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Wedding Speech Etiquette - The Toastmaster
A more formal wedding may have a toastmaster. The toastmaster opens the proceedings and keepsthem flowing smoothly. In the absence of a toastmaster the Best Man usually undertakes some ofthe tasks.
The Toastmaster's role includes:
- Arranging the receiving line, and
- Introducing guests by name to the hosts.
- Asking guests to take their seats, after the receiving line has welcomed everyone.
- Announcing the arrival of the Bride and Groom, and escorting them to their places.
- Introducing prayers before eating. If no clergyman is present, and no senior member of the families wants to, then the toastmaster often leads grace.
- Announcing the cutting of the cake, and inviting guests forward to take photographs.
- Introducing the speakers, who will be proposing the traditional toasts, i.e.
- To the Bride & Groom - normally by the Father of the Bride, or anold friend of the family.
- To the health of the Bridesmaids - normally by the Groom.
- To the health of the parents, of the Bride and Groom - normallyby the Best Man.
At this point the toastmaster begins by introducing the speakers who will propose the following 'traditional' toasts:
- The Bride and Groom - normally by the Father of the Bride, or an old friend of the family.
- To the health of the Bridesmaids - normally by the Groom.
- (Presents now? ) - If the groom is giving gifts, now is a good opportunity.
- (Bride's speech now? ) - If non-traditionally the bride wants tosay a few words, now is a good opportunity.
- To the health of the parents, of the Bride and Groom - normally by the Best Man.
At the end of the formal speeches the toastmaster may ask the guests to applaud the Bride and Groom, or the entire top table, while they leave the reception room. At modern weddings the bride may feel that she wants to say a few words,there is no special order for this and it can be fitted into the order at any point by agreement, make sure that the Toastmaster knows!
See our other articles on aspects of Wedding Speech Etiquette
Wedding Speech Etiquette 4 - The Toasts and Speeches
Your Wedding Speech 1 - Planning
Your Wedding Speech 4 - Performance
Wedding Speech Etiquette 2 - The Context
Your Wedding Speech 3 - Practicing
Wedding Speech Etiquette 1 - Why it matters
Your Wedding Speech 2 - Preparation