I know how you feel, my dad said he doesnt want to do a speech. I said well you dont have to do a speech as such - just thank everyone and congratulate us. He said he is supposed to say nice things about the groom and his mother but he cant think of anything nice to say!! He is so negative and doesnt really like anyone. H2B has tried so hard to be nice to my dad and my dad has sat and chatted away to him for ages. My dad said - I've only met him about 3 times! Absolute rubbish. We've been together 3 years and we all went to my brothers wedding together. He has met him looooads of times. He makes me feel rubbish being so negative. Finally he agreed to just say thank you and congratulations. Maybe if you say to your dad that he doesnt have to make it a speech as such, he could just thank the guests for coming and toast the bride and groom? Is he likely to change his mind if you take the pressure of it being a "speech" away?

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I think you want everyone comfortable and relaxed at your wedding and if he really want too then don't push him. He will only worry about it for weeks beforehand and be nervous on the day so wont be able to enjoy the day or be able to relax.

My H2B has a stutter and he is so nervous about doing a speech but said he'll do one as tradition, now I know we have over a year to go but everytime it is mentioned he goes pale so we had a chat about it and decided i dont want him a nervous wreck on the day of the wedding and leading up to it so decided he isnt doing one. I would talk to your dad and find out why he isnt doing one? If he just cant be bothered then maybe tell him you want him to make the effort and tell him how you feel but if he isnt naturally a public speaker or nervous then dont push him but tell him how you feel then let him make the choice. Good luck xx

my dad isn't thrilled about doing one but he's going to try cos i'm his baby girl which is great but i think it will be just thanking people for coming and congratulating us and thats it really i would be really suprised if i got more out of him than that

I would just let him know that you really want him to make a little speech just to thank people for coming and that would be absolutely fine, you never know when he's up there he might get into it and make one up on the spot

My dad hasn't been with my mum since i was 8 so i think he feels that he doesn't really know me well enough to make a speech about me. He's not a very good public speaker either. Your comment Rockabilly chick makes sense.. If I take away the pressure of it being a speech he might feel a bit less pressured. Thanks for your advice everyone :)

There was only my hubby that done a speech at our wedding, there was only 8 adults(including me & OH) plus 5 kids there so there wasnt any need, hubbys family wasnt there. i dont think it matters any more to be honest x

I may have the oppisite trouble if my dad makes it home from australia, i wont be able to shut him up lol xxx

my h2b isn't doing a speech as hes not comfortable in big crowds (even if they are all family) and its amazing i have manged to get him to actually agree to a family reception i gave him the option of writing a speech and having one of his brothers (i think both will be best men when he gets round to sorting it out) so one will do the best man speech and one read out h2bs speech with it being family everyone knows how he is in big social situations and i have already explained it to my family so will be fine.

could your brother not read out speech your dad writes i know its not the same but it would still be his words xx

My Dad won't be doing a speech or stting at the top table. He will give me away then my brother will take over by sitting at the top table and making a speech. My Dad said he feel he can't thank people for coming as he didn't invite them, Oh well, he is getting on and a bit strange. xxx

aww hun. my dad won't be at my wedding as he passed away recently. I'd give anything for him to be there, with or without a speech. My mum is giving me away now and I know she's wont be making a speech as it's just not her. I've not pushed the subject so it'll be just h2b's and bestman speeches and I'm fine with that. I don't want mum being forced into doing something she doesn't want to do as it'll cause god knows how much stress for her x