Father or Mother of the Bride

This is usually the first speech of the day, and the hardest to get right.  Some fathers go for the tear-jerking public confession of love for their daughter.  Others decide that this is an opportunity to give an alternative best man's speech.  The 'right' answer is usually a combination of the two.

There are a few boxes you'll need to tick:

  1. Thanking people who have travelled a long way to be with you
  2. Pointing out the key elderly relatives who are sharing it with you
  3. Stressing how delighted you are with the Groom (and if possible his family)

The remainder is all about your daughter. You'll probably know instinctively the right balance between sincerity and humour, but if you'd like a hand, then give Lawrence a shout! (www.greatspeechwriting.co.uk)