Toastmaster & Celebrant Paul Deacon

Toastmaster & Celebrant Paul Deacon Experienced, helpful and reliable Toastmaster. Over 30 years experience at more than 1,500 events What is your style and what makes you unique? How do you dress?
(14)

People like me because I focus on looking after them. I have learnt the art of making a day special and tailored to a couple’s needs. I am experienced enough to find out and analyse what my clients want and vary my performance appropriately on the day. At a wedding I play a leading part of a team to ensure that everyone gives their best. Not all my work is at weddings. I have looked after charity

dinners with their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Michael of Kent, and the Duke of Gloucester. I was the Toastmaster at the millennium night celebrations in Monaco in the presence of HSH Prince Albert of Monaco. I have worked with other members of the Royal Family in castles and palaces. At dinners, conferences and awards ceremonies I have looked after VIPs from Prime Ministers to Lord Mayors, from Lord-Lieutenants and High Sheriffs to conglomerate Presidents. With British and international clients from Florida and Los Angeles to Hong Kong and Singapore, no other Toastmaster has travelled so far to look after such a wide range of over 1,000 events for so many dignitaries and celebrities - or visited as many prestigious venues and used as many languages. I have taken trouble to learn about the traditions of Jewish, Moslem, Hindu and can advise about mixed-faith celebrations. I make announcements in French, German, Polish, Spanish, Italian, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi and even a spattering of Mandarin.
• Every event is handled in the same calm and efficient way as if the participants are royalty.
• Hosts and couples appreciate my reassuring, friendly and professional style.
• If it’s appropriate, I like to use humour in my presentation. What are your primary duties? The introductions and requests that I make at events like weddings, conferences, dinners and awards ceremonies are broadly similar. But my duties vary hugely from event to event. A priority might be that flowers, cake and chefs are ready. At other times it is introducing speakers. And every now and then I might have to do a bit of crisis management. Most importantly, I follow the instructions of my clients. Often a Bride and Bridegroom or perhaps an Event Manager. I then coordinate the day with the Banqueting Manager, camera teams, entertainers and other suppliers. I offer advice when needed and make sure that every celebration goes the way that the hosts want, with the right people in the right place at the right time. I get a real buzz out of making a wedding day special. Every wedding is different. Over nearly thirty years working as a Toastmaster, I’ve learnt that:
1. The Bride and Bridegroom generally know what they want. It’s up to me to find out what that is and deliver it in an appropriate way
2. I wear a formal uniform but not everyone wants formality – maintaining traditions is often more important
3. I am not the star of the show but I am instrumental in making a wedding memorable
4. Some weddings need very little management, and others require a lot! What do you need to know from wedding couples? At our planning discussion, which could be in person, online or by phone, I find out what is important, what you want to happen and what is not necessary. We talk through the day as if it is actually happening. After months of planning, you can then picture how your day will work. It’s also a check that proposed timings are realistic and achievable. As a surrogate host, compere and organiser I sometimes stand in the shoes of the family. I need to understand all the relationships involved. I handle complex topics of separated parents and new partners sympathetically. Often, I ask you to describe your day in just three words. It is surprising how no two descriptions are the same. How would you describe your day in three words? What time do you usually arrive on the day? At least an hour before guests so that I can do basic checks on suppliers, microphones, toilets, and fire exits. I make sure everything is ready for their arrival. I synchronise the day with a Banqueting Manager. I only once had to chase up a DJ. He had broken his leg on a beach in Brighton. He was in hospital, sedated. But I managed to find a replacement in good time. Do you have a uniform? The traditional Toastmaster uniform since the turn of the last century is a red tail-coat, stiff white shirt, bow tie and waistcoat with black trousers and patent leather shoes. I also proudly wear a National Association of Toastmasters Past President’s medal. That uniform is probably appropriate to bring a touch of class to your event. I have also been asked to wear black tails, a dinner jacket, or a suit. I unfailingly talk to couples to be sure I know exactly what they want before I quote. My fee depends on when and where I am needed and for how long. Clients regularly tell me I should put my prices up! Perhaps the value should be considered, rather than the cost. After all, how much is a bride happy to pay so that she can write something like this after her wedding?


“Thank you very much for making the day run so smoothly for us. We are well aware of all the running around you did in the background for us and are proud to say that thanks to you nothing went wrong on the day. Keep up the great work! And thank you for the little surprises throughout the day, and for being instrumental in getting our guests to say a few words on the video, which, by the way, you look and sound great on. And we are very impressed at how you manage to remember everyone's names. I hope we get the opportunity to use your services again in future, although not at a wedding of course!”
I & J Norway 2018


If you need the services of a qualified, experienced and reliable Toastmaster please call Paul on 07590 913444

A truly stunning wedding and glorious day. It was a privilege to act as the Toastmaster for such a wonderful couple, and...
28/07/2024

A truly stunning wedding and glorious day. It was a privilege to act as the Toastmaster for such a wonderful couple, and the cake cut was so much fun!! 🍰🍾

If you would like to find out more about how I can make your special day run smoothly, please do not hesitate to get in touch..
Call or WhatsApp me on (07590) 913444
Email me at [email protected]
Or check out my website at www.pauldeacon.com for more information!

"It was truly our honour and privilege to have you play such a fundamental role in our wedding day." - N&SA truly beauti...
20/07/2024

"It was truly our honour and privilege to have you play such a fundamental role in our wedding day." - N&S

A truly beautiful day and stunning photography by Dominic Williams Photography
💐🍾
If you would like to find out more about how I can make your special day run smoothly, please do not hesitate to get in touch...
Call or WhatsApp me on (07590) 913444
Email me at [email protected]
Or check out my website at www.pauldeacon.com for more information!

When it's time to quieten (sometimes over 100) guests in preparation for speeches, I have to resort to the techniques I ...
14/07/2024

When it's time to quieten (sometimes over 100) guests in preparation for speeches, I have to resort to the techniques I learnt as a Town Crier. Whether you're speaking to a roomful or handful of people, remembering to breathe normally, focusing on your enunciation, and thinking carefully about what to say next will ensure that your message comes across perfectly.
🎆🏅
If you would like to find out more about how I can make your special day run smoothly, please do not hesitate to get in touch...
Call or WhatsApp me on (07590) 913444
Email me at [email protected]
Or check out my website at www.pauldeacon.com for more information!

This was such a beautiful and special day at Fanhams HallIt feels like summer has finally arrived, so here's to glorious...
29/06/2024

This was such a beautiful and special day at Fanhams Hall
It feels like summer has finally arrived, so here's to glorious weddings, celebrating with friends in the sun, and speeches under an orange sky...
🌞🥂
If you would like to find out more about how I can make your special day run smoothly, please do not hesitate to get in touch...
Call or WhatsApp me on (07590) 913444
Email me at [email protected]
Or check out my website at www.pauldeacon.com for more information!

As you embark on a new journey in your life, spare a thought for how best to set off...Whether you're whisking all your ...
17/06/2024

As you embark on a new journey in your life, spare a thought for how best to set off...
Whether you're whisking all your guests off to the reception in a vintage Routemaster, jetting off on honeymoon in a stylish helicopter, or soaking up the very first moments of your new marriage in an elegant car, wedding travel cannot be overlooked!
Here are just three of the unique modes of transport I've seen at recent weddings!

If you would like to find out more about how I can make your special day run smoothly, please do not hesitate to get in touch...
Call or WhatsApp me on (07590) 913444
Email me at [email protected]
Or check out my website at www.pauldeacon.com for more information!

It was a privilege to act as the Toastmaster for the 14th edition of the international City Week conference. I'll let th...
31/05/2024

It was a privilege to act as the Toastmaster for the 14th edition of the international City Week conference. I'll let the photos show how much I enjoyed supporting this fantastic event! 😁

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to find out more about how I can help your event run smoothly...
Call or WhatsApp me on (07590) 913444
Email me at [email protected]
Or check out my website at www.pauldeacon.com for more information!

Throwback to a beautiful wedding at Oakley Court Hotel August in 2015. Arrival of bride with Father and bridesmaids. . ....
28/05/2024

Throwback to a beautiful wedding at Oakley Court Hotel August in 2015. Arrival of bride with Father and bridesmaids. . .
desifashion

I have looked after the Magic Circle Awards ceremony for over 10 years now, and it has always been a superb event. This ...
28/05/2024

I have looked after the Magic Circle Awards ceremony for over 10 years now, and it has always been a superb event. This year was no exception, a wonderful celebration (at the Institution of Civil Engineers' HQ!) that was crowned by raising over £6500 for Magic Breakfast.

Wow! You truly made our day a fairy tale wedding celebration. You were remarkable and attentive to all our needs and the...
25/05/2024

Wow! You truly made our day a fairy tale wedding celebration. You were remarkable and attentive to all our needs and the needs of our guests. You put everybody at ease and ran everything like clockwork. From the moment we drove up to the venue and saw you so perfectly dressed in your red tailcoat, you greeted us and it was the start of an amazing journey through our wedding celebrations. You were there every step of the way and all our guests thoroughly enjoyed you being there and what you did for us to bring everything together. You did warn us we would be having fun during the receiving line and we had so much fun! It was particularly touching when you announced Auntie NIta. As for the introduction of the best man for his speech, it was hilarious and a great ice breaker and pulled together the speeches remarkably well. You created a truly memorable funny moment we will treasure with beaming smiles. It eased Lee into his speech perfectly :-) We are eternally grateful to you for helping us before the wedding as well as during the wedding celebration itself. It took the pressure off us and brought our wedding celebration to life. Thank you for creating and being a part of our and our guests' memories of this wonderful day.

Rated 10 out of 10 - Wow! You truly made our day a fairy tale wedding celebration. You were remarkable and attentive to all our needs and the needs of our gu...

It has been a joy to look after the Annual Dinner of the Institution for Railway Signal Engineers for 9 years. The lates...
21/05/2024

It has been a joy to look after the Annual Dinner of the Institution for Railway Signal Engineers for 9 years. The latest dinner, under the Presidency of Jane Power, was recently held in the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms. A wonderful event as always - looking forward to 2025...

It was a pleasure to look after this wedding, such a beautiful day at Hedsor House & Park! A particular highlight was co...
19/05/2024

It was a pleasure to look after this wedding, such a beautiful day at Hedsor House & Park! A particular highlight was counting down to the cake cut... 🎂😄

This past month has been full of exciting events; from looking after the Polish Ball (Bal Polski)  ballroom to acting as...
11/05/2024

This past month has been full of exciting events; from looking after the Polish Ball (Bal Polski) ballroom to acting as the for a stunning Italian wedding and, most recently, taking care of a St. George's Day lunch. This month has undoubtedly been a testament to what I love most about my job - how varied it can be! As ever, please do not hesitate to get in touch to find out how I can help deliver your perfect event.

Credit to Nick Dawson at Smile Photography for Bal Polski photo

It was a pleasure to be a part of this wedding!
11/05/2024

It was a pleasure to be a part of this wedding!

With breathtaking beauty and love stories at its very core, Hedsor House & Park truly is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue. ...
04/05/2024

With breathtaking beauty and love stories at its very core, Hedsor House & Park truly is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue. I have been fortunate enough to act as the Toastmaster for many weddings here, and never fail to be awed by the stunning scenery and unique elegance that Hedsor boasts.
I am thoroughly looking forward to meeting prospective clients at the Hedsor House Open Day on Tuesday 7th May... please do get in touch or come along to find out more about how I can make your special day perfect.
See you there!

21/04/2024

This is Klaus Lehr, a senior Floor Manager at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane. We have just completed last night’s briefing for the 52nd Bal Polski, the Polish Ball, an event I have had the privilege of looking after as Toastmaster for several years.

It’s a busy time-pressured event in the presence of several ambassadors and VIPs. Including a Polonnaise waltz entrance with all the guests, Loyal Toasts, half a dozen speakers, two dance performances by Mazury and two operatic performances. Klaus and his fabulous team helped me to keep the event running pretty much to time.

This allowed the fund-raising elements of a live auction, silent auction, lottery and announced raffle with presentations by sponsors to run on time, while the guests also had enough time to dance to the superb London Swing Band.

Klaus is frankly amazing! I don’t know any one else who can unfailingly serve up to 2000 guests a 3 course dinner in 90 minutes. I am in awe of him.

An amazing day  yesterday! It really is the ultimate destination for wedding planning. I'm looking forward to meeting mo...
24/03/2024

An amazing day yesterday! It really is the ultimate destination for wedding planning. I'm looking forward to meeting more prospective clients today...

17/03/2024

Only 1 week to go until I exhibit at the National Wedding Show! If you would like to learn more about what I can do for you and your wedding, this event is the perfect opportunity to discover just that!

04/03/2024

I'm delighted to announce that...
I've become a celebrant!
That means that I can organise a ceremony for you AND be a Toastmaster or MC on the same day! Time-saving, cost-efficient and simpler for you all round.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like to find out more!

Did you know that every year nearly 250 million roses are grown in preparation for Valentine's Day? Or that the first he...
14/02/2024

Did you know that every year nearly 250 million roses are grown in preparation for Valentine's Day? Or that the first heart-shaped box of chocolates was introduced in 1861 by Richard Cadbury? (Now, an average of 36 million heart-shaped chocolate boxes are sold every year. That's 58 million pounds of chocolate!) Much like many celebrations, Valentine's Day is rooted in tradition and yet also marvellously unique. However you choose to celebrate today, may it be with love and laughter.
Cheers. 🍾

So proud to have been the Toastmaster at this recent event raising funds for Maggie's Centres to support their vital wor...
07/02/2024

So proud to have been the Toastmaster at this recent event raising funds for Maggie's Centres to support their vital work. Special thanks to Rosamund Dean for her impassioned speech!

On Wednesday, I was delighted to be the Toastmaster for the Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards, an incredi...
28/01/2024

On Wednesday, I was delighted to be the Toastmaster for the Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards, an incredible event as always. At corporate and fundraising events, much of my work is done behind the scenes, ensuring functions run smoothly and without a hitch. This event was no exception - a celebratory evening that ran seamlessly.
Congratulations to all the finalists, a superb achievement! 🎉

21/01/2024

Why you need a Toastmaster...😁

I love helping my clients experience their perfect wedding. Get in touch to find out how I can ensure your special day r...
09/01/2024

I love helping my clients experience their perfect wedding. Get in touch to find out how I can ensure your special day runs smoothly.

01/01/2024

Happy New Year!
May it bring much love and laughter.

18/12/2023

Many of my clients have found that using personalised name cards for ceremony seats greatly eases any confusion or chaos at the start of the wedding. An additional suggestion is to put the order of photographs on the back of the cards, I find this significantly speeds up the process!
Happy 18th December!

With so many different dietary requirements these days, it is imperative that your catering team are made aware of the m...
17/12/2023

With so many different dietary requirements these days, it is imperative that your catering team are made aware of the meal choices of each guest. A highly effective and stylish way to do this is by printing meal choices and allergies on the back of name cards - providing a valuable memento of the day too!
🎉

11/12/2023

Tip 7: Couples regularly ask me if they have all the ingredients necessary for a fabulous wedding. Having personalised it to the best of your ability, the only addition you need is love. If you trust your suppliers and are relaxed on the day, the love you have for each other, and for your guests and family, will come shining through to make the perfect day.

Address

Little Chantry, Twitchell Road
Great Missenden
HP160BQ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 11:59pm
Tuesday 9am - 11:59pm
Wednesday 9am - 11:59pm
Thursday 9am - 11:59pm
Friday 9am - 11:59pm
Saturday 9am - 11:59pm
Sunday 9am - 11:59pm

Telephone

+447590913444

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Toastmaster & Celebrant Paul Deacon posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

Share


Other Great Missenden event planning services

Show All