Toastmasters

The Toastmaster is the jolly looking chap, usually dressed in a bright red jacket with loud booming voice and school headmaster aura about him. Is he really needed? Yes, most definitely. The Toastmaster will coordinate the wedding reception and ensure that the meal and more importantly, the speeches go according to plan.

There can sometimes be awkward moments at the reception where nobody is quite sure what to do, the chief usher or best man is usually the person everybody looks to for inspiration but neither of the two probably has the experience to control a large audience. The Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies does. At the end of the wedding breakfast it is time for the speeches - this can be quite a nerve jangling time, especially if the groom, the best man, brides father or even bride is not used to speaking in public, this is where the Toastmaster can really earn his money by making everyone feel at ease. A good Toastmaster will be witty and can turn potentially disastrous moment into something quite natural and funny without it being at anyone’s expense.

Duties of the toastmaster include:
Arranging the wedding breakfast recieving line
Introduce the guests by name
Asking guests to take their seats, after the receiving line has welcomed everyone. 
Announcing the arrival of the Bride and Groom, and escorting them to their places.
Announcing the cutting of the cake, and inviting guests forward to take photographs.
Introducing the speakers, who will be proposing the traditional toasts, i.e.
To the Bride & Groom - normally by the Father of the Bride, or an old friend of the family.
To the health of the Bridesmaids - normally by the Groom.
To the health of the parents, of the Bride and Groom - normally by the Best Man.