Daughter's Wedding?????

Ah, so she is concerned it won't "conflict" with 'anyone elses' How could it? No one else is her father!

Speaking in public is not everyone's forte; that is a given! Speaking about one's child is a parent's known-known!

The first time I had to speak on stage, the very best advice I was given was this: don't look anyone in the eye (if you can't!), instead, focus on a point at the back of the room (a clock? a painting? A fly?). That is how you will get your first wind.

Another important thing to remember is this: whatever comes out of your mouth will have the most impact on: your daughter, her new husband, your wife, the new "in-laws"; with that in mind (and if you can't find a clock/painting/fly) there are no rules which say you cannot simply look the important people in the eye as you deliver your words.

And, what words should *those* be? Simple: from the heart! (Unless you really do not like the person she is marrying, in which case, it should be from tact and diplomacy! )

You know your daughter's strengths; you know a funny story (or ten) about exhibiting those strengths; you know, in the bottom of your heart, what you most wish for her. You surely know by now, the kind of man she is marrying; praise his good points.

Thank those who have contributed (bridesmaids, best man, etc., etc,)

The main thing to remember is this: it doesn't have to take long to get your point across. One minute? Ten? Only you can judge; and only you *should* judge!

Wishing you all the very best for Saturday. Smile; be polite; be sincere; but most of all - enjoy the experience!!

 

I have to say, that I find it somewhat controlling, to have the speech vetted first. Indeed, it kinda makes a speech pointless, imo

 

Thats a Proper Dad!!!! You Say Exatley Wot Your Hart Desires to Say They Are All Famlie For the Day Merging as One

The Classic is Im Glad Im Not Losing a Daughter but Gaining a Son In Law!!! Now Come n Help Me Cut the Grass Son

Thats as Long as Ya Like Him You will be sound Enjoy and Saver the Moment

 

Don't try and learn the speech off by heart, but make yourself some notes to guide you through it.

 

When our daughter got married, my husband steered well clear of all the 'mush' and sentimentality and his speech went along the lines of ....

Weddings. Have you noticed it always her wedding, her reception, her dress, her trousseau, her flowers? For all the attention he gets, you could almost expect the poor groom to turn up in old PJs and wellies - although I have to say he's scrubbed up rather well today.

There are, I've discovered in the last few months, a great many marriage traditions that even in the 21st century, must be adhered to. Apparently, as Father of the Bride I was expected to provide a dowry. According to one article I read, this dowry was traditionally a chest containing the personal possessions of the bride usually including clothes and accessories that she brings to the marital home to help establish the new home - although what [insert name of Groom] is going to do with [insert things like - 3 mobile 'phones, 2 pairs of pink fluffy slippers, 6 sets of hair straighteners, etc], and enough moisturiser and skin care lotions and potions to create an oil slick a mile wide and two long, is anyone's guess.

Of course, it's not that one-sided. In many cultures the groom or his family, still pay a 'bride price', a payment given by or in behalf of a prospective husband to the bride's family. Now, it's not a tradition much used in this country, but since we were in the business of traditions, I thought this one worth reviving. Of course, such arrangements are usually private, but I'm sure [insert name of Groom's parents] won't mind my telling you, that as a consequence of this, my wife and I are now the proud owners of 3 camels, 2 water buffalo, a troop of colobus monkeys and a very affectionate boa constrictor.

When they know your daughter is getting married, friends and colleagues are quick to tell you that you're not losing a daughter but rather gaining a son. Now, that is true of course, but what they don't tell you - and believe me I've googled this, and nowhere tells you - is that what you do lose is that healthy bank balance, your credit rating, the plans for the retirement world cruise or the right to make any decisions (particularly where weddings are concerned). On the positive side though, you do gain .. a bathroom, a spare bedroom and finally after 'x'-years [insert age of bride] of sharing cupboard space with female attire, somewhere to hang your own clothes.

Oh, and he wrote two speeches - the one he showed our daughter and ..... the one he actually delivered!!

 

You tell your red head, she is so dam lucky to have a dad to walk her down the aisle and to have a dad to pay for her wedding. I had neither. So say exactly what you wish.

 

Many thanks for all your support guys, trouble is I cannot read some of this due to the restrictions placed on this and many other sites as I am at work. The Intranet is a closed server and will only allow some of the content to show and the rest is blocked. I shall try again when I get home, or when things quieten down after six pm.

 

Well the straw that has broken the camels back has happened.
We have 15 people turning up to stay over for the wedding and now we have lost our boiler due to parts not being available until next week.
We have no hot water and little or no means of heating. Curse the gods of central heating.

 

Jeez, that's horrendously bad luck Landimad. When a friend of ours had a major boiler failure, he rang all his family,friends and neighbours to beg, or borrow whatever they could spare by way of supplementary heating. If you were my neighbour, I wouldn't hesitate to lend you fan heater and a parafin heater from our garage. My thoughts are with you right now, good luck my friend,
Jenny

 

What's up with the boiler Landimad? Have you tried http://www.partscenter.co.uk/ ? I know a little of boiler repair stuff.

 

Blimey ....no wonder you're 'stressed'......sorry i can't give any constructive advice but i'd get the pans on and start boiling the kettle....where abouts in the country are you?..... if your anywhere near East Yorkshire i could maybe help

 

15 people staying over??? I hope you have a big house!! I feel so sorry for you, I do hope things get better, maybe they will all go to hotels instead!!

Val

 

15 people.???? And your the father of the bride. And your wife the mother of the bride.
Sorry, but I truly think those 15 people are rude and insensitive and cheap. I would never think of imposing myself on a family who are getting ready for a wedding to be a guest in their house. I would be in a local hotel without even a second thought. Horrid.

 

Thanks nFrost, I am not so good with the repairs now, but its a combination of the thermistor and diverter valve which have lost me the hot water.

Redstar, the people who have stayed with us are not earning or are not big earners. I put them up out of the goodness of my heart to help out what would have been a poor show on my side of the family. Pensioners and young family with kids who do not have a penny to rub together have gone out their way to get here for a doo which was small yet in most ways family.

All,

For the most the day went really well and all had a great time, now for the aftermath of this. Kettles boiled, pans boiled and some of the neighbours are round with hot water and good wishes. We, that is Mrs landy and me would like to thank all for their support and best wishes for what in the most part a happy occasion. We have bin there seen it and now done it. Only three more to go then I can rest in the hope that financially I will have spent more than I have earned.
I have no axe to grind nor sword to swing as they have been sold to help pay for this.