Help with wedding speech needed

[Bambiagain]

Sorry, I have no idea what category this fits in, which is why I'm putting it here.

Quite simply, who can advise me on how to phrase the beginning of a speech that I am translating into English. The German translates literally into "Dear bridal couple, dear guests" but this sounds completely wrong. Would you think he (the father of the bride) shoul. address it to the happy couple by name? I think using "dear" sounds not quite right, but correct me if you disagree. And I'd be inclined to go with "Ladies and Gentlemen" for the second bit - would anyone think "Dear guests" is ok? Or perhaps "Dear friends and family"?

I really should have paid more attention to the speeches last time I went to a wedding, shouldn't I?

[Bambiagain]

Mosaic, I haven't been invited! I'm just the English teacher.

Johnnyboy - just tried that one and it came up with:

Dear bride and groom, dear Guests

Which was what I was trying to avoid. Thanks for the link - they can be useful, although fortunately people often find they have trouble with online translators so they come to me to get me to do the work (and pay me!). I find, as above, that with some things the literal translation doesn't sound as natural as some of the examples that I've been given above, hence my original question.

[parkie]

If the bride and groom are staying in a hotel tell them not to forget to reserve the sun beds by the pool with their towels.
(If they up early enough, that is).

[Buenchico]

In English, speeches always ignore the 'dear' bit.

For example, in public speaking competitions (many, many years ago!) I learnt to start with something along the lines of "Mr Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen". When I was best man at a friend's wedding I started with "Stuart and Judith, Ladies and Gentlemen".

I'd recommend something similar in your case. i.e. address the bride and groom by name and then just use 'ladies and gentlemen'. If you (or the person you're translating for) insists upon using a title for the guests, then, in English, it's not 'dear guests' but 'honoured guests' [however I'd strongly advise against using such an archaic form!].

Chris

[Bambiagain]

Thank you, Chris. You echo my feelings about the "Dear" bit and confirm what I was erring on the side of going with. Luckily the man I'm translating for has already said he'll go with whatever I choose if it's correct English.