There are so many things to consider when organising your wedding, hopefully some of your questions about what I can do for you are addressed here. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
What is the role of toastmasters on the Big Day?
In a nutshell, the role of the toastmaster is to be the personal assistant to the bride and groom. I make sure that everything they’ve gone to great pains to organise happens the way they want it to so they can relax and enjoy their special day.
What are the typical duties of a Toastmaster?
There are very many duties for the toastmaster at a wedding, most of which happen behind the scenes. You can expect your toastmaster to check all arrangements with venue staff, make sure favours and high chairs are in the correct places, check the microphones are working, check the location of gifts and flowers, guide guests to various locations, make announcements of course. I also work very closely with the photographer and videographer to ensure the photographs are done smoothly, and I liaise with the catering staff to make sure food is served at the right time. I keep a very close eye on the timing of the day. Toastmasters are not wedding planners, but we are there to ensure that everything that has been planned takes place at the right time.
Why do Toastmasters wear the red jacket?
It is generally thought that the red coat was first adopted by the late William Knight-Smith. He remarked to his wife his concern at being mistaken for a headwaiter or butler and she suggested that he wear a red coat. Apparently the change was met with derision by other toastmasters, until William wore the red coat at an event attended by the Prince of Wales, who admired it and commented favourably on it. The red coat then became the official uniform of the English Toastmaster. It should be noted though that within the City of London the toastmaster wears a black tailcoat with the red and white sash of the City of London being worn over the right shoulder.
What can a toastmaster add to a couple’s special day?
A toastmaster makes the couple feel relaxed and that everything is under control. A toastmaster takes away the worry of ensuring that arrangements happen as planned and deals with any problems that may occur. A professional toastmaster is skilled at anticipating needs or problems and dealing with them swiftly.
It is very unusual to see a Lady Toastmaster, what attracted you to this career?
I came across the role of the Toastmaster quite by accident. I am a member of Toastmasters International, a public speaking organisation and in the course of looking up some information for my club I came across the traditional English Toastmaster. I did some further research and found the role brought together many of the skills I have developed in various areas of my life, such as public speaking, attention to detail, anticipation of difficulties, taking care of others and carrying authority when needed.
Why choose a Lady Toastmaster?
A lady toastmaster is something very much out of the ordinary. I have been engaged as toastmaster specifically because I am female and it is something different. Ladies can carry authority equal to their male counterparts but tend to do it with a little more gentleness, I think. I also think a lady toastmaster can relate to the feelings of the bride a little more than a male toastmaster can.
What is the difference between a Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies?
Masters of Ceremonies tend to be exclusively concerned with the introduction of speakers and informing the audience of the agenda for the event, whereas a Toastmaster is responsible for the overall smooth running of the event, liaising with many other service providers. In practice the two roles do have a lot of overlap.
Can you assist couples with Wedding etiquette? (ie speech order, where to sit etc)
Absolutely. Toastmasters are traditionally custodians of etiquette in all situations and I can certainly give advice on many wedding traditions. I have to say though, most people who engage an Australian lady toastmaster are usually looking for something a bit less traditional…
When should a couple book their Toastmaster?
A couple should consider booking their toastmaster early in the planning process. A professional toastmaster can advise a couple on what works well at the reception and can help with speech writing and delivery tips. Toastmasters also work very closely with other wedding professionals and may be able to offer recommendations.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
I love helping people have a wonderful time. I love helping others do their jobs. I love the smiles of the couple!
The toastmasters Guilds members are generally male, why do you think this is?
Since medieval times the Master of the Toast has been male. In Georgian times the toastmaster decided when the dancing would begin and inform guests when it was time for carriages. It would have been unheard of for women in the upper echelons of society to be telling men what to do! Modern toastmasters have often been retired military or police officers, and it’s only been in the last 10 or so years that ladies have joined the toastmasters’ organisations. I think the main reason toastmasters are mostly male is that women have never thought they could become Toastmasters. It’s almost as though it’s the last male-only profession and us ladies are finally making inroads into it.
What advice do you have for couples on their Big Day?
Make sure you schedule in some time on your own together as a couple with no-one else around. It’s wonderful to take a breather, look at each other and say “We’re married!!”
