YOUR CEREMONY
MEET THE MASTER
TOASTMASTER AND MASTER OF CEREMONIES DAVID MOTE GIVES US AN INSIGHT INTO WHAT HIS ROLE INVOLVES AND HOW A TOASTMASTER CAN HELP YOUR BIG DAY TO RUN WITHOUT A HITCH
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TOASTMASTER AND A MASTER OF CEREMONIES ? There is no difference between a Toastmaster and a Master of Ceremonies . Toastmaster is their traditional name and Master of Ceremonies is what they do .
DOESN ’ T THE TOASTMASTER JUST INTRODUCE THE SPEECHES AFTER THE WEDDING BREAKFAST ? No . The Toastmaster will be liaising with the banqueting team and other suppliers while helping to manage the wedding , from welcoming the registrars to the point where they introduce the first dance .
HOW CAN THE BRIDAL PARTY MAKE SURE THEIR WEDDING RUNS ON TIME ? Ensure the Master of Ceremonies works closely with the photographer to arrange the required photographs . This will allow the photographer to concentrate on just taking the pictures and not waste time ‘ herding ’ guests around .
WHEN SHOULD THE WEDDING PARTY DO ANY SPEECHES ? To ensure the wedding breakfast is served hot it is best to do any speeches after the dessert plates are collected . This is because you can never tell how long speeches will take and doing speeches after dessert gives the banqueting team time to fill the champagne glasses ready for the toasts .
IN WHAT ORDER SHOULD SPEECHES BE MADE ? There is no set order in which to do the speeches , and anyone can join the speech making ‘ tag team ’ – but always let the Master of Ceremonies know who is going to make a speech so he can introduce them properly . However , a good rule of thumb is to ensure that if there are more than three speeches , make sure they take place after the meal .
SHOULD THE COUPLE LEAVE THE WEDDING BREAKFAST IF THE PHOTOGRAPHER WANTS TO TAKE MORE PICTURES ? On a sunny day always ask the photographer when the sun is due to go down . The light at this time , known as the ‘ golden hour ’, is magical but usually occurs during the wedding breakfast . Always take advantage of the golden hour but let the Master of Ceremonies know if you are leaving the meal and try not to stray too far so that you can return quickly to do any speeches .
WHEN SHOULD WE CUT THE CAKE ? It depends on where the cake is displayed and sometimes on the weather . If the cake is going to have to be moved before the evening guests arrive it is sometimes best not to tempt fate and cut the cake straight after the meal . Otherwise , it is traditional to cut the cake just before the first dance . However , if it is hot and the cake is ‘ wilting ’ cut it as soon as possible . The Master of Ceremonies will organise the cutting of the cake , whenever it is to take place .
HOW SHOULD I SELECT A MASTER OF CEREMONIES ? Ask friends or venues that may have already used a Master of Ceremonies or check out Toastmaster websites and their Instagram posts . But one of the best ways to select a Master of Ceremonies is to ask your photographer .
www . toastmastermote . co . uk
56 | AKENTISHCEREMONY . COM | SPRING 2024