Weddings
Most couples start planning their wedding day several months prior to the Big Day. Having a Toastmaster with responsibility for ensuring that important elements on the day, and during the wedding breakfast, happen at the right time and in the right order, is essential. He ensures that there are no awkward pauses where the bridal party and guests aren’t sure what is happening, or what to do next. So make sure your wedding reception and breakfast run to time and just as you planned it.
Wedding protocol and etiquette
I am well versed in matters of wedding protocol and etiquette and can advise the couple on the correct way of doing things if required.
As well as time keeping, I greet and receive the wedding guests on arrival at the venue. I can introduce guests to the hosts at the start of the receiving line, announce the start of the wedding breakfast, announce the couple into the room. I announce the speeches, toasts and wedding cake cutting.
I can assist frail and elderly guests to find their seats for the wedding breakfast. I ensure that the guest book is circulated for signing at a suitable interval during the meal. At the conclusion of the wedding breakfast which usually signifies the completion of the formal proceedings, I assemble the guests on the dance floor for the happy couple’s First Dance and ensure that the evening party gets underway as planned.
Other formal occasions
Apart from weddings and civil ceremonies I have been the Toastmaster for Charity Dinners and fundraising occasions. City of London Livery Banquets, Masonic Ladies Festivals, Corporate Dinners and AGMs, Product Launches and Topping Out Ceremonies as well as all other formal occasions requiring a Toastmaster / MC to lead the way. I have worked as Toastmaster at several of the Livery Halls in the City of London, the Mansion House and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Ceremonial
I am well versed in the different ceremonies of the City of London Livery movement, the needs and wishes of Corporate Clients and the art of overseeing the running of a successful fundraising event.
My experience of formal occasions in the City of London comes from the practical knowledge I gained from my time as a Beadle to a major Livery Company and Beadle to an Alderman of the City of London. I was made a Freeman of the City of London in 2008.
I am a Freemason myself and understand the sequence of events at Masonic Ladies Festivals and Banquets.
