‘Style’ comments

I’m not referring to glamour or fashion (thankfully!) but how I go about my work. Toastmasters and Celebrants have their own ‘styles’ which will influence their suitability for a particular event. Some are very formal and adhere to strict protocol, others more casual.

Here’s an overview of ‘me’ and my ‘style’

  1. I don’t do the very traditional toastmaster stuff; banging gavels, waving swords but I am ‘formal’ in that I adhere to the schedule and keep things on track. I involve the guests as much as is appropriate and I’ll stand back when not needed. I don’t assume that I am a guest with guest privileges.
  2. I don’t demand food (although something simple is appreciated to stop me fainting) and I don’t drink ‘on duty’. I might have a friendly nightcap before I leave and after I’ve removed my red tailcoat.
  3. I make sure the focus is on you (the bride and groom) so I don’t push myself into photos and I make a point of not being photographed standing between the bride and groom
  4. Your photos are a key part of your memories so I don’t wear my red tailcoat in my Celebrant role which, frankly, looks strange in hindsight.
  5. I don’t have formal rehearsals for Celebrant ceremonies (unless they are wanted); I enjoy the spontaneity over highly choreographed (and often stilted) perfection. I do proper advance planning, scripting and preparation of course!

Do I suit your requirements? If so, please get in touch. If not, no problem, there are lots of good options for you to choose from. I’ll even make recommendations if you want me to.

#weddings #wedding toastmaster #wedding Celebrant

What do you expect from your #Wedding Toastmaster / MC?

You will know what you want better than I do, but here are some thoughts. Your toastmaster / master of ceremonies must be capable of doing the job you expect and should give the results you want. There are many of us out there to choose from and we come in a range of styles.

Some toastmasters have lots of impressive qualifications (usually on display) and are rigorous about ensuring formality and protocol. At one extreme, this procedural behaviour could clash with the informality you want and, in some eyes, toastmasters might seem ‘officious’ and ‘pompous’.

At the other end of the scale, a toastmaster could be over-casual and behave too much like a guest at a party.

These are two extremes, of course, and those of us wearing the red tailcoat will have our respective comfort zones within that spectrum. Even so, a good toastmaster will be able to adapt to give the right balance of formality and relaxed behaviour for your event.

I believe that I’m adaptable and sit somewhere around the middle of this scale. Phrases that brides have used about my style are: ‘keeps control in a relaxed and humorous way’, ‘solves problems if they occur without disturbing us’, ‘close attention to detail’, ‘helps to give every one of us an enjoyable and memorable day’.

Whatever you decide about your special day, I hope you get exactly what you have dreamed for it; if I can help or advise in any way, please get in touch.  Thank you.

‘Our wedding will be very informal; a red tailcoat won’t fit in’

Fair point. The traditional approach to weddings won’t suit everyone; events designed to suit the style of the couple are becoming more and more popular. Very often they cost less too. A point to remember is that any celebration with family and friends will need organizing. Someone needs to make sure that things happen as they should and that people get to the right places and do the right things.

Your event will need someone in charge. It could be a family member or friend, but this critical job will take more time and effort than most people imagine.  William Knightsmith started wearing the red tailcoat in 1894 so he would stand out as an MC and not be seen as a waiter. A good toastmaster / MC will take that control and manage your wedding event with or without a red tailcoat. It’s just a visible coat, not a straightjacket for formality or ‘poshness’.

So when we talk ‘weddings’ or ‘events’, we can also talk ‘costumes’. 

Thoughts?