Toaster Masters/ Master of Ceremonies

I'd say it depends on your venue - the last wedding I went to, the venue provided much the same service with their on site wedding planner so my friend didn't need the additional cost of a toastmaster. However, as we are just hiring a marquee in the grounds of a house, we've had to make sure we've got a couple of ushers etc that we can rely on to make sure things are happening when they should be, so I personally think we can do without them, but they're a nice touch if you have the budget.

It's worth speaking to your venue about it first. Most venues provide a toast master or similar service in with a package.

The other thing is your photographer should take control of the timings and keep the day running on track.

The other thing to consider is booking "on the day" coordination from a wedding planner.

There is another option that is increasingly more available around the UK, which is that of a "Wedding Host". These are some of the top wedding DJs around the UK that have taken specialised training in being a Master of Ceremonies but taking a different approach from that of a Toastmaster. Typically it's carried out with far less formality and more of an emphasis on fun but in a respectful non tacky way; often incorporating music into some of the introductions which often injects more energy into certain parts of the day.

I've been to weddings which has had a formal toastmaster, and also a couple where they got a close friend to play the part. Other than what they were wearing (the friend didn't have the red jacket lol) there didnt seem to be much of a difference, and the main thing I remember is them announcing the arrival of the newly weds to dinner, and the beginning of the speeches.

The advice I've come across so far from a couple of wedding fairs I've been to indicate how useful they are to keep things running to time, but having chatted to the wedding co-ordinator at the venues we've visited so far they seem to do that job so I'm not sure both are needed? We haven't finalised our venue yet so not sure what will be included, but if there is a co-ordinator included I'm more inclined to go with them.....

This is what we will be doing, although the venue also provides a coordinator. Keep in mind the caterer also has their own timeline they're working to and will help things run smoothly as well. Ideally, all of your suppliers should have plenty of experience with weddings and be able to coordinate with each other on the day.

Like the other ladies have said some venues include a toastmaster in their package. We have 1 included with our venue x

I don't like the idea of a toastmaster to be honest. In my opinion, that's what I'm paying my venue and caterers for. Plus, every wedding that I have ever been to, the ushers or best man have done this kind of thing. They're not worth the money, I don't think. X

We booked an entertainer package. (Singer guitarist/DJ) who also acted as our MC for the day. He was so good at keeping us on track without being too in your face so to speak. Little nudges to us all day and proper announcements to guests to steer them in the right direction. The venue would have provided someone too but they liked having someone else doing it too as it helped them.

Hi there,

That sounds great! Looking for exactly that: a singer/guitarist who would ideally also be the DJ. Would you mind sharing the details of the entertainer you booked?

Thank you! Mel