WHAT TO SAY

There are a number of points you may wish to touch on during the course of your speech. For those of you looking to get off to a good start with the missus, score a few brownie points with the in-laws or just say some magical words to kick-start the marriage, this article is well worth a read.

For those Groom's whose wife (yes, she will be by this time!) has chosen to join in making the speech, then many of the points remain the same although there are a couple (and it is pretty obvious which ones we mean) where the context will need to be tweaked or expanded so the Bride can be included or return the compliment.

So without further ado, the points you may want to cover are:

• An expression of thanks to your new Father-in-Law for the kind words in his speech (hopefully!)

• A thanks to the guests for their attendance and lovely gifts (you can live in hope!) and a quick mention to ‘absent friends’.

• A few brief words regarding the build up to the Wedding and the Big Day itself (an ideal opportunity to squeeze in an early joke or two to get the audience firmly on your side).

• A comment to the Bride’s parents about how you will ‘look after their little girl’ and ‘won’t let them down’.

• A few short words to your own parents reflecting on your life and how they’ve made you ‘the man you are today’ followed by a big thanks or even round of applause.