Copy of my speech for my buddy's Wedding this weekend - need critique

[HEyHEY]

Be honest.


Good evening, I can’t tell you how nice it is to see everyone here. As we all know this is great day. In case you’re wondering you I am, my name’s Jeremy, I’m a childhood friend of Darrell, I’ve known him since age six. We’ve been through, thick, thin, nice, mean, ……..and a couple of fist fights besides. You never think when you’re ten playing road hockey that one day you’d be at the opposing goaltenders wedding. But I’m here and couldn’t be prouder of Darrell today.
I remember the first time I met Tania, outside of my house, in grade 11, I was to meet this girl Darrel had been working at Dairy Queen with and was completely mad about. A purple car pulled up and a small young lady pulled out. ( I should add at this point, I’ve done the math and predict their kids will be about 5,3 with size 12 feet.
I’d like to tell you a little story now.
One night, about seven years ago, I was at our friend Mikey’s house. Darrel showed up in some distress. He’d been in a huge fight with Tania, and was in a rather down mood. By all accounts I had heard, it was over. Darrel began drinking a bottle of Filipino rum Tania gave him, eventually he was too drunk to keep making the drinks himself. So, he drafted me a bartender. I would pour Darrell a drink and then ten minutes later, he’d ask for another. Each time the space between his fingers grew larger. Sometime during the night, the phone – rang. Mike was already in bed, so I answered. It was Tania, crying like an injured lamb.
She kept asking, “is Darrell there?” Darrell told me he was in no shape to talk to her, so I said he wasn’t. She went on about how it was over, as Darrel had done. I tired my best to comfort her, but I didn’t know what to say, judging by the events, anyone would have assumed it was over. I hung up the phone with Tania and poured Darrel some water. It was then he admitted he loved her, and didn’t want it to be over.
Looking back on it, the night I had Tania on the phone crying, as Darrel did battle with a bottle of rum, I should have known, they’d end up her today.
Darrell and Tania, you two have grown together, loved together and cried together. There is no better reason, why you should engage in marriage.
I’d like to propose a toast to reconciliation, and the good that comes from it.

Good luck friends. Should you need me, I'll be there.

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. Sure!

--In case you are wondering "who" I am I think you meant. ;)

--So he drafted me "as" bartender.

---I "tried" my best.

They'd end up "here"

That is beautiful Hey! As long as they are over the long ago hurt, I think it is a wonderful speech!!!

Don't be nervous. MrG always gets nervous...:hi:

[HEyHEY]

2. Thanks, the biggest thing is to remain MC-like

If I lose it, the others will have no faith! I just hope I don't cry.

[ScreamingMeemie]

4. I don't think it would be a bad thing if they are tears of happiness HEyHE

Have I told you lately what a special person you are? You are going to do wonderfully. :hi:

[HEyHEY]

8. Thanks

I wish the phrase "You too" would equal that compliment. But you started it!
ANd true, I do care....there are three guys I'd kill for and die for...and I wouldn't say that if I didn't mean that. I've known them all begining at age three. He's one.

[disenfranchised]

3. I just gave a toast a couple months ago.

To be honest, I'd try again if I were you. The maid of honor told a similar story and it went poorly. I don't think people wanted to hear about fights and drinking binges. They want to hear about how the relationship makes each of them a better person.

Talk about the love instead of the tears.

It's just my opinion. But, good luck. Toasts are hard--you seem to really care and that makes it harder.

[latebloomer]

5. agreed!

I would get into more of their individual personalities, what you love about them and how they fit so well together. A little ribbing is de rigeur, but if I heard that story I would wonder if your buddy was an alkie.

[HEyHEY]

7. That's one worry (Alkie) his family is VERY religious

[HEyHEY]

6. I thought the story was a testiment to love

But, I'll look at it again. Actually I thought I should put a bit more about their personalities in myself.

[disenfranchised]

9. I hope I didn't seem harsh.

I was just thinking if I was the bride and groom, I may not be comfortable with that memory.

[HEyHEY]

10. I wanted harsh - nice creates mediocrity

[cally]

11. It's just wrong

It's a time to be positive and never share any secrets. Make something up if you have to, but do not share an intimate moment.

[HEyHEY]

12. Really?

I thought the intimate secret was the best part. Any suggestions?

[cally]

13. It is a time to only

mention positive moments. Don't mention any fights or disagreements. At this moment, they have never had a disagreement, never questioned their relationship. Say something about that you knew from the moment you met her that she was the one for your buddy.

[MissMillie]

14. editing

In case you're wondering WHO I am

I should have known they'd end up HERE today.




I don't like the sentence "There is no better reason, why you should engage in marriage." First of all I think it is correct to say "shouldn't" instead of should, but "engage in marriage" seems awkward to me. How about "share your lives"?

[Bunny]

15. I agree with the others.

Drop the drunk, sobbing story. It's intimate AND embarrassing to the couple, and their families may not appreciate hearing about it. It may not be a good time to remind the couple, on their BIG day, of what was probably a pretty unhappy time for both of them.

Say only good things about the two of them, including the good qualities they have that make you think they're a great couple, etc. I liked the comment about their future kids being short with big feet!

You can do some good-natured ribbing, maybe confine it to something you and the groom did as kids or something.

Anyway, it's very sweet that you're doing this. Have fun at the wedding!