Sample speeches: Second marriages

A wedding speech for the groom to adapt, for when you’re on your second time around...

This is a second marriage for both of us, and I am grateful for the words my new father-in-law has just spoken. Sarah and I feel privileged to have found each other and to be given a second chance of love.

My parents have been particularly supportive over the last few weeks when the wedding nerves set in, but this was to be expected as they’ve always been there for me, no matter what. I know that Sarah feels the same about her parents, who have welcomed me into their family and have been so generous, helping us with this wedding.

When I first met Sarah I thought that she was a beautiful woman but I never thought I’d see her again. Fortunately, thanks to some matchmaking from Bob, my best man and the father of Billy, our excellent pageboy who only tried to eat the cushion once, we did see each other again. I’d like to thank him for helping us get where we have today. Sarah and I will always be grateful for his interference!

Sarah believes strongly that looks are less important than personality, which is just as well, otherwise she wouldn’t have agreed to marry me! Sarah has taught me the importance of patience and compromise as our families have united to make a whole, and I am grateful to her that she has helped me make this transition quite so easily. Standing here today, in front of you all, I have to say that it has definitely been worth it.

Obviously, our wedding would be nothing without the blessing of our children: Claire, David and Simon. Claire has told me confidentially, so you’ll have to keep this to yourselves, that she’s always wanted a brother. So now that she’s got two, I hope that she will be twice as happy. David and Simon, I’d like to say how delighted I am to be your step-father. And Claire, Sarah has asked to me to say that you are the daughter she thought she would never have.

Sarah’s sister, Vikki, has been a tower of strength through the pre-wedding stress. So for that and for your fantastic flower arrangements, thank you, Vikki. And for those of you who are wondering how we spent the money that we saved on flowers, we spent it on extra booze! So, take advantage and raise your glasses...Bob and Vikki.