Over recent years, the duties of a toastmaster have become wide and varied and couples often now require a more contemporary approach. The toastmaster nowadays is much more ‘human’ and his involvement is linked with a warmer, personal and approachable manner. Because every occasion is different too, couples go to great lengths to put their own marque on the day and so it is impossible to list everything that Garry turns his hand to. However, listed are some of the many duties that you can expect and that he is happy to perform.:

Prior to the day…

• Hold at least one planning meeting (and invariably more) during the build up to discuss your plans and understand your requirements.
• Produce a wedding schedule so that the format of the day is agreed by you in plenty of time.
• Be available to offer advice on matters of etiquette and protocol.
• Assist in sourcing excellent wedding suppliers for your day.
• Introduce himself to other ‘key’ suppliers before the day.
• Visit the wedding breakfast venue beforehand (if he hasn’t already attended) to introduce himself to staff and also familiarise himself with the venue.
• Offer guidance regarding the wedding speeches.
• Attend the wedding rehearsal (if booked in the package).

Prior to a Church ceremony…

• Arrive in plenty of time to meet with the priest.
• Meet the groom and his grooms-men on their arrival at Church.
• Assist them with their preparations, particularly in relation to pinning on buttonholes or tying their cravats.
• Offer a friendly, smiling face as guests arrive and make them feel welcomed.
• Help the ushers and best man regarding seating of guests in Church and offer guidance for anything they’re unsure of.
• Greet the bride as she arrives and assist with anything that might need attention.
• Help ensure that the bridal train is laid correctly before going into Church.

Prior to a civil ceremony…

• Arrive in plenty of time to liaise with the venue manager and run through the schedule.
• Make sure that the venue facilities are in order and that a cloak rail/cloakroom is available (for winter weddings).
• Check to see that the PA system is in good, working order for the wedding breakfast.
• Ensure that the ceremony room is ready and that music is available (if requested).
• Meet the groom and his grooms-men on their arrival (often already in the bar).
• Assist them with their preparations, particularly in relation to pinning on buttonholes or tying their cravats.
• Offer a friendly, smiling face as guests arrive and make them feel welcomed.
• Co – ordinate with the registrar to ensure that the groom is ‘interviewed’ in plenty of time.
• Announce for guests to make their way into the ceremony room.
• Help the ushers and best man regarding seating of guests and offer guidance for anything they’re unsure of.
• Welcome the bride as she arrives and then co – ordinate with the registrar to ensure that the bride has her ‘interview’ without guests having the opportunity to see the bride before the ceremony.
• Assist the registrar in making appropriate announcements prior to the ceremony (if required).
• Help ensure that the bridal train is laid correctly before going into the ceremony.

Following the ceremony…

• Direct guests to where the drinks reception is being served.
• Help to hold the bride’s bouquet or flowers and if not required for photos, make sure it is laid in the wedding breakfast room.
• Be on hand should the need arise to offer assistance with anything that may need attention.
• Make guests aware of the seating plan for the wedding breakfast.
• Advise guests as to where gifts or cards need to be placed.
• Liaise with the photographer and videographer regarding running order of photographs and ensure that guests are in the right place for their  photo call.
• Ensure that the bride and bridegroom have drinks and canapes during the drinks reception.
• Make guests aware of the guest book (if it’s available) prior to the wedding breakfast.
• Keep guests informed of the schedule so that they don’t miss any of the ‘key’ elements of the day.

At the wedding breakfast…

• Arrange the receiving line in accordance with the bride and bridegroom’s wishes.
• Call guests to the wedding breakfast.
• Introduce guests by name to the receiving line, if required.
• Assist if guests have any special requirements, particularly the elderly or those with mobility problems.
• Once guests are seated, make the relevant announcements regarding phones, guest book, cameras on tables etc.
• Announce the ‘top table’ (if required).
• Introduce the grand entrance of the bride and bridegroom as agreed.
  
• Say grace (following a Church ceremony) or introduce the designated person for grace.
• Make sure that all the guests are happy and comfortable during the wedding breakfast.
• Circulate the guest book around the tables, if required.
• If a buffet is being served, co – ordinate the tables so that everyone doesn’t go to the buffet at the same time.
• Continually liaise with catering staff to ensure that the wedding breakfast is running to schedule.
• Make guests aware of the time for speeches so that they have the opportunity to use the bathroom before speeches begin.
• Announce the speeches in the relevant order agreed by you.
• Assist the bride and groom in the presentation of flowers or gifts during the speeches.
• Conduct the cake cutting ceremony (unless it’s being cut in the evening).
• Instruct the groom in Sabrage (if requested).
• Announce the bride and bridegroom from the banqueting room.
• Direct guests to an appropriate area should the room need to be turned around for the evening party.
• Liaise with venue staff and also entertainment suppliers for the party.
• Welcome evening guests as they arrive.
• Check that the evening party is ready, then announce the party to guests.
• Welcome the bride and bridegroom to the dance floor and introduce their first dance.
• Introduce the evening entertainment, if required.