Oakley Hall Basingstoke- Excellent Wedding Venue

I was Wedding Toastmaster for the wedding of Phil and Lorraine at Oakley Hall on the 27th August. Oakley Hall is  located in  Oakley just a few miles outside Basingstoke in Hampshire and offers a spectacular backdrop for your wedding  It has  six luxurious rooms and a superb marquee which is where the Wedding Breakfast was held on Saturday..
Six of the luxurious rooms within Oakley Hall are licensed to hold Civil Ceremonies  and the marquee holds up to 200 guests for a Wedding Breakfast or 300 for an Evening Reception. The side panels where  open to a patio area. and there are fantastic photo opportunities within the 315 acres of gardens
Another really great venue for you to consider as a venue.
Visit there website at .http://www.oakleyhall-park.com/

An impressive entrance with ample parking makes this an ideal wedding location and with an excellent menu and dedicated helpful staff it really if worth a visit if you are still looking for a stunning location

Notley Tythe Barn Long Crendon- Wedding 18th June

Restored in 1991 by the present owners Notley Tythe Barn is situated in the Buckinghamshire countryside at Long Crendon. It is the 1st time that I have worked at this venue and I was present for the ceremony, wedding Breakfast and the start of the evening reception in early July.
The venue has lovely views and is situated in a secluded location,  the barn can seat 140 people and with a marquee can seat an additional 60.

Excellent food and very friendly staff made the day a real success despite the weather and I would recommend this location as a great wedding venue

Some recommendations for your wedding

Having attended a number of wedding fairs over the last few weeks I have met a lot of really talented wedding suppliers and entertainers and also been some great venue. I thought I would tell you about some of my favorites.

Of the venues I have been to recently I would like to recommend Moor Hall Cookham. The venue is set in Cookham in Berkshire and is based around the 19th Century Manor House which provides a picturesque room for ceremonies of up to 60 people, while the modern Berkshire Suite can seat up to 80. Couples can choose an intimate wedding breakfast setting in our dining suite, a larger wedding breakfast in our main dining room for up to 120 guests, or an evening buffet reception for up to 180 guests. Moor Hall also offers 80 ensuite bedrooms, allowing your guests to enjoy the day without the worry of driving home. Currently Moor Hall is offering a £500 reduction  for some free dates in 2011 as follows
14 May

11 June
23 July
13 August
17 September
24 September

It is worh having a look so go the the website at http://www.moorhallconferences.com/weddings/Home.aspx

If it is entertainment you are looking for the DJ Joe Smith.  DJ Joe also operates a state of the art professional Wedding service. A perfect mix of music you want to hear that will ensure that you and your guests will have a great night. All of DJ Joe's services are fully backed by Public Liability Insurance (PLI) and all equipment comes with a current PAT certification for your piece of mind. Joe's reputaion is based upon years of experience and hundreds of satisfied clients.

If you are looking for your wedding DJ then visit http://www.djjoe.co.uk/mobile-entertainment

Have you found your wedding cake yet? If not the let me recommend The Little Thatcham Cake Company. The cakes are delicious and flavours include
Vanilla Sponge which has a generous layer of vanilla filling cream and homemade seedless raspberry jam.

Chocolate Sponge is complimented with chocolate butter cream filling or rich chocolate fudge (we only use ‘Green & Black’ organic chocolate and cocoa).
Carrot Cake, contains nuts and is accepted as one of our most popular and tasteful cakes.
Lemon Drizzle Cakes contain a layer of lemon butter cream and a layer of homemade lemon curd.
Lime & Coconut Cake contains coconut within the sponge and the topping is a lime and coconut butter cream – this is a very light and refreshing cake.
Fruit Cakes have won many competitions and contain nuts (although these could be left out), organic fruit and copious amounts of Courvoisier Brandy (you can choose an alternative if necessary) – fruit cakes are made 3 months in advance of your event in order to be fed with more brandy,to mature into the best fruit cake you have ever eaten.


For more information visit http://www.thelittlethatchamcakecompany.co.uk/

My finale recommendation today has to be my very good friend and Magician Robert Bone. As a professional magician Robert can add a real magical touch to your Wedding Day, and help to ensure everyone has lasting memories of your special occasion. Robert's upbeat style and presentation makes sure that everyone watching gets involved in the magic, sparking interaction between the guests, and is great fun and suitable for all the family.

For more information visit http://www.robertbone.co.uk/weddings-parties/weddings/

What should you expect from a Professional Wedding Toastmaster

There is often a lack of understanding about the role of a Toastmaster at a wedding and many venues try and discourage you from hiring one because they say they include it in there package.

So why would you want the additional expense of hiring an independent professionally trained Toastmaster when someone from your venue is offered as an alternative.
The reasons are many and varied and in this article you will see how much extra help and support a professional Wedding Toastmaster like me can offer.

So how will you know that the Toastmaster you hire has the training and expertise to help make your wedding that special day you have always dreamed of? Well there are many Toastmaster training schools such as the UK School of Professional Toastmasters Ltd which is where I received my training.


All reputable schools should be affiliated to the Toastmasters General Council (TGC) and will carry public liability insurance of £5million which will be required by your venue

They will also most likely be a member of one of a number of Toastmaster Associations. The largest of these is The Association of the UK School of Professional Toastmasters.  I was a founder member of this association and we now have over 70 members.  As members we support each other and in the event of illness or accident I will be able to call upon a colleague to cover to avoid spoiling your special day.

I am sure you will want to know how much a professional Wedding Toastmaster will cost and what level of support you will get. Of course because they are independent they will all charge slightly differently depending on requirements. Like me they will probably offer different packages depending on whether they are needed for just the Wedding Breakfast or for the Civil Ceremony and Evening reception as well. A guide would be somewhere from £300 + which might sound a lot but what will you get with the package?

Your wedding Toastmaster should offer you a combination of the following

4 weeks before your wedding

1. A face to face meeting to discuss your wedding day, ideally at the reception venue 
2. At the meeting we will go through the whole day to ensure that all your requirements are captured
3. Provide help and guidance if required, but always remembering that it is your wedding
4. Following this meeting a written confirmation will be provided of all the details discussed
5. During the weeks leading up to the wedding unlimited email / telephone contact as required to discuss and agree any changes to requirements or timings

On the Wedding day

1. I will arrive at the venue ahead of you and your guest to:
2. Check the venue is set up as you require
3. Ensure that seating plans / place cards etc are as required
4. Make sure that the Cake table, Guest Book table and Gift table are set up
5. If other suppliers are setting up such as DJ etc that they are finished before the wedding guests arrive
6. Liaise with the venue staff to ensure all timings are as agreed
7. Receive your guest and help them check in if they are staying at the venue
8. Direct them to the appropriate rooms and assist them as necessary

When you arrive

1. Assist the photographer get everyone together for any group shots
2. If required organise a receiving line and make necessary introductions
3. Ensure that all gifts are collected and are shored safely

During the wedding Breakfast

1. Escort the Bride and bridegroom into the room
2. Say Grace if required
3. Introduce speakers and ensure any thank you gifts are easily to hand
4. Organise the cutting of the cake
5. Ensure your guest book is circulated and signed by all your guests
6. Formally close the proceedings

Additionally if required  Ican help organise

The throwing of your bouquet

1. Meet and greet your evening guests
2. Organise everyone to receive you both onto the dance floor for your 1st dance.

So when your venue says that they provide this service you might want to check how much they are charging and whether their duties match up with what an Independent Professional Wedding Toastmaster might offer

Insure your wedding and win champagne

As an introducer of Event Insurance Services I am delighted to offer the following:

Wedding insurance with Event Insurance Services is very competitive. If you would like a quote please contact me to discuss

Moor Hall Wedding Experience Sunday 6th February

Next Sunday the 6th February I will be attending the Moor Hall Wedding Experience day in Cookham Berkshire. The event is between 11.30am - 3.30pm and promises to be a truly unique and interactive experience

Moor Hall’s 19th Century Manor House provides a picturesque room for ceremonies of up to 60 people, while the modern Berkshire Suite can seat up to 80. Couples can choose an intimate wedding breakfast setting in our dining suite, a larger wedding breakfast in our main dining room for up to 120 guests, or an evening buffet reception for up to 180 guests. Moor Hall also offers 80 en suite bedrooms, allowing your guests to enjoy the day without the worry of driving home.

Why not come along and enjoy a guided tour of Moor Hall, enjoy tasting some canapes, a glass of champagne and meet the exhibitors.. There is also an opportunity to win £1500 worth of vouchers from the wedding providers featured at the Wedding Experience at Moor Hall, to put towards your wedding day! Simply attend on the day and your name will be put into a prize draw.

I look forward to seeing you on the 6th and for more information and directions visit http://www.moorhallconferences.com/PDF%20files/weddingexperience.pdf

Hampshire Court Wedding Fair 23rd January

My next wedding fair will be next Sunday 23rd January at the Hampshire Court Hotel Basingstoke. Organised by Dream Wedding fairs the doors will open at 11am

More details can be found at http://www.dreamweddingfairs.com/wedding-shows-berkshire.html

Average cost of a wedding tops £20K

According to recent figures the cost of the average wedding is now £20,000 so when you are spending all that money you want to make sure that your dream day is everything you want it to be.
Careful planning with your Toastmaster will make sure that your day is stress free and everything happens without your or your parents having to worry.
According to recent trend the following is the likely average cost which will make up your wedding expenditure

Engagement rings and celebration          £1000.00
Stationery                                               £465.00
Stag and Hen nights                                 £280.00
Insurance                                                 £110.00
The wedding service                                £520.00
Wedding Rings                                        £630.00
Flowers                                                  £705.00
Balloons and decorations                         £460.00
The brides outfit                                     £1590.00
Hair and beauty                                       £180.00
The Groom’s outfit                                  £200.00
Attendants outfits                                     £575.00
Transport                                                £480.00
Photography                                           £950.00
Video                                                      £900.00
Reception (Venue, Food & Drinks)£4000.00
Evening Reception                                £1700.00
Toastmaster                                           £450.00
Entertainment                                         £850.00
Wedding cake                                       £405.00
Gifts                                                      £200.00
Honeymoon and 1st night hotel            £3400.00
TOTAL                                            £20050.00

So although many think a Toastmaster is a costly expense, in fact at around £450 for the whole day it is actually only about 2% of the total cost and well worth the investment.

All good Toastmasters will have at least one session with you to ensure all aspects of the day are understood. This will ensure that nothing gets missed and you and your family can concentrate on the important things - eating, drinking and talking to your guest.

Why not get in touch and we can discuss how I can help to make your day happy, enjoyable and stress fee

Wedding Fayre Frederick's Maidenhead

I will be exhibiting at Frederick's Hotel & Spa Shoppenhangers Road Maidenhead on Sunday 16th January for there Wedding Fayre. I will be offering a 15% reduction for all functions booked on the day and 10% for all attendees who book within 6 weeks
There will be lots of exhibitors and it will be a great opportunity for brides to meet and book suppliers for those 2011 and 2012 weddings. Why not come along and meet me. The doors open at 11am - See you there.

More information can be found at http://www.dreamweddingfairs.com/wedding-shows-berkshire.html

Pounden House Bicester

Pounden House near Bicester is another wedding venue that I would recommend.  Run as  family business  Poundon House is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and has many years experience hosting events. From the moment you pass through the front gates and drive down the lime tree avenue, the mood is set for your perfect wedding day.
As you enter the house, a stone flagged hallway leads into three stunning reception rooms and a south facing terrace of exceptional views. The striped front lawns are ideal for a drinks reception and a classic game of croquet. When your ready for your wedding breakfast you and your guests may wander up to the elegant marquee, situated on a lawn surrounded by a mature yew hedge and beautiful beech trees. As the sun goes down and the evening reception begins, the setting makes its true beauty apparent with up-lit trees creating an intimate setting for the evening
Poundon House is located on the border of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, only an hour from Central London and Birmingham and whilst we have tried to describe the house, a visit is really necessary to appreciate the full beauty of the house and gardens.

History of the Toastmaster

History of the Toastmaster



The historical origins of the modern Toastmaster are cloaked in mystery, as there is little definitive reference documentation. In the middle ages the keeper of the wine in great houses was referred to and became known as the ‘Master of the Toast’.
The “Master of the Toast” would toast small pieces of bread before a fire, dip them into herbs and spices before stirring them into a bowl of wine to enhance its flavour.
Towards the end of the 17th century the toasting of one’s friends became an accepted custom especially to VIP’s attending banquets. Its origins can be linked to the following;

A banquet was being held in the Pump Room at Bath in the year 1649.
Two young men attending wandered into the adjacent spa where languishing in the waters was a ‘Lady of the Town’ covered in ‘little more than blushes’. One of the young men wanted to jump into the water to be with her but was prevented by his friend who scooped some water into his empty drinking vessel. There remained at the bottom of his vessel the small piece of spiced toast from the previous drink of wine. On drinking from the newly charged vessel he is reputed to have said, “Nay, though I likest not the beverage (i.e. the water from the bath) I will take toast with the lady” he then proceeded to drink the water containing the toast and entered the water.

The major-domo of old was the modern toastmaster’s predecessor. He was employed in the houses of Spanish and Italian Nobles as the ‘Manager’ The English version at this time was the ‘House Steward’ nowadays called the Butler. One of the Butlers duties was to announce guests arriving for dinner who would then be greeted and received by the Host and Hostess.

Private clubs often appointed a member to act as Toastmaster and to ensure that these Toastmasters did not over imbibe in alcohol a toastmasters glass was designed, made of thick glass but it would only hold a small measure, thus ensuring the Toastmaster remained sober!
The origin and history of the redcoat as worn by the modern Toastmaster are generally accepted as being introduced by the late William Knight-Smith. He remarked to his wife, his concern at being dressed like a headwaiter or butler, his wife suggested that he wear a red coat. Another account is that the occasion at which he changed his coat to a red one the then Prince of Wales admired it and commented favourably on it. It is also accepted that William Knight-Smith was the first to be recognised as a bone- fide toastmaster setting the scene for others to emulate.
Each and every function must be treated individually. The toastmaster’s advice is sought on many occasions. It is therefore imperative to have the knowledge of protocol and preambles for all engagements. Your toastmaster must never appear to be more important than the event at which he is officiating.
A Toastmaster must be dignified in appearance, have the ability to control large numbers of people without being too authoritarian, have a good personality, strong voice, clarity of diction and an intelligent approach to all engagements at which he officiates.
Note. In the City of London the toastmasters red coat remains a black tailcoat with the addition of the red and white sash of the City of London being worn over the right shoulder.




With thanks to Mr Graham Hunt.


Graham is both proud and honoured to be Past President of the
Association of the UK School of Professional Toastmasters.
Founder/Director UK School of Professional Toastmasters Limited