Toastmaster Paul Deacon

So many weddings have such different special moments that it is impossible to answer this question. 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!

Careful, witty, flexible, engaging and competent

Not one complaint in 25 years

Adopt your own style

Too many to mention

As many calls as necessary before a planning meeting and then, on the day, looking after the Bride and Bridegroom in exactly the way we discussed. I get more pleaasure when a couple say "you id exactly what we wanted" rather than "you were brilliant"

I've enjoyed looking after weddings in teepees, fields, hotels, marquees, stately homes and places. No job too big, no task too small

Plan, plan, plan and check. 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?

Plan as much as you can and then relax on the day. In my experience, the couples who obviously show that they are in love (and unstressed on the day) have the best weddings.

When the Bride and Bridegroom remain so happy throughout the day