Toastmaster frequently asked Questions by Eric Gill Professional Wedding Toastmaster

Frequently asked questions for Wedding Receptions

There can be many questions, and the list grows all the time. I have tried to anticipate some of your thoughts, but if you have any specific ones I haven’t thought of, please, just ask.

Q We had not thought about having a Toastmaster at our Wedding, are Toastmasters becoming more popular, and why?

Toastmasters at Wedding Receptions have increased over the recent years, This being due to Bride and Bridegrooms wanting their special day to be stress free and knowing that should a problem occur there is a Toastmaster in attendance to help you. A Toastmasters presence will impress their friends and guests, and adds that touch of class to the occasion.

Q Are you a Professional Toastmaster, and if so, to what organization do you belong?

I am a Member of the National Association of Toastmasters and an Honorary Fellow of the Executive Guild of Professional Toastmasters and Town Criers.

Q Do you have references or testimonials I can see?

I am very lucky to have many references and testimonials, some on this site but if you want copies of originals it can be arranged.

Q the hotel say they offer Toastmaster services, why do I need you?

Check with the hotel that it’s a real bonafide toastmaster and ask what Guild or Association he or she belongs to. It may be that the hotel is only providing the duty or banqueting manager to take care of you, then it’s your choice whether you hire me or not.

Q How long in advance should we book a Toastmaster?

Usually about 12/18 months, but my advice would be that once your date and venue have been booked, it would now be an ideal time to book your Toastmaster.

Q How far would you travel?

I will travel 100 miles to a venue without adding to my fee. If it is further than that we can negotiate an amount to cover fuel costs

Q How much then do you cost?

My fees are not complicated. £350.00 for a Saturday or Bank holiday. £325.00 for a Sunday and £275.00 for any other weekday.

Q Do you attend the church service? If not, what time will the Toastmaster arrive at the venue?

I do not normally attend the church ceremony. I will arrive at the venue, 1 – 2 hours prior to the reception give enough time to acquaint myself with the surroundings, staff and be ready to receive you upon your arrival.

Q What do you, as a traditional Toastmaster, wears?

I wear a hunting pink long tailed coat (commonly known as a red coat), starched fronted white dress shirt, starched white bow tie, and starched white waistcoat, white gloves, black dress suit trousers and black patent leather shoes.

Q Do you wear a hat?

No
Q How long will you stay at our Wedding Reception?

My duties will normally be complete at the end of the table formalities, but if you want me to stay to the end of the first dance or to the end of the evening reception perhaps an agreeable fee can be arranged.

Q Do we supply you with a meal, and where would you sit during the meal?

When possible, meals are normally supplied and I like to be seated on my own at a small table near to the top table, subject to space being available so that I can oversee the Wedding Breakfast.

Q What are your duties as a Toastmaster at a Wedding Reception?

My Toastmaster duties are to ensure all the correct procedures are carried out and the Bride and Bridegroom, together with all the top table guests can relax and enjoy their special day.

Q What is a Receiving Line?

A Receiving Line is where all the Wedding Guests are introduced by the Toastmaster to the parents of the Bride and Bridegroom, together with the Bride and Bridegroom. The order of a Receiving Line would normally be: Brides Mother, Brides Father, Bridegrooms Mother, Bridegrooms Father, Bride and Bridegroom, or as advised by the Bride and Bridegroom

Q We want a Receiving Line, but can we just have the Bride, Bridegroom, Best Man, and Chief Bridesmaid?

It is your day and therefore any request about your receiving line is completely down to the Bride & Bridegroom.

Q We are having a Receiving Line, but are worried as to which order we would all be standing in as one/both our parents are remarried, but we really want them all to be in the Receiving Line. How could we do this?

The best way around this is starting with the Brides Mother; write down the first names of who you both wish to have standing next to whom. Then when arranging your final details with me tell me of your requirements, then there are no more worries and the rest is done for you on the day.

Q There will be a member of the Clergy attending our Wedding, would he/she be able to say grace before our meal?

I would usually say grace if requested. But should there be a member of the Clergy in attendance he/she must be given the option to do so first.

Q Will you announce us both into the dining area?

I will enter the room first and ask all your Wedding Guests to stand to receive the Bride & Bridegroom. I will then escort you both to your places at the top table.

Q Would you be able to inform the all gentlemen that they may remove their jackets, if the wish, during the meal?

Once everyone is seated I will then make this announcement for you.

Q We would like to toast all our guests, when should we do this?

I would suggest this toast is done before the starter course is cleared.

Q We have cameras on each table, how can we make sure all our guests use them and know where to leave them after they have used them?

I explain to all your guests how to use the cameras and flash and also where to leave them once they are finished with.

Q We have a Wedding Guest Book for all our guests to sign, where should we leave it to ensure everyone can sign it?

The Wedding Guest Book should be given to me and I will ensure all your guests sign it during the wedding breakfast.
Q Do the speeches come before the meal for after?

Usually the speeches happen after the meal, but it is becoming more popular to have them before to enable all the speechmakers to enjoy their meal without worrying, provided that they are kept fairly short, so as not to delay the food unnecessarily.

Q When it comes to the speeches whose speech is first?

Usually the Brides’ Father or whoever has been appointed in his place speaks first. The Bridegroom normally responds and the Best Man concludes.

Q How many toasts should we have?

Usually there are three toasts. Firstly, to the Bride & Bridegroom, proposed by the Brides Father or whoever has been appointed in his place. The second toast should be to the Bridesmaids and Best Man, proposed by the Bridegroom, and then the Best Man may propose the final toast to the parents of the Bride & Bridegroom, or, as is more popular these days. again to the Bride and Bridegroom.

Q Should the Best Man include any humorous Wedding Toasts?

Generally, it is not thought a good idea to embarrass any of your Wedding Guests in any shape or form. However, providing everything is kept clean and bad language is avoided at all costs, some light banter is more than accepted to finish off the speeches in style.

Q We have been told that the Best Man toasts the Bride and Bridegroom at the end of his speech. Is this correct, as my Father would prefer to do this at the end of his speech?

The Brides Father or whoever has been appointed in his place, usually toasts the Bride and Bridegroom. However, if the best man wants to do it again – why not?

Q When should we cut our Wedding Cake?

Should you wish your Wedding Cake to be served with coffee, you would normally cut this after the main course plates are cleared. However, if you wish your Wedding Cake to be served later, perhaps with the evening buffet, then it is normally cut just before the speeches.

Q At our friends Wedding, the Wedding Cake was served with coffee and not a lot was eaten. Do you think it’s a good idea to have it served with the evening buffet instead?

Wedding Guests have usually just eaten a large meal, and therefore will not always want any Wedding Cake. Therefore, there is a chance that most cake served with coffee will be wasted.

Q After all the Table Formalities are complete, what happens next?

I will ask everybody to stand, and then escort you both from the Top Table and out of the Dining Area.