We are familiar with the terms
toastmaster or Master of Ceremony and probably associate
them with royal or VIP occasions. Yet this need not be the
case. A Toastmaster can make your special occasion a
memorable one.
A good toastmaster will discreetly go about his duties and
provide confidence and a calming influence on the bridal
party and hosts. He will be an expert on wedding etiquette
and protocol which ensures that the members of the bridal
party, who have roles to fulfil during the reception, do so
in the right order and without embarrassment.
The toastmaster introduces guests to their hosts at the
start of the receiving line; announces meals, speeches,
toasts and organises the cake cutting. They may also help
guests to find their seats for the wedding breakfast. Having
someone with responsibility for these elements of the
reception will ensure that the event runs smoothly,
eliminating pauses where the bridal party and guests aren't
sure what's happening or what to do next. This can save
those awkward, quiet moments when everyone is waiting for
something to happen.
Etiquette and protocol
The proposing of formal toasts should be considered as a
particular and special honour or reward. In most cases,
apart from State occasions, Civic receptions, and Wedding
receptions, there is usually certain local customs and
traditions that need to be maintained. The recipient of the
toast is usually expected to reply. If a formal reply is
expected, the recipient will have been briefed in advance of
the occasion. When the toast is given the guests, as
tradition dictates, stand whilst the recipient is expected
to remain seated. The exception to this custom is when the
toast is given on board a ship and is observed today at
British Royal Navel dinners when the Toast to the Immortal
Memory of Admiral Lord Nelson.
There are a number of general and conventional toasts
included at any formal gathering or meal. Toasts are usually
made at the end of a meal, with the exception of State
events, where they are often made before the meal.
The normal or traditional toasts are:
The Loyal Toast
The Loyal Toast is usually the responsibility of the
chairperson or president. The tradition here is for all to
stand, except at Royal Navy functions and certain Regimental
occasions, where convention dictates otherwise.
Formal Toast
The Formal Toast or a toast which is proposed, but to which
no reply is expected or required is usually proposed by the
Chairman or President or by the incoming President or a
senior representative etc.
Ladies:
Usually proposed by the President; a formal reply is
expected from one of the ladies present who will have been
nominated before the event.
Burns Night:
A toast is usually proposed to Robbie Burns, and also to
the Haggis. This would be carried out with due ceremony.
Weddings:
The first toast is proposed by the Father of the Bride
to; The Bride & Groom. The second toast is proposed by the
Groom to; The Bridesmaids. On some occasions the Best man
will propose a second toast to the Bride & Groom, or a toast
to; The Parents of the Bride & Groom.
Should any guests of note not be present, then a toast to
Absent Friends is appropriate. Often the name of person of
note is coupled with the toast.
A Toastmaster or Master of Ceremony provides a formal
structure and brings centuries of tradition along to any
special occasion to make it a memorable one for both hosts
and guests.
Ken Chaproniere is a
professional toastmaster and officiates at many weddings and
public ceremonies. One of his specialities is opening a
champagne bottle with a sabre - known as sabrage. Ken brings
the history and fine traditions of his craft to weddings,
civil ceremonies and important family occasions. More
information can be found at his website by clicking
Master of
Ceremonies
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