that you are not comfortable giving advice, but you wish the best for the bride and groom in their marriage endeavor.

Finally, the father of the groom speech should end with a modest word of blessing for the newlywed couple. This blessing must be sincere, but it can also be humorous, sentimental or even religious in nature.

It is a good idea to write out and practice the father of the groom speech in advance to make sure all goes well on the big day. Try not to sound like a robot as can happen when one over-practices, but give a speech that is heart felt and honest. Most of all, say whatever you need to say to give your son and his new wife your blessings.

Sample Father of the Groom Speech

another example...needs changing of some bits obviously

As Father of the Groom, I would like to start and finish this little speech with a couple of quotes.

The 1st is from Zsa Zsa Gabor (who was married 9 times and is the great-aunt of Paris Hilton)

"A man in love is incomplete until he is married - then he's finished"


I would now like to pass on best wishes to the happy couple from all of Stephen's relatives in Scotland, especially his aunts Agnes, Barbara and Liz, and also his cousin Lyn.

Best wishes also come from Richard & Kylie in Dubai and Andy & Avril in Bangkok

Now, what can I say about the boy?

I would like to say he's just like me but I don't think that's totally true. Look at the differences:

I'm Scottish He's Australian
I support Rangers He supports Liverpool
I married young He's now married - but not as young
I drink beer He drinks bourbon

In fact I think the last time he drunk beer he was about 15 years of age and on his way to a school dance. He drunk 4 cans of beer, threw up in the toilet and got suspended for 3 days!

Maybe that's a good reason to stay off the beer?


The one thing we do have in common though is that we're going thin on top, but even that's not hereditary - he's losing his because of all the breakdancing he did as a kid.

I'm sure Lorna & Michael will join Barbara & me in formally welcoming Sarah into both our families and wish them every joy and happiness in their future together.

Traditionally at this time I'm supposed to give the groom some fatherly advice on how to have a successful marriage, but I think it is a good time to deliver my 2nd quote, which comes from the American poet Ogden Nash who wrote:

"To keep your marriage brimming,
with love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up!"

With that, I would like to propose a toast to the health and happiness of the groom and his beautiful bride…...to Stephen and Sarah


just a few ideas... hopefully they can help?!

[BigJon]

At my wedding a few weeks ago my Dad didn't get a chance to speak. I always thought it was Father of the Bride who had a say, not Father of the Groom.

[digger]

At my wedding a few weeks ago my Dad didn't get a chance to speak. I always thought it was Father of the Bride who had a say, not Father of the Groom.

CONGRATS BJ!!

in this new age its becoming the norm for both fathers to get a say in!!!

[PhilipA]

Digger , I am truly in awe of the time and effort you have made to help the poster. It is truly exceptional.

The only thing I would add is to give an intro and conclusion
1 Tell them what you are going to tell them. You know. it is tradition for the father to say something about his son Blah blah.
2 Tell them
3 Tell them what you have told them.
well now you know about Joebaggers.

I have done 2 so far and my son has just split with his wife so maybe again. That will be more difficult!
ALWAYS use some anecdote about da boy, as you say .
Regards Philip A

[BigJon]

CONGRATS BJ!!

in this new age its becoming the norm for both fathers to get a say in!!!

Thanks Digger.

There is a topic somewhere with some photos of the LR wedding cars.

[grumpybastard]

Thanks to everyone for replying and a special mention to digger, i've been flat out at work so im currently madly composing the speech whilst at work so its ready for tomorrow :eek:

[digger]

mate,
dont dress me up too much I ripped it from about the web!!
was trying to give you some ideas and to reduce the stress level a bit!

have a great day, hope all goes well...
remember the ABC and XYZ of speeches my old man taught me...
"Always be courteous",(in your speech anyway)
"eXamine your zipper" (before you start!!)

Cheers
digger

[Cap]

Ive had to do some (1 for my own, and one for my cousin) andbasically, if you want to keep it simple, just complement the Bride on how beautifull she looks, thank the parents and all visitors for attending such an important occasion, and offer a toast to the happy couple.

Then... you can say "I like to add..." and pull out the LR manual.. "to educate you all I will read from this bible how the overhault of the 3.9ltr V8 engine" :angel:

[grumpybastard]

So this what i came up with as a rough guide, its a low key affair so a bit of ad lib wont be out of place

-------------------------
Ladies, gentlemen and children ….Catherine and I are thrilled to be here and for everyone making this such a joyous occasion for Jamie and Sarah.

What a great day it has been, the weather has been perfect and Sarah has done a fantastic job in planning today.

For those who don’t know me, im Jamie’s father, whilst some of you from Jamie’s childhood would probably remember me better as Jamie’s scary Dad.

You know it’s a funny thing to find myself here doing a speech, considering anyone who knows me can vouch for the fact that any conversation of any kind isn’t one of my stronger points

And generally my day-to-day vocabulary would consist of –

1. No!
2. I’ll think about it (which is parent code for, “Yes” but im trying to get some mileage out of it)
3. Why?
4. And finally….. What do you think you are doing young man?!?

Recently I was on the phone to Jamie, I couldn’t help but laugh when I heard an echo of myself as James was getting the boys into bed.

What I heard down the phone was “Excuse me! Lachlan James! What do you think you are doing young man! Why aren’t you in bed?!

So while some Fathers influence their children in what football team they barrack for, or what car they drive, it appears my influence is how to discipline children…..

I wonder why this could be?….. James?

So Sarah this might be a useful tip… if you are wondering if Jamie is actually listening…yes he probably is …but it might just take 10 years to pay any real dividends and then not in the way you expected.



As any parent you worry about your children, you want them to reach there full potential, to be good at and enjoy what ever they choose to do….And of course to enjoy life.

So it’s nice to stand here today without any of these worries anymore, Jamie you have a wonderful partner and have 2 wonderful boys …....in which to exercise your father vocabulary on.

Jamie and Sarah congratulations, we wish you every success and a happy life together you make us very proud.

So as the father of the groom I ask you to raise your glasses and toast Jamie and Sarah

[abaddonxi]

And if you're the kind of bloke who tears up on these occasions -



Ladies, gentlemen and children ….Catherine and I are thrilled to be here and for everyone making this such a joyous occasion for Jamie and Sarah.

<snip>

Jamie and Sarah congratulations, we wish you every success and a happy life together you make us very proud.

So as the father of the groom I ask you to raise your glasses and toast Jamie and Sarah

[p38arover]

Don't mention that you think she's hot and you wish you were in your son's shoes (even though you think it). :p

[Chucaro]

Just buy this for the cake :)
It will be good because then you do not have to do a speach :D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/1645.jpg

[Rosco]

Thanks fellas ..... a bit like Mastercard ........... PRICELESS.

One of my girls ties the knot next year, so I've still got plenty of time, but I reckon there's enough tips in here to put together something half decent... :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[grumpybastard]

Well its all done and dusted... i reckon it went well, but i guess the video will tell the real truth :)

[Stuck]

Then... you can say "I like to add..." and pull out the LR manual.. "to educate you all I will read from this bible how the overhault of the 3.9ltr V8 engine" :angel:
:Rolling::Rolling::Rolling::Rolling:

[95 Disco]

Hey Grumpy,

Been watching this thread with interest as I did the "Father of the Groom Speech" last Saturday (24th)

Re your -


Well its all done and dusted... i reckon it went well, but i guess the video will tell the real truth :)

.... don't worry, I've just seen our video. No one could hear me. Perfect. :)

Congratulations,

Grant

[Bob7878]

Hi Guys, Great to find this forum..

I was reading several posts here and really enjoyed great sharing here..

I just wanted to mention this website on wedding speeches (http://www.weddingspeechesforall.com/). It has 8 different relationship speeches.

Let me go around on your great forum and read more :)

Thanks

Bob:wasntme:

[haggisbasher]

Grumpyb.....

worded well and nicely phrased. Glad it all went well!

Chris