Wedding 'Speeches'

Kate writes custom 'Speeches' for the best man, woman, the mother or father of the bride or groom and can assist you with your reading out-loud skills.

Please do contact Kate if you would like her to write something for you.


Speeches

Kate, The Wedding Poet has helped many people feel more confortable about having to stand up and make a speech! Having a speech in poem form, for many provides a rhythmic structure that many people feel more secure with and, as with all Kate's poems, makes the reading personal, funny and unique.

For Natalie and Ciaran

Hello everybody, I'm Jean, the mother of the bride
I'm delighted that you all are here to share my joy and pride
I know that Natalie and Ciaran want you all to have a good time
So to save you from a boring speech I'm doing mine in rhyme!
Natalie is my daughter and for my husband and me
She was always just as perfect as any little girl could be
Named after Natalie Wood - her dad greeted her by name
Saying 'Welcome Natalie' the moment that she came
Out into the world to hear the name that he chose
Then he turned to the midwife to ask about her squashy little nose
And now she's getting married starting a union of her own
It fills me with wonder just to see how beautiful she's grown
Walking and talking at one year old - a busy little baby
Using up your energy which makes me think that's maybe
Why by the age of 18 months you still didn't have any teeth
So when the first one finally appeared it was a huge relief
As we were beginning to worry that we might have to get
A made-to-measure, just-for-you, baby-sized false set!
You had a little pillow comforter - you loved that thing, and how
And I think that when you travel, it still goes with you now
You were such a charming little girl, though it has to be said
You were always at your happiest with your knickers on your head
You were a big fan of Lego till a certain doll entered the fray
And I think you might still own a couple of Barbie's to this day
Brownies and Guides followed, encouraged by Dad and me
We wanted you both to learn how to make a decent cup of tea
We used to leave out notes for you outside your bedroom door
And now it seems you do the same - only even more
With notes all around the place - memos and things to do
So watch out Cairan as there's sure to be a note instructing you!
And if I had a note for you I think that it would say
In the morning Natalie's very grumpy -so keep out of her way!
But you were a lovely little girl full of chatter and song
Especially when Nana taught you 'Casey' and you would sing along
Your Nana and your Grandad were very important in your life
And I know that they'd be proud today to see you become a wife
As would your father, who filled your life with fun
Especially at Christmas time keeping Santa on the run
You shared so many interests - fossils, books and stars
Looking up together at the Milky Way and Mars
You also shared a love of travel, and it seems you've taken stock
Of places all around the world from Cape Town to Bangkok
And now you've found a man of your own you make the perfect pair
Each of you happy knowing that the other one is there
Content in each other's company - the only time you disagree
Is when you fancy going on a designer shopping spree
It's lucky you're good with money - a bargain's never missed
And a shopping opportunity is hard for you to resist
Ciaran's a very fast walker, so to miss out on your shopping treat
He just puts on his walking shoes and votes with his feet
You're a fabulous organizer - just look at this wonderful wedding
And the amazing Argentinian honeymoon on which you'll soon be heading
They say that in a marriage communication is key
So I think it's a very good omen that you first met at BT
As a mother I'm delighted Natalie's finally found 'The One'
And with Ciaran I feel I'm not losing my daughter but gaining a wonderful son
And when I think of Ciaran, I have David and Kath in mind
Who deserve some credit for raising a son so handsome, charming and kind
We may be few in number in the family Machon
But we welcome the Astins, with open hearts, each and every one
I know that nephews Max and Rory are delighted with Natalie's new mister
As are brother-in-law, Mark, and Anita, her sister
Married life has ups and downs, fair and stormy weather
But I know that both of you, side by side, will face them well together
We wish you health and wealth and blessings from above
But most of all we wish you years of happiness and love
So raise your glasses with me now to salute the happy pair
To Natalie and Ciaran and the future that they'll share

© Kate Tym 2009

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The Father of the Bride

Hello everybody. I'm Mark, The father of the bride
I'm delighted that you all are here to share my joy and pride
I know that Kev and Hannah want you all to have a good time
So to save you from a boring speech I'm doing mine in rhyme!
Hannah is our daughter and for myself and my wife
The day she was born was one of the happiest of our life
We were told we might never have children of our own
So it's with wonder that I see how beautiful they've grown
It's been simply magical watching Hanna's life unfurl
And now we're overcome with joy as Kev takes on our girl
She's always been a lively one and we've seen a mishap or two
Including the time she locked herself in the local playschool loo
Another time when we took a walk down a country lane
Hannah was sent flying by a lolloping Great Dane
But when she fell or got upset, cross or in a muddle
Grandpa Les was always there for support and a cuddle
I can still see her now running away from me
Off down the lane in search of Granpa's comfy knee
Today is such a special day with people from far and near
From Thailand and America and all of them held dear
There's Gronma here from Leciester and Nic a 'very special guest'
Grandparents Eileen and Les not to mention all the rest
Everyone who's here in this wonderful seaside room
Means something very special to both the bride and groom
Our thoughts are also with those who are no longer here
Granparents Doug and Evelyn whom all of us hold dear
Everyone who knows Hannah knows how truly lovely she is
Though she does have the capacity for getting in a tizz
That's where Kev comes to the fore, we're glad that he's around
To be a calming influence, feet firmly on the ground
It's seems to be a truism that opposites attract
And when it comes to Kev and Hannah we can't refute that fact
He's football mad, an athelete, a real sporting hero
Whereas Hannah's athletic prowess is approximately zero
Although having said that, she does love her bike
Remarkable as she found it hard to move up from a trike!
And now she pedals everywhere racing there and here
I often get a phone call - wind whistling in my ear
But then I've seen her driving skills which let's say didn't thrive
In fact in one or two lessons we didn't make it off the drive!
Hannah did better at other things, and in her thirst for knowledge
She went and studied Tourism at Alton's famous college
Then to Ibiza, working hard in the sun
Learning about life and having lots of fun
But even then she still had thoughts for those of us who missed her
Paying for a hotel for her parents and her sister
Taking us to Bambudha Grove for some truly lovely grub
And getting VIP tickets to a very trendy club
And then Hannah made her way back to this wonderful seaside town
Bought a basement flat, got a job and began to settle down
Unfortunately for her the flat was always under water
And for a little while we had a 'bag lady' for a daughter
But nothing would defeat her, and in true Hannah style
She'd clean it up, redecorate and move on with a smile
And then came the holiday that was to change her life
She went to Ibiza our daughter and came back a future wife
Of course she didn't know that then, they met on her last day
She had to head back home while Kev was going to stay
But after that they kept in touch and found the feelings grew
Until it reached the fateful point where both of them just knew
That together forever was the only way to be
And so back to Ibiza for a proposal by the sea
Romantic Kev dragged her to the rocks, for what she didn't guess
But when he popped the question she did, of course, say yes!

Now comes the time for words of wisdom, some fatherly advice
I advise, around each other, try always to be nice
Support each other through hard times and show that you care
Add in a lot of laughter and you're over half way there
But I don't think you need advice from family or friends
As I feel certain yours will be a love that never ends

So raise your glasses with me now to salute the happy pair
To Kevin and Hannah and the future that they'll share
We wish you health and wealth and blessings from above
But most of all we wish you years of happiness and love

I think that they'll do very well with all my handy tips
So on to more important things - I want my fish and chips!

© Kate Tym 2008

Mark was very nervous about having to prepare and read a speech at his daughter's wedding. He was delighted when Kate, The Wedding Poet, took the task out of his hands and wrote a wonderful speech in poem form instead.

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Our Darling Little Sis

First there were the two of us Zoe and me
Then Sarah came along to make the perfect three
Our little sister, a chubby Snow White
Confident and funny making everything right
We tickled her, we teased her, we loved her to bits
And her talent for a comic turn would have us all in fits
She had the perfect colouring for one of the Celtic race
And then came the freckles, all over her hands, body and face
Zoe and I thought it really was good fun
To get out a pen and join them one by one
We're sure that Sarah didn't mind, it didn't make her frown
But then, she didn't have a choice, we always held her down!

Music was always the thing that floated Sarah's boat
She knew 'Dance Baby, Dance' note for note
This was probably because for three long years
She watched Labyrinth, while we were bored to tears.
At school she was determined to find her musical place
Somewhere in the orchestra - be it flute or double bass
She tried recorder and violin and the trumpet had its turn
But despite hours of practise she never seemed to learn
How to make an instrument sound remotely nice
And through the years our poor old ears have had to pay the price
But it seems Sarah after all has an instrument of choice
Not one that's kept in a box but her truly amazing voice
However, with only one bathroom between us it really got our goat
That Sarah would spend three hours in there warming up her throat
Belting out show tunes while we hammered on the door
Which didn't work, we soon learned, she'd only belt out more
No matter how we nagged her she saw nothing wrong
In locking us out of the bathroom while she finished Miss Saigon

After leaving school, off to drama college she went
And paying her way with a job in Boots it seems was heaven sent
For there she met her 'boy' a fellow music fan
Paul with his 'hot' guitar had to be her man
And since then it's been a fairytale together everyday
Working hard and making music - perfect in every way
And I have to say, when Paul proposed, he gave it his best shot
August under the Eiffel Tower was quite the perfect spot
Paul is Sarah's rock - loving, kind and true
And it makes us very happy as they start their life anew
We know that for some men an English Rose would suit
But Paul likes his leeks and tatties and some Welsh rarebit to boot!
Paul and Sarah together the perfect duet
Chord for chord they make life's song as good as it can get
We wish them health and wealth and blessings from above
But most of all we wish them years of happiness and love
Raise your glasses with me now and wish them wedded bliss
For lovely Paul and loveliest of all our darling little sis!

© Kate Tym 2008

This was a poignant poem as the bride's sister was giving her away as their parents had both died quite recently. She wanted it to focus on aspects of their childhood and look towards a happy future.

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Mother of the Bride

Hello everybody. I'm Janet, the mother of the bride
I'm delighted that you all are here to share my joy and pride
I know that Jane and Mark want you all to have a good time
So to save you from a boring speech I'm doing mine in rhyme!
First of all a special thanks to those of you that had to pay
Extra on your invite postage to make it here today
We really do appreciate you giving that small amount
As it seems that with the Royal Mail - size does count!
Those of you that know Jane well, will know it's been a year
And that we're pretty lucky that the bride is even here!
As if a burst appendix and pneumonia weren't enough
She pulled through to let us know she's made of sterner stuff
And Mark of course was there for her then as well as now
He'd done 'in sickness and in health' before he said the vow
Mark's been very good for Jane, calm to her stressed
And I think that in each other they bring out the best
They met on a holiday in a beautiful setting
Both of them adventurers good at go and getting
Mark dreams of being a hero, a wanna-be 007
Whereas diy-ing's the thing that Jane thinks is heaven
Jane's always busy, setting dates, getting on the ball
Whereas where, and when, and what time? Mark just can't recall
Jane's had her share of strife, with money, life and men
But nothing that couldn't be fixed with a cup of tea or ten
Mark's known as 'Lightning', not because he's flash
But steady and methodical, whereas Jane's a tad more rash
When trying to find a parking space Mark drives Jane round the bend
In his quest for the perfect spot that Jane feels may never end
They are balancing parts that work as a whole
Supporting and protecting soul to soul
With Henry the dog, family and friends
When you go to Jane and Mark's the laughter never ends
Jane has made me very proud throughout her life
And she make's me proud again today becoming Mark's wife
We drove from Lancs to Yorkshire on the night of Jane's birth
If she were a boy we knew she'd be the best cricketer on earth
As it was we got a girl and not a little boy
But since that day all she's done has filled my heart with joy
Her Nana Clara also I'm sure is with us too
And feels the love that we feel as they start their life anew
Jane and Mark Powell, together joined as one
I feel I'm not losing a daughter, but gaining a son

So raise your glasses with me now to salute the happy pair
To Jane and Mark and the future that they'll share
We wish you health and wealth and blessings from above
But most of all we wish you years of happiness and love

Now please enjoy the party, of which I'd make the most
Before an under-paid thank-you card plops through your post!

© Kate Tym 2008

This was a mother-of-the-bride speech done in poem form. Jane's mum had been reluctant to speak but felt much more confident and comfortable about it when she had my poem to help.

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Love Across the Pond

Little Emma Sprog, you've always filled my heart with joy
There you appeared a little girl, when we thought you'd be a boy!
Little Twin Two born without a name
You weren't what I expected, but I loved you just the same
And from the moment you arrived with Samantha at your side
Everything you've done in life has filled my heart with pride
And now you've got married starting a union of your own
It fills me with wonder just to see how beautiful you've grown
It's been a bit of a journey, without much of a plan
But after lots of to-ing and fro-ing you've finally snagged your man
To think that when you went to the States for six months of study
I was so relieved you didn't come home with a special American 'buddy'
I might as well have held my breath as it seems at the end of the day
You really were quite determined to end up in the U S of A
And if you have to marry a yank, you've found the perfect one
I feel I'm not losing my daughter, but gaining a wonderful son
You're always one for very laid back while Brandon's getting stressed
But I know that in each other you'll always bring out the best
You fell for each other straight away but tried not to let it show
As no sooner had love blossomed - then Brandon had to go!
Years of 'friendship' passed - visits and calls across the pond
But even an ocean between you, couldn't break the bond
You finally got a proposal and on your lawyer's advice
You booked the Buddhist, grabbed some flowers and were married in a trice!
And yes you're already his Mrs, but despite being his wife
There hasn't been much opportunity to get on with married life
For people destined to be together - there's been a lot of time apart
Which makes it even more wonderful that he managed to capture your heart
Married life has ups and downs, fair and stormy weather
But I know that whatever comes your way, you'll face it well together
You've a marriage built on friendship that's endured across the years
With lots of times of laughter and one or two times of tears
And now you're leaving the land of your birth - the rugby, the tennis, the tea
And I will often think of you, as I hope you will think of me
The world is getting smaller - I'll soon be booking a flight
To visit my wonderful married daughter and bring a supply of Marmite!

© Kate Tym 2009

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Happily Ever After

Hello everybody, I'm Elaine, the mother of the bride
I'm delighted that you all are here to share my joy and pride
Heather is our daughter and for my husband and me
She's been just as perfect as any girl can be
She's loyal and thoughtful with a great sense of fun
Generous and supportive, looking out for everyone
She filled the room with sunshine, her nursery teacher said
She was also quite impressed with what went on in Heather's head
In her imagination she could come up with anything
Including a virtuoso dad who could play the violin
She hasn't changed much since then except when it comes to walking
Which she never used to like and spent most of her time talking
Dragging her feet and dawdling all the way
To think now she walks Penny every single day
And then there is Richard, always by her side
We welcome him as our son-in-law, we're glad that she's his bride
He's good natured, loyal and thoughtful and always keeps his cool
Even when strapped to a TENS machine that's cranked right up to full
Over the years we've got to know him very well indeed
And as he sleepwalks naked - sometimes better than we need!
Together they like good times, family and friends
And when you're in their company the laughter never ends
They're made for each other, party people to a pair
And if there's dressing-up involved, they will both be there!
It's a testament to both of them they can gather such a crowd
And the people who have gone before would also be so proud
It's a Scottish/Yorkshire fusion - a combination of worth
Featuring 4½ lovely bridesmaids, plus one who might give birth!
As with any couple, there are some things that grate
Like Richard's selective hearing and Heather always being late
And Heather loves shoes and bags and when she's out shopping
Richard plugs in his Playstation and doesn't bother stopping
But her father and I have a solution, if we may be so bold
We suggest for harmony, Richard just does what he's told!
Although I have to say, I doubt you need our advice
As all I've ever seen from you is caring, kind and nice
Heather and Richard Jameson together joined as one
I feel I'm not losing my daughter, but gaining a wonderful son
So raise your glasses with me now to salute the happy pair
To Heather and Richard and the future that they'll share
There are bound to be some good times and lots of times of laughter
And with you two there's sure to be a happy ever after...

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My Beautiful Irish Bride

I better start by saying thanks to Tony, Little Des and Collette
Because without them as your relatives we never would have met
They took you out on the town to a pub called The Bear
And I'm glad to say, that on that day, I was also there
Let's just say the drinks flowed and the night went very well
But as the perfect gentleman I would never kiss and tell
It's enough to say that a fella knows when a night's been really good
When he finds himself, with the girl of his dreams, in bed at the Robin Hood!
And after our fabulous drunken night we were in the hands of fate
You had to go back to Ireland before we'd planned a second date
A year went by before there came a ski-trip that couldn't be missed
A chance to finally see you, on and off the piste
But before we went I thought I better check you weren't feeling vexed
So, as is the way, in this modern day I sent you a little text
Then we started phoning and you were so very sweet
That before we got to the ski-ing trip we decided we'd better meet
The Raddison Hotel in Kilkenny was our venue of choice
And it was great to finally see you again, after only hearing your voice
Then followed a tiring year of long-distance romance
Trips across the Irish Sea whenever we got the chance
I took up part-time residence with Mary and OD
And I'd like to thank them both so much for putting up with me
Finally you made the move over the sea to Brum
Leaving behind your family your sister, brother, dad and mum
I knew then you really loved me, you had to be really sure
To give up your life as a leading light at the Conway Superstore
And then we bought our house together the start of domestic life
Where we're a household filled with laughter and very little strife
I love the way you act the fool and share your funny side with me
And the way I trust you to let me be who I want to be
There's only one thing about you that's prone to make me frown
It's when I see you mooching about in your big grey dressing gown!
You can talk on the phone for hours without needing to take a break
But once it gets to nine o'clock you have trouble staying awake
But then I also know that I can annoy you, just a smidge
When I take an empty bottle and put it right back in the fridge
And I know there must be times I bore you ridged as a pillar
When I share my enthusiasm for the fabulous Aston Villa!
But on the whole we're happy, cuddling up on the settee
With a take-away, at the end of the day, and Saturday night TV
I love everything about you and can't wait to share my life
Not just as the best of friends but finally as husband and wife
Everyone has supported us every step of the way
And it's thanks to your Mum and Dad's generosity that we're finally here today
And our wedding planner 'Fronk' or Mary as she's really known
Who's taken charge of the wedding plans as they have grown and grown
My family also, have really played a part
And it's a testament to my lovely bride they've all taken her to heart
The bridesmaids are beautiful, Karen and Mary too
And thanks to Casey and Aaron, we couldn't have done without you
Then there were the ushers Leonard, Jarlath and OD
Who've made everything go very smoothly I'm sure you will agree
And thanks to page-boy Kian who fulfilled his role with style
And Mackenzie, Kate and Shara who've made everybody smile
Married life has ups and downs, fair and stormy weather
But Bronagh and I side-by-side will face them well together
To me you are just beautiful, funny, caring and kind
You know just what I'm thinking, it's like you've read my mind
You are everything to me, the centre of my life
And it is everything to me to make you my wife
I'm very grateful to Des and Tony for taking you to The Bear
And I'm very grateful for the fact that I was also there
I know that the future will be as wonderful as past
Ours is a relationship that's definitely built to last
I'm certain married life will be just as wonderful as I think
And on that note, before I choke, I think I need a drink
So raise your glasses with me now to share my joy and pride
At having Bronagh Conway as my beautiful Irish bride

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