This article has very kindly been supplied by Graham Hunt, Professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies

The Toastmaster's prime duty is to ensure that your reception and wedding breakfast proceed smoothly, correctly and efficiently according to your wishes. To do this he must have been professionally trained and has the expertise to organise and control with dignity and style. He will, of course have made contact with you and/or your parents and with the venue well in advance and will have recorded all the necessary information.

His individual duties are many and include:- meeting you on arrival at the venue, having first completed a thorough check of the arrangements, looking after your guests, arranging and effecting the line-up, liaising with the photographer, announcing the wedding breakfast, saying grace or announcing someone of your choice to say it, organise the ceremony of cutting the cake, the sequence of the speeches and the presents/bouquets. Other duties occur on the day and the good toastmaster is prepared to innovate and act as circumstances warrant.

It is very important that you choose your professional with care by asking about his training and his connections with any of the recognised professional toastmaster bodies. Again, a professional will not mind your asking these questions. If your toastmaster is not a professional, however much you pay it is too much whereas the good toastmaster you may meet as a stranger before your special day gives such valuable service that he leaves as a friend.

GRAHAM HUNT ATD Professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies Co-Founder of the UK School of Professional Toastmasters. Graham's professional expertise and considerable experience ensures that Brides, Bridegrooms and their parents are guided correctly and happily through the Wedding Breakfast allowing wonderful memories of a very special day to be savoured and stored. Although independent of Venue and Management he establishes a good rapport with them working, as always, on behalf of the Bride and Groom. Telephone: (01502) 500317 Fax: (01502) 518718

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