TOASTMASTERS

Of course, Toastmasters also have the added advantage of coming with their very own red tailcoat and gavel (the wooden hitty used to get peoples attention thing for those of you who haven't seen Bargain Hunt!) Typical costs are around £400 for the day and could be well worth the expense if you or your partner is the sort to take it upon themselves to carry out even some of these roles. 

As with all suppliers make sure you agree your specific requirements with them in advance and prior to agreeing a fee.  For added security, try to ensure that whoever you book is a member of a professional body such as the Guild of International Professional Toastmasters, the National Association of Toastmasters or the Federation of Professional Toastmasters.

One last thing to do before dashing off to check the Weddingsday Supplier Directory to search for local toastmasters is to speak to the venue. Certain venues are able to provide someone to act as a master of ceremonies, and on some occasions will throw this service in free of charge. That said, you should bear in mind that the venue-supplied MC will normally just be an event manager or wedding co-ordinator and as such the service you get won't be as good as that from a professional toastmaster, not to mention the fact that they won't be anywhere near as impressive (appearance-wise). That said, if cash is tight, then it could be a sensible option.

Whatever your decision, just make sure that someone knows what's happening and ensures that everyone sticks to it!