Postby Belton » September 30th, 2009 8:34 am
It's worth finding out what form of speech is expected.
I was planning something along the lines of the groom's speech that is given in Irish tradition. Then I found out that I don't get to propose a toast, that is done by the bride's family's eldest brother, and my speech was to my in-laws not to the guests as such. (If my parents were able to attend I think it might have been to them) Along the lines of thankyou for raising me, or in my case thankyou for welcoming me into your family, I promise to take great care of your daughter. I also had a goodbye; the reception is over short speech to give. There were some set phrases there.
And I had to sing karaoke and do the wedding vow in Japanese at the Shinto style ceremony -- at least that was meant to be read off a sheet of paper.
The legal marriage at the town hall was much easier (once we had gathered the documents). Sign here, fee please, collect your certificates in two days! and off to Bronco Billy's for lunch.
Good Luck in your preparations.