Brother of the Bride Speech

Making a wedding speech can be quite a nerve racking experience, so both my wife and I were surprised when her brother called the night before our wedding asking if he could make a speech at our recent wedding.  After a short argument between them, it was decided he would speak before the maid-of-honor (whom was their other sister).   

Now it's not really customary for the bride's brother to make a speech (unless he's part of the wedding party), but it of course it depends on the wedding and the situation.  And at that point, he'd not began preparing anything, and if you knew him or knew how nervous he was on the night, you would know that he made a fine effort writing his speech and a great job with it's delivery.

If he were to make a speech, the bride's brother would normally just a recap a few (funny) memories of the bride and groom (from his point of view), and to wish them well. The brother is in a unique spot though, as can easily get away with being a little cheeky, provided he's not overly embarrassing and certainly not offensive.

He can bring up stories of what the bride was like as a child, with her first boyfriend, or even describe a few of the negatives of the bride/groom's relationship in a funny way, as long as he "recovers" to finish with something heartfelt, welcoming his now brother-in-law to the family and saying something nice about the happy couple (eg. how well they are suited).

I have just a few simple words to say today - to the the extended family members, thank you. To the groom and the grooms family, thank you for loving and taking my sister and us into your family. To Mum and Dad and the rest of my family,thank you for acknowledging and warmly accepting the groom and his family as part of us and into our family.

The thing is, the groom, is a true gentlemen. Your hard working, clever, <personal joke here>, and you seem to have the answer to many of life's questions but your always the last to speak, and have a keenness to help.

I respect you mate, and realise that family comes first for you. He's humble, kind, and loves my sister truely and deeper than any other, and I can't think of anyone more fitting to marry my sister.

So I'd like you all now to raise your glass and say cheers, say it loudly, to celebrate the union of the bride and groom. May the drinks of life keep on flowing...