Hey all,
I'm looking for some advice while H2B isn't home. I'm thinking about making a speech on our big day but I'm not sure if it will be favourable, overstepping the mark, or even just lulling people off to sleepy bye-byes? Here's my situation..
Firstly, let me highlight I am by far not the most confident person. I bottled out of making a thankyou speech at my 18th birthday, despite writing and rehearsing one for months before. The only speech I've ever made was a like-for-like speech at my brother's 18th birthday after his heartwarming speech at mine. Other than that, I've been on stage twice, oh, and the mini thankyou I mumbled over a microphone with one hand on the mic and my other hand clinging to my fiancé in some sort of deathgrip. I had speech problems as a child as a result of a hearing impediment, even to this day, my s's tend to come out as z's despite years of speech therapy. I also suffer with a lifelong anxiety disorder, so I tend to feel tortured by a racing heart, speed to the end of my speech or gasp for air..down the mic. It's bad enough I'm terrified of walking the aisle and our first dance, the bits we as brides are meant to love! H2B is dancephobic so he'll be depending on me as much as I him, not good!
Now, onto my speech. I wanted to stand up and make a little thankyou to those who were there, but I also wanted to thank someone who will only be there in spirit. H2B's Mum left us four years after he was born. She had physical disabilities and was told she would never be able to have children. Despite this, she battled the odds and gave me my soulmate. We didn't want to play too much on those who won't be there (H2B's Mum & my granparents) but I feel that as a special person, someone needs to say something about the incredible man she brought into this world, and I'd like that someone to be me. I feel as though I owe it to her. It's an honour in itself that although I am a different person, I will be the next Mrs S. I can only hope I bring children into this world as great as her son!
I'm looking for some advice and opinions here. I know to some people say speeches get boring, but how many is too many? I don't want anyone to go on forever or share some really cringeworthy stories because it's just humiliating. There's a time for embarrassing stories. My wedding guests don't need to know about the time I 'surfed'in the kitchen or got catapulted into a wall by a Shetland pony! I'd just like to basically stand up and say "Thankyou all for coming, and I also want to raise a glass to the lady who can only be with us today.Despite all the odds, Julie S gave me my soulmate and now my husband. To Julie!" and sit back down again. Simple as that!
I've spoken to my Mum about it this afternoon and she said traditionally the best man or father of the bride does this. With the greatest respects. My Dad nor our best man have heard the stories or seen the photographs of H2B's Mum. They do not know how truly inspirational she is. For once in my wedding, I'm prepared to say screw tradition and make a toast to my mother-in-law myself. I think it goes to show, I'm pretty passionate about this! I am a bit worried, though. It might also bring the mood down? What do you guys think?
Thanks all!
MrsStobe13 xx
