As a Toastmaster in Kent, I often come across the waiter or member of house staff dressed in a red coat and being offered as part of an overall package. A Toastmaster cannot be a person with split loyalties, a Toastmaster should be working for the bridal party alone. How can you offer high level quality service when in the back of your mind you are thinking of not upsetting your main employer the venue? Answer - You cannot.

A Toastmaster, such as myself, will be highly trained in all aspects of the craft not only weddings but also all those other  functions where we are called upon to officiate. The waiter in the red coat can merely put on a red coat and call himself a toastmaster. He is not a toastmaster, he is a front of house member of staff acting out the role. In my opinion, nobody who has not been properly trained and vetted by one of the recognised guilds or associations, such as the English Toastmasters Association of which I am proud to be a member, should be permitted to call themselves a toastmaster.

Please be aware that the role of the Toastmaster does not merely happen on the day. I from the moment of engagement, am available for consultation regarding any matter relating to the function.  Is the waiter in the red coat?  I hold meetings with all my clients before the event and maintain close contact with them to ensure the day runs as they want it to. The day is fully planned together and I then work closely with the venue, the caterers, the photographer and all others involved. Of course things happen that are not planned but I consider it my job to resolve any such problems, so that in 99% of instances nobody notices. My loyalties are solely to my client.

I also guarante that I will never operate at more than one function at a time. I am aware of locations where the waiter in the red coat handles three weddings at the same time!! How can you possibly devote your entire energies to providing high quality service when operating like this? Answer - You cannot.

I firmly believe that a Toastmaster adds grandeur and a sense of occasion to any event whether it be a wedding or not. As a Toastmaster  in Kent, I am aware that there is a cost implication in hiring a Toastmaster but, I would argue that we can save you money in certain instances by the quality of pre event advice and the close attention to detail on the day.

Ask yourself - is the waiter in the red coat really free? More than likely as not the venue will have built his cost into your price offering and will be making a little more from you. Ask for a reduction if you want a proper Toastmaster and this can offset the costs of the engement.

Finally, whatever you choose whether it be a Toastmaster or a “waiter in a red coat” have a great day. Remember it is what you make it but, if you feel that I, The Kentish Toastmaster, could assist please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.