Wedding Toastmaster & Master of Ceremonies
A friendly, professional Toastmaster to oversee the proceedings, keep everyone informed and help your wedding reception run the way you planned — leaving you free to relax and enjoy it. Based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, Ron covers weddings and events throughout the region.
Relax and enjoy your wedding
A wedding is a hugely important occasion. Couples invest a great deal of time planning it, but when the day finally arrives they should not have to spend it worrying about timings, finding people or wondering what is supposed to happen next.
If you are also considering entertainment during photographs, the drinks reception or between courses, Ron can provide Close-up Magic as a separate service.
By handing the coordination of the reception to an experienced Toastmaster, you have someone keeping an eye on the proceedings, liaising with the people involved and making sure your plans are carried through. You can concentrate on your guests — and on enjoying your wedding.
Working quietly in the background
A Toastmaster is highly visible when an announcement needs to be made, but much of the real work happens quietly behind the scenes. Ron can provide a point of contact for guests, look after the couple, work with caterers, venue management, photographers and entertainers, and help deal calmly with the little problems and changes that inevitably occur at a live event.
A sense of occasion
For a traditional wedding, the distinctive red tailcoat gives the Toastmaster an unmistakable presence. Guests immediately know who to approach for information and who to listen to when an announcement is made. It also adds ceremony and colour to the reception without taking attention away from the bride and groom.
Your wedding — without having to manage it yourself
Tell Ron how you want the reception to run. On the day, his job is to help make that plan happen while you enjoy being the bride and groom rather than the event organisers.
Discuss Your WeddingWhat can your Toastmaster take care of?
The exact duties are agreed with you beforehand. A traditional wedding reception might include:
Before guests enter
Check the running order, liaise with venue staff and other professionals, and make sure the people involved in the next part of the day are ready.
Guests & receiving line
Provide a point of contact for guests, direct them when required and organise the receiving line if you have chosen to include one.
The grand entrance
Bring everyone to attention and formally announce the entrance of the newly married couple.
Speeches
Check that the speakers are ready, introduce them clearly and move smoothly from one speech to the next.
Cutting the cake
Gather the guests, organise the moment and make the appropriate announcement so everyone knows what is happening.
After the wedding breakfast
Escort the couple from the dining room where appropriate and, if required, bring guests together and introduce the first dance.
Someone who is comfortable taking responsibility
Ron has spent decades working professionally in entertainment and at events of all sizes, with Jolly Good Productions established in 1990. That means being comfortable speaking to a room full of people, but it also means knowing how to talk to venue staff, suppliers, family members and guests — and how to adapt when plans change.
A Toastmaster should never become more important than the occasion. The job is to be there when needed, be clear and confident when speaking, and otherwise allow the wedding to remain firmly about the couple and their guests.
Weddings and special occasions
Genuine photographs from Ron's years working as a Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies.
Traditional Toastmaster or relaxed Master of Ceremonies
Not every wedding wants the same degree of formality. Some couples want the full traditional appearance and ceremonial announcements; others want an experienced Master of Ceremonies who keeps things organised in a warmer, less formal style.
The service can be adapted to suit the occasion. Ron can also act as MC for dinners, awards evenings, charity functions, corporate events and other occasions where somebody needs to guide the programme and address the audience confidently.
Frequently asked questions
Why hire a Toastmaster?
Peace of mind. Instead of the couple or their family having to coordinate the reception, there is one experienced person keeping track of the running order, communicating with the venue and guests and making the necessary announcements.
Do we need a Toastmaster if the venue has a wedding coordinator?
The roles complement one another. Venue staff primarily manage the venue, catering and operational arrangements. A Toastmaster concentrates on the people, announcements, formalities and flow of the reception.
Do we have to have a receiving line?
No. It is entirely your choice. If you want one, Ron can organise it; if you don't, the reception can be run without it.
Does Ron wear the traditional red coat?
Yes, where the traditional Toastmaster style is appropriate. If you prefer a less formal Master of Ceremonies approach, discuss this with Ron when planning the event.
Can Ron act as MC for events other than weddings?
Yes. The same skills are useful for dinners, awards evenings, charity events, corporate functions and other occasions requiring a confident host or announcer.
What happens before the wedding?
The running order and the duties you want Ron to undertake are agreed in advance so that he understands how you want the reception to work.
What information do you need for a quotation?
Please provide the date, venue or postcode, approximate guest numbers, timings and a brief outline of the type of reception or event you are planning.
Let Ron take care of the proceedings.
Tell us about your wedding or event and the level of formality you would like.