Sample material: Honouring a deceased relative

Wedding speech material for you to adapt, if you want to honour a close relative or friend who’s recently passed away

Standing here in front of all of you today, I feel incredibly old. To me, it was only yesterday that Sarah was born, and I never thought that I’d ever be as happy as I was then, but I was wrong. Seeing my daughter look as radiant as she does on her wedding day makes me happier than I ever thought possible. I am so proud of everything that she has become. My only regret is that her mother, Angela, cannot be with us. But this is not a day for regrets -- it is a day for happiness and looking ahead.

I am so pleased that Sarah and John found each other. I never thought that anyone would be good enough for my little girl, but I am delighted to be proved wrong. John is a lovely man who makes my daughter happy. What more could I ask?

I don’t want to delay the proceedings any longer with my memories of Sarah growing up, like the time when she was almost expelled for trying to burn down her school so she could have a day off -- she never was very practical! Instead, I am going to ask you all to be upstanding and join me in a toast. Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses. I give you... the bride and groom.