Wedding Speech

Norbert666

Norbert666

Norbert666

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I get married in 11 days.

We agreed very early on that we wouldn't really bother with speeches. Her dad isn't going to say anything, and I've limited my best to 5 minutes.

The reason for this is we both find wedding speeches quite painful usually. I just can't stand that moment when the best man says something he really shoudn't have, or the father of the bride is so nervous he bumbles along and makes a total mess ofo what he's saying!

Despite the above, it's just occurred to me that I shoud really say something shouldn't I?

I'm generally pretty good at public speaking etc, and I'm not phased by it. I'm not really sure what I should be saying though.

Tradition says I should thank her parents - why though? They've not done anything!

I'm supposed to thank the bridesmaids - again, why? It's cost me a fortune for each of them to be there, I've bought them each a dress, a pair of shoes and some jewelery.

What did you say on your wedding day, or what did your mates say on theirs?

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

James
 
Norbert666 said:
Tradition says I should thank her parents - why though? They've not done anything!

I'm supposed to thank the bridesmaids - again, why?
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Thank the parents because without them you wouldn't be marrying the girl you are. (yes it is retarded)

Thank the bridesmaids for coming and "being" bridesmaids for the bride (again retarded)

Its a wedding, most of the traditions are retarded, dont guys get married mostly to please the other half anyway?
 
Norbert666 said:
I get married in 11 days.

We agreed very early on that we wouldn't really bother with speeches. Her dad isn't going to say anything, and I've limited my best to 5 minutes.

The reason for this is we both find wedding speeches quite painful usually. I just can't stand that moment when the best man says something he really shoudn't have, or the father of the bride is so nervous he bumbles along and makes a total mess ofo what he's saying!

Despite the above, it's just occurred to me that I shoud really say something shouldn't I?

I'm generally pretty good at public speaking etc, and I'm not phased by it. I'm not really sure what I should be saying though.

Tradition says I should thank her parents - why though? They've not done anything!

I'm supposed to thank the bridesmaids - again, why? It's cost me a fortune for each of them to be there, I've bought them each a dress, a pair of shoes and some jewelery.

What did you say on your wedding day, or what did your mates say on theirs?

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

James
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Groom's speach is easy.

1. wife looks beautiful
2. your delighted
3. thanks to those involved in the wedding (and yes it may have cost you a fortune but people give up their time and energy...just be nice;) mentione them by name and how much you appreciate it)
4. thanks to the best man - gag or two without stealing his thunder
5. toast the bridesmaids

I'm best man for a mate later in the summer who is so terrified of public speaking he is having no speaches. It was his stag do this weekend and i have made it clear he is getting a speach like it or not!

Having been best man a few times that is definitely the pressure job, grooms speach is fine
 
Admiral Huddy said:
"Here we go again"!! :p

You are right though.. the only person to thank are those that contributed and to the love of your life. I paid for all of our wedding so i thanked myself and bought myself a new PC :)
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Wow, you had money left over??!!

Those who contributed = me

I totally agree with your thinking, but then the wedding politics comes into it. Will the old fogies get offended I don't think them? I'm certainly not giving anyone presents and bunches of flowers!

I'm thinking;
1. Thanks everyone for coming
2. I've paid for a bar, so when the wine runs out, please just ask for another.
3. Thanks to Mrs Norbert for arranging everything - she's doen a great job.
4. Thanks to Mrs Norbert for putting up with me and doesnt she look great etc.
5. I hope you enjoy the rest of the day.

bish bash bosh?
 
Go with what you said here...

Norbert666 said:
Tradition says I should thank her parents - why though? They've not done anything!

I'm supposed to thank the bridesmaids - again, why? It's cost me a fortune for each of them to be there, I've bought them each a dress, a pair of shoes and some jewelery.
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Everyone will laugh - sorted ;):D
 
Norbert666 said:
Wow, you had money left over??!!

Those who contributed = me

I totally agree with your thinking, but then the wedding politics comes into it. Will the old fogies get offended I don't think them? I'm certainly not giving anyone presents and bunches of flowers!

I'm thinking;
1. Thanks everyone for coming
2. I've paid for a bar, so when the wine runs out, please just ask for another.
3. Thanks to Mrs Norbert for arranging everything - she's doen a great job.
4. Thanks to Mrs Norbert for putting up with me and doesnt she look great etc.
5. I hope you enjoy the rest of the day.

bish bash bosh?
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Contributed doesn't just mean money - what's the harm in saying thanks to the bridesmaids, best man etc. If they have the tradition in mind and you don't say thanks, it will seem a bit off.
 
That sounds quite simple and to the point, you may want to consider thanking her parents for the way they've 'adopted' you into the family as it has been a nice touch at a couple of weddings I've been to - of course this only applies if they have done.
 
How's this:

Welcome everyone.

Before we get stuck into our starters, I like to just say a few words.

Don’t worry, it will be quick!!

Firstly, thank you all for coming and sharing our special day with us. Some of you have travelled a long way, and we do appreciate it.

Secondly, the eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that the tables aren’t numbered. Instead, we have allocated a Head of Table. If you are the chosen one, you are in charge of everyone on that table. You are in charge of making sure everyone is having a good time and most importantly, you are in charge of topping up everyone’s glasses. Just to clarify, we have a LOT of wine out in the back – if a bottle runs out, please just ask for another!!

Now, I’d just like to quickly thank a few people.

Thanks to everyone who helped us make this day happen. To be fair Sharon did most of the organising and I was pretty useless – although I did get quite a lot of fishing in! Sharon, you have done a brilliant job, well done and thank you.

Thank you bridesmaids: Stef, Lorraine and Emily. You did a great job and look amazing!

I’d like to thank Sharon’s parents, Breda and Pat, for bringing up Sharon and creating the lady she is today. Sharon really does have nerves of steel, and I am continually amazed at her ability to put up with me. I doubt there are many people out there who would!! And to top it all off, I’m sure you’ll all agree, she looks absolutely stunning!

Anyway, before I get too sentimental, I would like to propose an all-encompassing toast: to all of you, our friends sharing this day with us, those who couldn’t be here, our families and to Sharon, my beautiful wife.

Enjoy your dinner and the rest of the day!
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It's a chance to thank people for more than just your wedding day, the speeches are a chance to say a few words about everything and everyone involved in your relationship leading up to this moment.

You seem very cynical about the whole process, it's your wedding day you (hopefully) only get one......Why not make the very most of it for everyone involved.

EDIT: sounds good...
 
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Thanks. I must admit I am slightly cynical, not about marriage (I'm really looking forward to it) but about the whole tradition thing.

Fair enough in the olden days when you didn't live together, and the bride's dad paid. But this is the 21st Century, we've lived together for six years, and paid for and organised the whole thing ourselves.

The bridesmaids haven't done anything. Nor has my best man (by our choice: it's the way we wanted it).

Ultimatley, it's our day, so we should be able to do what we want without older people getting offended - which unfortunatley is easier said than done! But wedding politics is a WHOLE other thread!!!
 
It's my first wedding anniversary today. :)

I kept my speech short but managed to say everything that needed to be said, and got a few laughs too.

Reprinted here if its any help:

Good afternoon everyone.

My wife and I would like to thank everyone who was able to join us today, your presence and your presents are much appreciated. What a generous bunch you all are. I cannot begin to tell you how much your generosity means to us, but a quick trip to cash converters and I’ll have a better idea.

I understand the grooms speech is meant to be short and sweet, and I certainly don’t want to steal any of the best mans thunder especially as I believe he has gone to the effort of preparing a 1 hour PowerPoint presentation for us all to enjoy...
However there are a few things that need to be said.

It’s been a tough couple of years for Laura and I, but we’ve made it through and I honestly don’t think we would be here today without the love and support of our family and friends. You are all here today not just to celebrate a wedding, but also as a token of our thanks to you for being there for us both – so to you all, our deepest thanks.

Now, to Alan and Celia thank you. Without you I wouldn’t have the beautiful, witty, caring and truly decent wife and best friend wife I have today. I promise to take up where you have left off and love her and take very good care of her for the rest of our lives, she’s in good hands – I promise.

To my mum and dad, without whom I wouldn’t be the person, I am today. The strength, integrity and humour you bought me up with have kept me in good stead, prepared me for life’s challenges and apparently made me irresistible to beautiful women – Thank you. I promise we’ll do just as good a job with the Grandchildren.

To both sets of Parents, Laura and I would like to say thank you for your help with the wedding – both financial and otherwise. I hope that everyone will agree that the day has been worth every penny and every frantic moment of preparation (mainly by Laura).
We would both like to thank our Ushers – Kieran, Ross, Peter and David. Chaps you’ve done a great job – thanks a million, now you can relax and have a few drinks.

And our lovely Bridesmaids, who I’m sure you’ll all agree that as well as doing a wonderful job getting Laura here on time – of her own free will of course! – All look absolutely beautiful today.

Indeed I’d ask you to charge your glasses and join me in a toast - to the beautiful bridesmaids!

Finally I have to thank my best man Rob, who arranged a great stag night, got me here on time and didn’t lose the rings!
On that note I’d like to pass you over to this afternoon’s cabaret – Ladies and Gentlemen....

The Best Man.
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