Tips for engaging a Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies
Tips and Advice
Meet and get to know them
1
2
You should always meet your Toastmaster before you engage them, they are going to be one of your key suppliers and you must have confidence and trust in them to ensure the smooth running of your perfect day.
Their character, personality and demeanour must fit the ethos, look and feel for your day, so a professional will advise and guide you as to tradition and etiquette, but will listen to your requirements and flexibly adapt.
They can act as a confessor, ensuring that any awkward moments are avoided at your special event.
Appearance
Your Toastmaster should be well groomed and impeccably turned out in their livery. If they can’t take the time to display high professional standards in their own appearance you should probably question their attention to detail and ability to oversee the smooth running of your day to the highest standards.
3
They are not a guest
It is important to remember that your Toastmaster is a supplier and not a guest.
A professional Toastmaster will know this and will behave accordingly including not drinking any alcohol (even for the toasts) whilst working or eating the canapés/buffet (although most will ask for arrangements to be made for them to have a meal, either on a separate small table or away from your guests dining area).
They should not join in group photos, unless asked to do so by you, however they may ask for a shot with you for their own portfolio, website or advertising.
4
Are they in the package?
If you are offered a Toastmaster as part of a venue package, always check that you will get a professionally trained, 'red-coated' Toastmaster as some venues will use a member of their events team to act as a Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies, which isn’t the same.
If after meeting the venue Toastmaster you don’t think they are the right fit for you or your day, don’t be afraid to say that you would like an alternative.
5
Independence
Usually, a Toastmaster working as part of a venue’s wedding package will be contracted by the venue and so will be working for them and not directly for you. Sometimes it’s good to have a Toastmaster contracted by you who is independent of the venue to act on your behalf and ensure the venue delivers everything you have agreed with them.