You Can't Go Wrong With Sentimental

by Joe
(St Louis MO)

My great grandmother passed away just weeks before my brother's wedding. She was 98 years old, and the matriarch of our traditional Italian family. At the reception my brother intentionally left her seat empty, but had her seating card there out of respect.

I wasn't sure how to handle her absence. Many people suggested I not mention it at all because her death was so recent and emotions were still raw. But, when I stood up in front of the family, I felt like not saying her name would be a mistake, so I threw out my planned speech with the obligatory jokes about my brother, and compliments about what a great girl my new sister was. Instead, I asked everyone to look around at all the brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, children, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc., and reminded everyone that we were the big, happy, close family that learned how to celebrate the special occasions of our lives from our wonderful grandmother. The whole room was her legacy, and that deserved a celebration all its own.

I have to admit, my voice may have trembled a little bit, but that just made the speech that much more meaningful. And, I think it was actually much easier to give than a preplannned traditional best man speech.

Just my two cents...