01/10/2025
A wee update on my Toastmaster/ Wedding MC provision.
Bottom line up front” BLUF” I still offer this service. It has taken a bit of a back seat for the last 5 years due to me establishing my Celebrant Provision.
Whilst I am “oot and aboot” as a Celebrant, I am still seeing weddings that, frankly, would benefit from having a fully trained and assessed Scottish Toastmaster. It doesn’t suit all to have one, but for those that have used me or my organisation Association of Scottish Toastmasters services, they haven’t regretted it.
A word of caution though - Be aware of fake imitations. There are plenty out there on the wedding circuit that have just bought a “red coat,” a pair of trews and think that they are the “bees' knees” at MCing. Please ensure that your Scottish Toastmaster/ Wedding MC is fully trained and is part of a recognised professional organisation.
Here is a wee example for you. If you have any doubt that there’s going to be confusion, in other words, it’s a wedding where no one’s running the show. Even when you’ve spent months, if not years, in the planning, it would be a shame to join those unfortunates by having no clear structure on your day. Then book a Scottish Toastmaster.
You may be forgiven for thinking this is largely a ceremonial role with someone who just gathers everyone’s attention sporadically, but that’s far from the truth. In fact, hire a Scottish Toastmaster and they may just save your wedding, working discreetly to keep things moving according to plan. Brian Baxter the Highland Wedding MC is a fellow member of the Scottish Toastmasters Association, and I started 15 years ago after witnessing many poorly run weddings. Scottish Toastmasters are not such a huge phenomenon like they are in England where it’s not uncommon to have one or even two officiating at a wedding.
We believe that most Hotels just don’t have the right theme or experience in making announcements and it is still left to the duty banqueting manager, or in some cases, the hotel manager to look after the wedding from start to finish.” But what exactly does a Scottish Toastmaster do? Well for starters we can add a certain gravitas to your big day and really look the part. “Trews are a must.” “As is the famous ‘Red Coat,’ or “Reds.”
It keeps you, the couple totally in command and control of your wedding suppliers, your Toastmaster will be working in conjunction with them. We give a look of friendly authority.” However, your toastmaster’s work starts long before the wedding. Once booked, we will be in contact with you in advance to run through details of all the arrangements and those taking part and can give planning advice where appropriate. Then on the day your toastmaster will be on site at least an hour before people arrive to ensure the wedding is conducted as planned and support everyone involved, including your celebrant, registrar, or clergy, along with all your suppliers. Duties throughout the day, include supporting the bridal party, groomsmen, ushers and organising a receiving line, assisting content creators, photographers, and videographers, and advising guests on seating arrangements.
We will also call guests to the wedding breakfast, announce the entry of the newlyweds, say grace or something along those lines, introduce speakers for the toasts, ensure that any floral arrangements as gifts are at hand, read cards and messages, as well as organising the bouquet toss and a scramble if you fancy.
Scottish Toastmasters also like to add their own special twist on proceedings, providing the quaich for the piper’s dram from the bride and even reciting some Burns. Some of us even provide a ceremonial sword in order to add that special “cut the cake” moment.
We’ll mention the guest book for signing and identify the location for the box for your guests' cards/ gifts etc. We even know where the “lavvies” are……this is probably the most popular that we get asked!
These are just some of the duties that we as Scottish Toastmasters will provide. The list is endless.
Consider it folks, it makes sense and again – BE AWARE OF FAKE IMITATIONS!
Check out our webpage.
https://www.scottishtoastmasters.com/brian-baxter.../
