THE ALL IMPORTANT WORDS

This following article looks at some of the key things that you may want to cover during the course of the speech. So, without further ado, let's get started...

• Include a few remarks about the Wedding, including the build up to the Big Day and the day itself – this is your opportunity to make a quick joke about why you are so bald!

• Thank the guests for their attendance, the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen for their assistance, the Groom’s family for their support. Single out praise for your wife or partner for their patience, and the Groom for finally taking your daughter of your hands!

• Comment about how proud any close relatives who have passed away would be of the Bride if they could see her today – tread carefully with this one though and think carefully about how it is phrased – it is meant as a compliment not as a opportunity to open the floodgates.

• Recount some tales from the past, dating back to when your daughter was very young right through to modern times (this is the bit where you need to play the sincerity card). You may also want to talk about how proud you are of your daughter and how she has surpassed all your expectations and wildest dreams.

• Tell some tales of the Groom from your perspective – both sincere and amusing stories always go down well, but remember that this is now your son-in-law (and his dad’s bigger than her dad) so you don’t want to cause any offence.