here's   an   extra   helping   hand  to   make   your

day   perfect...

what is the difference between a toastmaster, master of ceremony,
​AND A VENUE HOST?

For all our full day packages for more than 50 day guests, we include a "Venue Host", with an option to upgrade to a full Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies service should you prefer a more formal approach.

All 3 roles share two priorities:
1.  To take care of you both, ensuring any last minute crisis, no matter how personal, is dealt with swiftly and smoothly, and to generally be that guardian Angel to ensure your wedding day just calmly, magically, 'happens' just as you wished it to - all with minimal fuss!
2.  To take care of your guests.  Be it ensuring great aunty Flo has a chair because she cannot stand for long, or 'that guest' you'd rather not be stuck with for hours is whisked off to do something fabulous rather than corner you !! (Oh come on, we all have one...)  They'll make sure the guests are where the need to be, when they need to be, and that all the guests have a clear point of contact for any queries - this really helps them relax, and feel at home.

How they execute these priorities - differs.

Essentially, a Toastmaster is the more formal & traditional option for you, they 'look' more formal (traditional red suit, or other on request) and will go into greater detail regarding your family tree, who's who in your bridal party, VIP guests & any requiring 'extra' TLC.  Whilst maintaining structure to your day for you alongside our structure that we have created with you in your meetings.

A Master of Ceremonies is the more relaxed option but still with a degree of formality, they are more low key in the sense that they do not wear a red suit and their announcements are a lot 'softer' than that of a Toastmaster.

Our Venue Hosts are duty managers from within the venue, that have a flair for the very highest levels of client care.  Our VH's are very informal & flexible, and will blend more with your guests, enlisting the help at times from your bridal party to really integrate with your wedding.  This is a more subtle role, on hand for anything you need, whenever you need.
Not sure which is best for your wedding?  Don't worry!  We've years of experience and will more than happily advise you - usually during your planning meetings to ensure the right role is in place for your day.

Our in house Toastmaster and Master of ceremony service

From an events manager perspective, our priority is running your day to perfection and ensuring you are happy at all times, followed closely by the needs of your guests. We have a team of Toastmasters and Masters of ceremony that we work closely with, who we suggest is a necessity for weddings in excess of 50 day guests…
​Why do I need a toastmaster or master of ceremony? “Getting a large group of people to do the right thing at the right time is quite the task. Obviously the duty manager/wedding coordinator will assist where they can as much as possible, but there are times when this cannot be done without compromising the quality of service we provide for you. (We cannot be out the back organising your wedding breakfast service and be conducting the speeches simultaneously). Lots of questions crop up when a large group of people come together, a toastmaster/master of ceremony is a very clear and obvious person to direct these questions too, rather than ‘bothering’ the Bride & Groom. Will it have a positive impact on your day? Yes, definitely. Weddings with a toastmaster/master of ceremony help the day run more seamlessly and importantly, to time, without resting extra pressures and responsibilities on the Best Man or similar person. Finally, you’ll be able to feel totally relaxed and not have to sort any guests out – you should be a guest at your own wedding and have a relaxing day, with your guests also feeling at home.” - Victoria
Don't think a Toastmaster/Master of ceremony is for you? We find that the weddings which are trying to achieve a laid-back feel are the ones which are most likely to need a toastmaster! Our Toastmaster/master of ceremony is not your average formal, stuffy toastmaster/master of ceremony that you'd expect at a formal event. The most relaxed weddings are those that are kept subtly to time, and ones where all guests feel comfortable and 'at home'. To make them feel this way a clear point of contact is required should they wish to know anything, and some gentle 'direction' when they are required to do something or be somewhere in particular. 
​
If you do not have a toastmaster/master of ceremony, please ensure you have a best man/father/another important figure who is comfortable with asking guests to seat, announcing speeches, announcing you in to the reception room etc. (All points will be prompted by your events manager on the day to you ensure you remain on time!)
 
On arrival guests always come straight to the bar, if you have provided an arrival drink we will suggest they head to the cart first.  It is strongly advised, if you do not have a Toastmaster/master of ceremony, to appoint someone to be in the bar at least 1 hour prior to the ceremony who is able to welcome your guests. 

Please note, if you are using the services of a Toastmaster/master of ceremony they will require a meal and a toasting drink (if you are providing one). They will eat the same meal that you and your guests are eating, but no need to include him in your table plan as he has his own table in the room with you. The toastmaster/master of ceremonies meal will be charged at a reduced rate of £12.50. You will be required to pay for this meal and drink (if applicable) even if his services have been provided complimentary. 

Below are the links to two of our Toastmasters/master of ceremonies websites so that you can see more of what they are about...