It’s a Tuesday, so it’s wedding blog day. This wee,k wedding-hand wedding website blog brings you some useful and factual information to bare in mind when considering whether or not to book a toastmaster. Also this week we focus on what to take into account when looking to book the perfect venue for your wedding day.
TOASTMASTER
If you have the budget, then an official toastmaster is not only a nice touch, but it will also take some of the stress out of the day and keep it running smoothly.
ESTIMATED COST
Depending on the duration of the booking, anything between £150 and £350.
THE INITIAL ENQUIRY AND MEETING
Look at booking your toastmaster at least 12 months in advance to secure the booking.
PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE TO WEDDINGS
Toastmasters would traditionally wear a long red tailcoat known as the ‘hunting pink long tailed coat’.
Underneath they will wear a crisp white shirt and a white bow tie along with white gloves. The attire is complete with black trousers and black patent leather shoes.
They will also wear an emblem of any toastmaster’s society that they may be a member of.
CONFIRMING THE DETAILS
Find out exactly which parts of the day you would require a toastmaster for. Toastmasters are usually present throughout all the formal announcements during the day. They may also introduce each individual speaker during the speeches. They can also be present to help assemble the guests for the wedding photographs.
The toastmaster duties may also include introducing the guests to the members of the receiving line. Traditionally this line up would be Bride and Groom, Bride’s Mother, Bride’s Father, Groom’s Mother, Groom’s Father.
The toastmaster might also say Grace before the meal, should a religious figurehead member not be present.
If you are not having a DJ or live band, who have use of a microphone, it is often a good idea to ask the toastmaster to stay until the evening.
This enables them to announce the cake cutting and first dance. This can be one of the hardest times of the day to gather everyone together, especially after the drink has been flowing.
TOP TIPS
• The toastmaster will announce you through into the wedding breakfast. Ask if he can encourage a round of applause as you make your way through to add to the celebratory atmosphere on the day.
THE VENUE
Whether you have one or two venues for your wedding, it is vital to get this right to guarantee the perfect atmosphere for your wedding.
ESTIMATED COST
Venue hire, on average, could range anywhere between £4000-£15000.
THE INITIAL ENQUIRY AND MEETING
Narrow your choice of venue down. And decide what venue you would like to go for. There are an infinite number of different types of venues available such as castles, hotels, teepees, to farm buildings, so you really are spoilt for choice.
Most venues get booked up well over a year in advance, especially on Saturdays during wedding season, so make sure the venue has availability on your preferred date.
Check that the venue capacity is compatible with the number of guests that you would like to invite.
PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE TO WEDDINGS
The venue staff and wedding coordinator should be trying to ‘bend over backwards’ to accommodate your requirements with regards to choosing their venue. As this is most likely where the majority of your wedding budget will be allocated too. They should also be happy to exchange ideas, offer suggestions and talk you through all the different packages and options that are available for you.
CONFIRMING THE DETAILS
Make sure you check out all their different packages and double-check any small print. Some venues stipulate that you use their caterers and even their DJs. So make sure you are aware of any surcharges you might incur when not hiring their in-house suppliers.
TOP TIPS
• Check on their parking if there is enough to accommodate all your guests
• Check if they have accommodation for your guests. If not see if they know of any local hotels where that can you can make a saving on a group booking.
FAQ WHEN BOOKING THE VENUE
• Find out about curfew times before booking.
• Ask if they have any noise limitations in place, which might affect any of your plans for live entertainment.
• Check the capacity of the venue.
• Make sure you find out when you can assess the venue for setting up.
• Is the venue practical for all your guests to access?
• Are there local amenities for your guests near by such as taxi services?
