Your Glos and Wilts Wedding - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 19)

Our regional experts talk all things wedding HOT TOPIC LETS GET ORGANISED How can hiring a toastmaster benefit us on our big day? A professional toastmaster is an integral part of any wedding. Their organising skills will ensure that the day fulfils your highest expectations and takes the pressure off both of you. They suit traditional and informal celebrations and will liaise with each supplier and staff member at the wedding venue, greet guests as they arrive, show them the key places in the venue, announce when dinner is due to be served, welcome the arrival of the bride and groom at the wedding breakfast and introduce the various speakers. They will also announce the cutting of the cake and the first dance if required to do so. It’s important to do your research first and have a list of questions ready to ask your potential toastmaster. Request a face-to-face meeting at least four weeks prior to the wedding. I send my clients a running order of the day. This is used as a template for them to adjust, as required, depending what information is received from the wedding planner, venue, caterers and other suppliers. There are many things to check before the venue is ready and this will be the job of the toastmaster. They can make sure that cloakrooms are manned, disabled ramps are available, the red carpet is laid out (if required), and the tables are laid correctly. A last-minute meeting with the staff, caterers and any other suppliers involved is always a good idea. They will help the band or DJ set up before the room is used and also that the music for the first dance is checked. Meet the expert: Iann Pugh is a professional toastmaster located near Bath serving weddings throughout Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and further afield. He is a member of the Guild of International Professional Toastmasters. Iann Pugh | 07935 185 354 | guildoftoastmasters.co.uk Image courtesy of gettyimages.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 71