Martin Wynne, ‘Belvoir’, 20 Folly Road, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 0QT Telephone: 01953 605768 Email: mwynne@waitrose.com     Home         Weddings         Gallery         Testimonials         Contact

From considerable experience, both professionally and personally, I am aware that planning a wedding takes considerable time, knowledge and organisation. Frequently the bride, bridegroom and parents find this quite daunting, worrying and stressful, particularly as the special day draws nearer. It is therefore essential that all the arrangements are managed and run as smoothly as possible to make the occasion perfect. With few exceptions the wedding breakfast, whether in a hotel, private hall or at home in a marquee can be of particular concern, especially in relation to etiquette, procedures, timing and of course ‘the speeches’. My role is to remove that concern on the day in order that the principal bridal party can relax and enjoy the occasion along with their guests. The services of a Professional Toastmaster at a wedding provides – formality (as required), continuity, flexibility, style, colour and dignity to the occasion with friendly, courteous and personal attention. The requirements will vary according to the style of wedding, the venue for the service and wedding breakfast, together with the wishes of the bride, bridegroom and parents, but include: Liaison with the bride/bridegroom appr. 3 weeks prior to the date. The checking of all arrangements at the venue. Liaison with the management, chef and caterer where appropriate. Confirming the seating plan. Liaison with the photographer and videographer if applicable. Welcoming and assisting the guests. Receiving and welcoming the bride and bridegroom. Arranging the receiving line and introducing the guests. Introducing the entrance of the bride and bridegroom. If required the saying of or the introduction of Grace. Announcing and arranging the cutting of the cake. Announcing the speeches. Ensuring that any bouquets and gifts are available. Concluding the formal proceedings. In short, to co-ordinate events to ensure that the formalities of the ceremony and/or wedding breakfast run efficiently and smoothly. My fees are realistic and competitive but are dependent upon the location of the venue and the duration of engagement. I have letters and cards of appreciation and recommendation (Please see Testimonials). Should you require advice or further information please do not hesitate to contact me. I trust that I may be of service to you to make your day special and memorable. Assuring you of my personal attention. Civil ceremonies are now becoming more popular with a variety of venues being licensed for ceremonies. These include stately homes and other prestigious buildings, hotels and restaurants. The ceremony is conducted by a Superintendent Registrar. It is when the civil ceremony and the wedding breakfast are held in the same venue that the services of a toastmaster are invaluable. Being at the ceremony places additional responsibility upon the toastmaster to ensure that all arrangements are co-ordinated in order that everything runs smoothly. The responsibilities of a toastmaster include: Attending the venue well in advance of the ceremony to liaise with the management to confirm all the arrangements. Checking the seating within the room to ensure that it is adequate and that seats are allocated for the main bridal party and important guests. Liaise with the Registrar and confirm what procedures are being adopted for the ceremony as relate to the toastmaster. Welcome guests and make various announcements in order that they are aware of the requirements and are comfortable. Ensure the arrangements for the music prior to, during and following the ceremony. Speak with the bride, bridegroom, parents and the best man, providing advice and as necessary re-assurance that all the arrangements are in place. Liaise with the photographer. Escort the bride and the person giving her away to the ceremony room. Arrange the bridal procession with respect to the bridesmaids on entry and the main bridal party following the ceremony. Following the ceremony, oversee the serving of the drinks to guests. The toastmaster will then allow the photographer to take over, following which he will oversee the arrangements for the wedding breakfast. The Civil Partnership Act came into being on 5th December, 2005 and enables same sex couples to request a civil partnership. The legal age for registering a civil partnership in England and Wales is sixteen years, but written consent may be required for anyone under eighteen. The proceedings are very close in content to a civil marriage but with a variation in the wording where the partners affirm their commitment to each other. At the conclusion of the proceedings the partners sign a Civil Partnership Schedule. The role of the toastmaster will be similar to that at a civil ceremony and at a wedding breakfast. However different wording will be used which will be discussed and agreed with both partners in advance.