Centrepiece Wedding Magazine Issue 03 | страница 11

2. The welcome: Make a formal welcome to everyone and thank them for coming. Try to mention, in particular, the bride’s mother and the groom’s parents too.

3. Your daughter: She’s made you pay for it, and now’s your chance to get a little of your own back on her! Recall a funny anecdote from her youth, or simply tell her how proud you are of the woman she’s become.

4.Your son in law: Formally welcome the groom to your family in any way you feel appropriate. You can mention how you felt about him when you first met him, or a moment when you’ve been particularly glad he’s around.

5. Parting wisdom: As the elder speaker at the wedding, you should impart some of your wisdom to the happy couple about maintaining a healthy marriage or living a happy life.This is also a good place to throw in some jokes about wives, weddings or life in general, just as long as it doesn’t upset your own wife!

6. The toast: Finish up by asking everyone to stand and raise a glass to the happy couple. No doubt the best man will close his speech with something similar too, but it’s the traditional way to close yours.