When a wedding is planned, the first consideration is the date. Following this the Bride and Bridegroom select the style of wedding, i.e. religious or Civil, the venue and estimate the number of guests attending.

What is then needed is sound consultation with an experienced professional toastmaster. The true professional is someone who has been properly trained and tested and who knows all the correct procedures, etiquette and protocols to present as a GUIDE for the Bride and Bridegroom to consider. He is aware of many pitfalls and of ways to avoid them. It is so very important that the special day proceeds smoothly, memorably and in style..

The toastmaster listens to what is required and tailors his services to those requirements planning his schedule accordingly. On the day he is the person in control of the wedding reception from the arrival of the Bridal Party until a time agreed by them to conclude his work. It is very important the he liaises with the Banqueting manager/caterer, the photographer and any other wedding service providers.

The list of duties is very comprehensive.
After the initial contact he will meet with the Bride and Bridegroom well before the big day to gather all the information and make hard copy records for them and himself.
He is the first person to greet the Bride and Bridegroom on arrival and his standard of dress is immaculate and eye-catching. The red tailcoat is a focal point for everyone after the Bride and Bridegroom.
On the day he arrives at the venue at least an hour prior to the proposed start of the celebrations. If required to help before the start of a Civil wedding he will do so which means he will be there sometimes three hours before the Wedding Breakfast begins.
He meets and directs all the guests, will assist the photographer if requested.
Announces the Wedding Breakfast and will organise and direct a receiving line.
Announce the Grand Entrance of the Bride and Bridegroom so that they arrive at their places for the start of the meal at the correct time.
(He will have checked with the Banqueting Manager that the meal is ready to be served)
If required he announces the Grace or introduces the client's choice of person to say the Grace.
At this point it is to the overall advantage of the event if the speeches are included AFTER rather than before the meal.
He announces and arranges the Ceremony of Cutting The Cake, followed by the speeches when he correctly introduces each speaker in turn and in the correct order.
He ensures that any presents/bouquets to be given out by the Bridal couple are to hand exactly when the Bridegroom needs them.
After the Best Man's speech he closes the formalities and makes any announcements regarding coffee, dancing etc.
He may announce the first dance and subsequently encourage all the guests to join them before taking leave of the Hosts.
All the above is presented in a comfortable, friendly and pleasant style.

A good toastmaster ensures that all information has been given to the necessary people.
Please try to avoid 'friend' and particularly do not pass these very important duties to him or a Best Man.
You are indeed special and on your 'once in a lifetime' day, deserve to be treated accordingly.

How do you choose a good toastmaster?
If you like him, employ him.
He will have a pleasant, friendly attitude and not afraid to smile. Weddings are fun days after all.
He will always appear smart and presentable.
He will have been intensively and properly trained and with a certificate and collaret to prove it.
His advice will be as a result of many weddings' experience.
He will have PL Insurance to at least £5,000,000.
He will be enthusiastic and his attention will be focused on you.
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As the Director of the training establishment The UK School of Professional Toastmasters limited, I have trained over 200 professionals nationwide and abroad.
In addition I will present you with a bottle of Champagne and pour it into your Champagne flutes from the bottle which I have ceremoniously opened with one stroke of my sabre.
I have the qualities and the experience for all the above, have successfully officiated at over 1000 functions across the country.
Mine is a wonderful job and I just love the work I do. You, the clients are very important and respected individuals and I take great care to live up to the trust you place in me.
My own wedding 49 years ago was wonderful and I want each Bride and Bridegroom to be able to say the same thing.

Graham Hunt
www.toastmaster.btinternet.co.uk.
email: grahamhunt@btinternet.com
Tel: 01502 500317
1 Saturn Close,
Lowestoft,
Suffolk. NR32 4TD