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John Spencer-Barnes: Toastmaster

Q:  What is the difference between a toastmaster and an M.C.?
A:  An M.C. (Master of Ceremonies) will generally make announcements only and those announcements are not usually personal to the bride and groom. 
That is they may not mention the bride and groom by name, whereas a trained toastmaster will find out what you want and will liaise with everyone involved on your day. 
Your toastmaster will work with all parties concerned and with your guests to ensure that timings and arrangements work, so that each part of the jigsaw creates the full picture and that the announcements are personal and are what has been agreed before the day, rather than on the day. 
Your toastmaster will guide you through your day and look after your guests to ensure that you enjoy a stress-free special day.

Q:  When should I book a toastmaster?
A:  Once you have booked your venue you should contact the people you would like to work on the day.
The best contractors get booked early.

Q:  Will a toastmaster look after children?
A:  Your toastmaster will look after your wedding guests, children included, to guide them through the day. 
If you feel that younger guests will need to be ‘minded’ or kept entertained, you may wish to consider activity packs or the hire of a professional nanny/childminder or childrens’ entertainer.

Q:  How do I choose the right toastmaster?
A  Like any of the service providers that you are selecting, you may choose to speak to several toastmasters before you make a decision. 
You may then select the one that you feel will enable you to have the day you want, in the style you want and also the one that you instinctively feel will work with you really well.

Q:  Why does a toastmaster wear a red tailcoat? 
A  Your toastmaster wears a red tailcoat, which was a symbol from the hunt. 
The only place that this may not apply is for weddings in the City of London, where the hunt was not allowed to pass through. 
So as with tradition, the red tailcoat is not usually worn for functions within the City of London. 
You may feel that a toastmaster wearing a ceremonial red tailcoat and very shiny patent leather shoes with a smart white shirt and white bow tie will add a bit of splendour to your day.