ToastMaster – Andrew Morgan

I am pleased to share with you my recent interview with Andrew Morgan. This is the first of its kind for Your Wedding Guest, where I bring you information from a variety of wedding services recommended for your day.

This week our focus is on Andrew Morgan. He is a professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies and I caught up with him to find out about what he offers his clients.

Hi Andrew, thanks for taking part in the interview. Firstly, I would like to inform our readers of what you do for a couples wedding. Would you mind explaining your role?

Thanks for asking me James. Although there are many specific duties a toastmaster undertakes on a wedding day, the essence is to provide security for the client, ensuring their interests are of paramount importance. An important aspect to ensure the success of the day is the seamless liaison between the various service providers, such as venue management, photographer or videographer and that is a very important role for the toastmaster. Sometimes I am told that a friend or member of the family is intending to carry out the role of MC at a wedding and whilst this may be a success it is important not to underestimate the value an independent and experienced toastmaster can bring to the celebrations.

Out of interest, what is the history of the Toastmaster?

The modern day toastmasters, complete with red coat, can trace their history to William Knightsmith who was a well known figure in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. He first donned the red coat to distinguish himself at the functions he was attending thereby allowing the guests to be sure of the identity of the master of ceremonies.

Sounds good. So Whats the best part of a wedding day for you?

There is no one specific moment, however at various times during the day witnessing the happiness of the bride and groom on their wedding day, and seeing how their dreams have become a reality, are very special moments.

And have you any advice for a couple planning their day?

My advice would be that if your in doubt about what service a wedding professional is providing then please ask them for details. Do not assume that everyone will know exactly what you hope for as all weddings are different and every couple’s ideas should be considered and included wherever possible. Have fun on your wedding day, try and relax and soak up the atmosphere as the people they have put their faith in work together to deliver a magical day.

To what extent do you work with the bride and groom before the day?

I always have a planning meeting with the bride and groom a few weeks before the wedding. Occasionally parents come along as well or we meet at the venue which can be useful when discussing the logistics of the day. There are normally a number of phone calls or e-mail conversations in the planning stage as the day takes shape.

Can you be booked for a full day only or half a day? What do you advise?

When a couple book me for their wedding I am with them for the majority of the day. I am present from at least one hour before the ceremony through to the “First Dance” in the evening, from which point the bandleader or DJ will MC the rest of the day. I find it very helpful to be with the wedding party from an early point in the day as the relationships I can make with members of the family, Best Man and ushers for example, can play a crucial role in ensuring the complete success of the day.

What would you say are the main benefits of a toast master for the day?

A toastmaster will bring organisation to the day and ensure that the type of atmosphere you are hoping for is nurtured and encouraged. Most people want to have fun and enjoy themselves with a touch of class and relaxed formality that my service brings. There are a number of specific duties a client can expect from the toastmaster such as announcements at various points, the organisation of a receiving line, introducing the speakers and arranging the cake cutting. However, the “belt and braces” that a toastmaster provides for the day is probably the fundamental benefit.

Would you recommend your service when a wedding is held at a bigger venue where there is more to organise?

Good question. It could be perceived that a toastmaster is only necessary for the larger weddings however that is not necessarily the case. Whilst I have worked at weddings where there are in excess of 400 guests, the majority are between 60 and 150 guests. I had the pleasure of being toastmaster at a wedding with a total of 30 guests earlier this year and it was a wonderful day.

Your website is really informative, especially with the embedded video of you. Do you attend any wedding fares or advertise  with your website and word of mouth?

Yes, I do attend wedding fairs and enjoy the opportunity of speaking directly with potential clients. Much of my work does come through the internet along with recommendations both from previous clients and other toastmasters with whom I share a similar profile and outlook.

Finally, where can we see your website and find out more about you?

My website is found at www.mctoastmaster.com where there is information and contact details. I enjoy chatting with couple’s about their plans so am always happy to receive calls on 07818 421237. If people prefer e-mail then I can be reached at andrew@mctoastmaster.com

Thanks Andrew, I look forward to working with you in the future.

….Look out for more interviews coming soon.