TOASTMASTERS

It is vital to keep things running to time on big day - with so much happening and limited time to get things done, you'll only ever get one shot to get it right.

So whilst we wouldn't dream of suggesting that either the Bride or Groom spends the day with one eye on a clock, it is absolutely essestial that someone does.

Timetables should be drafted up prior to the day (see the article entitled Reception Timetable for help on this) and should be distributed to all key parties. The Best Man, the Chief Bridesmaid, Ushers, and both sets of parents should all know the plan for the day, and it is essential the venue and your suppliers are also aware of things. However, if you want to really ensure that your days runs like clockwork, then is imperative that someone takes the overall lead.

Perhaps this sounds like a duty for the Best Man or one of the dads, but rather than burdening them with the task, why not consider hiring a Toastmaster/Master of Ceremonies (MC). Toastmasters will take full responsibility for getting the right people to the right places at the right time and for a small amount of cash (in the grand scheme of things) can give the Bride and Groom one less thing to worry about.

The key responsibilities of a Toastmaster are:

• Welcoming guests on arrival
• Organising the receiving line (optional)
• Collecting and storing gifts
• Ensuring guests are seated at the approptiate time.
• Announcing the Bride and Groom at the start of the wedding breakfast
• Saying Grace (optional)
• Co-ordinating your suppliers in line with your timetable
• Announcing events – such as games in the garden, drinks in the lobby, or the cutting of the cake;
• Ensuring the observation of wedding etiquette (optional);
• Reading cards, messages and telegrams and circulates the guest book.