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Role of a Toastmaster

Role of a Toastmaster


Alison Hargreaves
Alison Hargreaves Updated:
8th of March 2023

The role of a professional toastmaster at a wedding can seem confusing and many venues try to discourage you from hiring one as they say they include it in their package.

Wondering why you would want the additional expense of hiring an independent toastmaster? In this article, we aim to show you how much extra help and support a professional wedding toastmaster can offer!

What is a Toastmaster?

The toastmaster is a master of ceremonies. So, they ensure the wedding reception runs smoothly and add to the pomp and splendour of the occasion. They discreetly go about their duties coordinating, directing and announcing the ceremonial proceedings. Your toastmaster can also help the bride’s father, the best man and the groom with their wedding speeches.

The UK has several toastmaster training schools, including the UK School of Professional Toastmasters Ltd. They are also likely to be a member of a Toastmaster Association. The largest of these is The Association of the UK School of Professional Toastmasters. With over 70 members, in the event of illness or accident, your toastmaster will certainly have a colleague who can cover, avoiding any last-minute panic!

Each toastmaster will charge slightly differently and offer packages depending on how much they are needed. For example, if they wanted for just the wedding breakfast or for the ceremony and evening reception. On average, we suggest putting aside around £300+ in your budget.

If you choose to hire a toastmaster, you should expect something like the following service.

4 weeks before your wedding

Your toastmaster will set up a face to face meeting to discuss your wedding day, ideally at the reception venue. At the meeting, they will go through the whole day to ensure that they understand all your requirements. If you want, they will be help to provide help and guidance, but ultimately the extent of their involvement is your decision!  

The weeks leading up to the wedding

During this time, you can have as much email or telephone contact with your toastmaster as you want. Always keep your toastmaster up to date with any changes to requirements so they can provide the best service possible! 

On the wedding day

Your toastmaster should arrive at the venue ahead of time so they can check your venue is correctly set up e.g. seating plans, place cards, gift table etc. They can also help organise other suppliers who are setting up so they are finished before the wedding guests arrive and liaise with the venue staff about your timings.

Once the wedding has started, your toastmaster will assist the photographer with organising group shots. During the wedding breakfast/dinner, the toastmaster has their most important duties.  They will escort the bride and groom into the room, introduce speakers, organise the cutting of the cake and formally close the proceedings

Additionally if required your toastmaster can help organise your bouquet throw, meet and greet your evening guests and organise everyone to watch your first dance. This is where a toastmaster differs from a venue MC. They generally will make announcements and corral guests, but they aren't personal to you! 

Find your wedding Toastmaster here!

Looking for a celebrant or toastmaster?
Alison Hargreaves

About the author


Alison Hargreaves

The right toastmasters can make your wedding day run smoothly, whilst speechwriters will create unforgetable speeches. Alison is an expert in discovering which suppliers are ideal for you so that your special day goes off without a hitch.

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