It would be nice to think that after all the planning, the wedding day itself would just roll along without a hitch, each participant being where they should be at the right time, and each stage of the proceedings leading seamlessly to the next. It doesn’t quite happen like that, which is why most weddings require someone to co-ordinate and direct proceedings, announcing each different stage of the reception and making sure that everybody’s in the right place at the right time.
Enter, the toastmaster, or master of ceremonies. Usually wearing a scarlet coat and looking rather dapper, the toastmaster (male or female) is often ex-military and knows how to make any event run like clockwork. Your toastmaster will announce each guest at the receiving line, announce the meal, help people to find their seats, announce each speaker and the cake-cutting ceremony, and generally hover, making sure everything runs according to plan both in the room and behind the scenes. This could also involve ushering guests from one room to another when the meal is over and preparation needs to be made for the evening event, and even having a word in the ear of anybody who becomes over boisterous and a little naughty (hey, it happens at even the best weddings). Running an event meticulously is just one of the toastmaster’s skills. They also add a splash of pomp and circumstance. It’s like having your own Jeeves on hand to iron out all the creases - even before they happen.
Some reception venues automatically provide a staff member who will perform the duties of a toastmaster. If not, and your budget doesn’t quite run to hiring a professional, you could delegate the task to a friend (the best man is one option, but he’s probably rather busy and you don’t want to distract him from his speech) or perhaps a family member comfortable with public speaking.
The joy of a toastmaster is that you and your party can relax completely and leave all the arranging and clock-watching to someone else. You’ve done your bit, after all, planning the whole thing, and you deserve to be able to relax and enjoy yourself as your big day unfolds.
