Q: How long in advance should we book you as a Toastmaster?
A: There is no set precedent, although 12-18 months is ideal. My advice is once you have your date and booked your venue, then this would be the appropriate time to book a Toastmaster.

Q: How far would you travel?
A: I would normally travel within a radius of approx 100 miles, but I would be willing to go further, but this would be reflected in my fee.

Q: What time do you arrive at the venue?
A: As a toastmaster, I do not normally attend a church ceremony. Therefore I normally arrive about an hour or so before your arrival, so to acquaint myself with the surroundings and liaise with staff.

Q: What do you normally wear?
A: I wear a long tailed red coat, starched fronted white dress shirt, starched white bow tie, red waistcoat, white gloves, black dress suit trousers and black patent leather shoes. I will also have in attendance my gavel and block and my cue cards.

Q: How long do you stay at the wedding reception?
A: My duties normally end after the completion of the table formalities. I can stay until the end of the first dance or the end of the evening at an agreeable fee.

Q: What are your duties as a Toastmaster at a wedding reception?
A: My duties are to ensure all the correct procedures are carried out and that the Bride and Bridegroom, together with their top table guests can relax and enjoy their special day.

Q: What is a receiving line?
A: A receiving line is where all the wedding guests are introduced by the Toastmaster to normally the parents of the Bride and Bridegroom together with the Bride and Bridegroom. The order of the receiving line would normally be: Brides Mother, Brides Father, Bridegrooms Mother, Bridegrooms Father, Bride and Bridegroom. Although as this is your day, you can request others to supplement the receiving line, such as the Best Man and the Chief Bridesmaid.

Q: Who would normally say grace before the meal?
A: It is entirely up to you if you want grace said before your meal. If so, if you have a member of clergy attending the wedding then you must give them the option or if you have someone in mind to say grace. If requested, as Toastmaster, I would happy to say grace.

Q: Will you announce us both into the dining area?
A: Once the receiving line is finished and all guests are seated, I will ask all your wedding guests to stand and receive the Bride and Bridegroom. I will escort you to your places at top table. I can also announce any other top table guests if requested, prior to yourselves.

Q: We are non-smokers, can you inform everyone not to smoke during the meal?
A: Once everyone is seated (including yourselves), I will make this announcement for you.

Q: We have disposable cameras on the tables and a Wedding Guest book for all guests to sign. Can you announce this?
A: Again once everyone is seated, I will explain about the cameras and where to leave them when finished. I will also announce the Wedding Guest book and explain the make comments, sign and pass on, until everyone has signed the book and returns to me for safekeeping.

Q: When do the speeches fit in with the meal?
A: Usually the speeches happen after the meal. I can advise you of the order, but this is your special day and you can decide when you want the speeches to be done..

Q: Who does the speeches? What order are they in? and who do we toast?
A: Firstly the Brides’ Father speaks first and toasts the Bride and Bridegroom. Secondly the Bridegroom speaks and normally toasts the Bridesmaids and the Best Man. Finally, the Best Man responds to the Bridegroom. Traditionally he doesn’t toast, but it is becoming custom to now toast the parents of the Bride and Bridegroom. Obviously if there are speakers (Bride, Bridegrooms Fathers etc) then I can advise you where to fit them in the running order.

Q: When do we cut the Wedding cake?
A: If you wish your Wedding cake to be served with coffee, you would normally cut this after the main course has been cleared. If you wish the serve your Wedding cake with your evening buffet, then you would cut the cake after the speeches. I will announce the cake cutting, so that your guests can take photographs.

Q: After we have done the speeches and cut the cake, what happens next?
A: I will ask everyone to stand and announce the end of the formalities and escort you both from the top table and out of the dining area.

Q: We had not thought about having a Toastmaster at our Wedding, are Toastmasters becoming more popular?
A: Toastmasters at Wedding Receptions have increased in popularity over recent years. This is 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.

If you have not found the answer you were looking for then please contact me by email info@picontoastmaster.co.uk.