Sentimental and Humorous Speech by the Father of the Bride

Sentimental and Humorous Speech by the Father of the Bride Ladies and gentlemen, it is my very pleasant duty to welcome you here this evening to this special occasion of celebrating this marriage. I'm sure that you will all agree on how radiant and gorgeous the bride is. However the groom is not too bad himself. I know that some of you have traveled quite a distance to be with us here tonight, from both overseas and interstate. We really thank you and welcome you here tonight and hope that you really do enjoy yourselves accordingly. We are all very sad that the bride's grandfather is not here with us tonight. We all miss him, but I?m sure he is "watching down on us and is very proud and happy for her.? When they stood at the altar earlier today and she spoke those magic words ?I do?, I had cause to reflect that it's one of the few times in her life she's agreed to do something without question. Don't get me wrong, my daughter was wonderful and obedient as a child - with a bit of prompting. As a child she was full of life, effervescence, fun and joy and was just so bubbly she made friends with everyone. During her teen years, both at school and at University, she had a wonderful time, being the first person to gain the distinction of getting her degree with no study at all. However she worked hard for her degree, and we congratulate her for it. Then her Thespian Knight in Shining Armor in the form of the groom came along. I didn't doubt her choice at all, as Victor Hugo once said, "Men have sight, women have insight.? Now the groom is a very good actor, but with a somewhat "Puckish" sense of humor. At first we thought him a little shy, retiring and rather reluctant to talk with us, but we were victims of... ... bride she is, and the sight of them coming together as such a lovely couple makes the hard work and planning that has gone into this day worthwhile. As I say this, I see that my daughter has grown up, left home, and is now married. When I look back over the years, I realize how little time you really do have with your children..A philosopher once said: ''Treasure the love you receive above all. It will survive long after your gold and good health have gone.? We wish you all the happiness and prosperity in the world, and I am glad to welcome the groom and his family into our family. In conclusion, I hope that none of you will go home thinking the words of Groucho Marks: "I've had a wonderful time, but this wasn't it." And so I would now ask you to raise your glasses and join me in a toast to the future health and happiness of the union of the bride and groom.