Dear Libbie

My father loves me ...but he is not great at speeches. How do we handle this?

Emma

Hallo Emma

He does not have to be great ... or even good at them. He just needs to be sincere, and if he loves you this will show through. Actually, he has an edge on those who enjoys making speeches: your guests will love him for being short and sweet. So both of you can just relax!

He is the natural host of the event and that is why everyone assumes he'll be having his say. Be very encouraging and tell him how very special his effort will be for you. It may also help him if he knows what is expected of him, which simply is:

                        * welcoming the groom's family at the wedding

                        * welcoming the groom to the bride's family

                        * state his happiness at the union                    

                        * saying appreciative words about his daughter and wishing her well

                        * propose the toast to the happy couple.

 However, he is the boss: what he says goes, and therefore he can delegate this job to someone suitable like you mother or a senior family member or old family friend ... someone who will do the honours on the family's behalf.