As a Toastmaster I know how important your wedding day is, and I want to help you create one of the most memorable days of your life. Rest assured; I will always work with your best interests in mind.

There are many traditions associated with wedding celebrations, and I will be pleased to discuss them with you. I can advise you on procedure and timing, speeches and toasts, and the special touches that will enhance your special day. I will prepare an outline plan as you want it to be, and from this point on you will receive full support, answering any questions and addressing any matters that might arise.

On the day itself I will take the agreed plan and make it work. I will look after you and your guests, liaising with the venue, suppliers – and my watch – to ensure that everything runs smoothly and on time. I will make all the announcements, introducing the speeches and toasts, using the appropriate etiquette.

After all those months of planning and preparation, this is when you want everything to be just right, so that you can relax with your family and friends and let me soak up most of the stress. I’d love to be the difference that will make your guests talk about your wedding long after you’ve said: “I Do!”

I am mindful that tact and discretion are called for when considering the requirements and wishes of the modern family, including same-sex, LGBTQ+ and mixed-faith couples, and couples with children or divorced parents. It’s your wedding, your day, your way, so you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to; you can pick and choose the traditions that work for you. I am available for mid-week weddings as well as at the weekend, and if required, I can put aside the traditional Toastmasters’ livery and wear less formal attire; you will still receive the same professional service.

My fees for weddings are as follows:
Silver package: early afternoon to early evening (arrival of guests to first dance) from £600;
Gold package: early afternoon to late evening (arrival of guests to carriages) from £675;
Sapphire package: late morning to late evening (arrival of guests to carriages) from £750.

Please click here to submit a toastmaster enquiry form, and I will contact you so that we can discuss your event in detail.

Prince & Jade, Forty Hall, Enfield

The Forty Hall Estate in leafy Enfield with its Jacobean Manor House was the setting for the wedding of Prince and Jade with over 120 family members and guests in attendance. The ceremony took place on the terrace, as Jade entered on the arms of two of her sons. After the family and friends group photographs, the newlyweds strolled round the estate and the lake for a series of personal photographs, whilst guests continued to soak up the sunshine.

I called the guests to tables for the wedding breakfast in the banqueting suite and invited them to stand and wave their table napkins, as I led Prince and Jade to the top table. After the meal, I was honoured to deliver the traditional toastmaster’s tribute to the bride and bridegroom. I then introduced the speeches: Prince’s cousin, Michael, and Jade’s Matron of Honour, Jamaique, followed by Prince and Jade themselves, who delivered their respective speeches and heartfelt thanks to family and friends.

The formalities concluded with a table dash by Prince and Jade and after a short break, I invited guests to gather round for the cake cutting ceremony and then back into the banqueting suite for the newlyweds’ first dance as husband and wife. I asked Jade how they met, half expecting through work or the internet, but she replied: “On a bus!”

Jade writes: “Thank you for all your hard work yesterday; very much appreciated. ”.

Joanne and Francesca, St. Michael’s Manor, St. Albans

Joanne and Francesca’s wedding was a truly memorable occasion, held at the elegant St. Michael’s Manor. The couple were joined by family and friends who had travelled from distant corners of the world, making the day all the more special. The event was characterised by its laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, commencing with a drinks reception after the ceremony where everyone mingled and shared in the couple’s happiness.

Once the initial festivities had concluded, I delivered the toastmaster’s tribute to Joanne and Francesca, acknowledging the significance of the day. This was followed by a heartfelt speech from the bride’s brother, adding a personal and emotional touch to the proceedings. Afterwards, everyone was ushered into the Orangery, where Jo and Fran shared their first dance as a married couple, marking a poignant and joyful milestone in their lives.

As the evening unfolded, guests were invited outside to witness a beautiful firework display set against the backdrop of St. Albans Cathedral. Following the fireworks, everyone returned to the dance floor to enjoy the remainder of the evening with plenty of dancing and merriment—affectionately referred to as ‘boogie time’.

Mark and Sharon, Plum Park Manor, Towcester

Plum Park Manor, an idyllic and romantic Victorian country house and courtyard, was the setting for Mark and Sharon to celebrate their wedding surrounded by family and friends. Following the ceremony in the manor house, I ushered the newlyweds and their guests into the garden to enjoy drinks and canapés to the background music of a romantic piano.

The wedding breakfast took place in the marquee, and after the toastmaster’s tribute and speeches, I led the newlyweds and their guests back out into the garden. After the sun went down I called everyone back in for the cake cutting ceremony – with the bridegroom on his bride’s right, according to tradition. The guests joined Mark and Sharon on the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife, and when I left the party was in full swing.

Simon and Emma, Greentrees Estate, Haywards Heath

The setting for the wedding of Simon and Emma was the Greentrees Estate in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. The original C17th farmhouse has been restored and renovated, retaining many of its distinctive architectural features.

Following the ceremony in the Grand Oak Hall, the guests enjoyed oysters and a glass or two of Pimm’s in the walled garden whilst being entertained by a string quartet, magician and caricaturist. After the family photographs, I called everyone to table for the wedding breakfast, where guests were entertained by a cabaret singer à la Las Vegas. I was delighted to invite the happy couple to cut their wedding cake before I delivered the toastmaster’s tribute. After the bridegroom’s mother read a poem, I had the honour of introducing the three traditional speeches. At the conclusion of the meal, the guests retired to the gardens as the evening guests arrived.

After calling everyone back inside, I invited Roy, the father of the bride, onto the dance floor with Emma, as the DJ played Michael Bolton’s Fathers and Daughters. After a couple of verses, Simon stepped onto the dance floor, tapped Roy on the shoulder and as the DJ played Endless Love by Lionel Ritchie & Diana Ross, the newlyweds had their first (very ‘Strictly’) choreographed dance together as husband and wife.

Emma writes: ”Thank you so much for being so fantastic on our wedding day. You have been incredibly helpful in the organisation and planning. We couldn’t have done it without you. Many thanks.”

Rehan and Puja, Latimer House, Chesham

Following their Hindu ceremony earlier in the week, the civil wedding ceremony and reception for Rehan and Puja took place at Latimer House in Chesham, a glorious example of an English country manor house with a fascinating past. After the wedding ceremony the guests moved to the garden in the De Vere Latimer Estate for the drinks reception and photographs. Later I called everyone to table for the wedding breakfast and escorted the newlyweds into the hall to enthusiastic cheers and waving napkins. The meal over and the toasting wine served I offered the toastmaster’s tribute to the newlyweds and introduced three confident speeches by the brother of the bride, the bridegroom and the best man.

Guests moved outside to enjoy the sunshine and drinks before I called them back in for the start of the evening reception. The guests counted down from five as Puja tossed her bouquet to the single ladies and again counted down as Rehan and Puja cut their wedding cake. It was then time for me to introduce the newlyweds choreographed dance (very ‘Strictly’) as the band performed Oleta Adam’s Get Here.

Rehan writes: “John had been a pleasure to deal with throughout our wedding planning and being flexible. John coordinated with our venue staff and photographer taking a weight off our shoulders, he kept the day flowing well, guiding guests where they needed to be and ensuring schedules were adhered to (with a bit of flexibility where we needed it). The energy throughout our wedding was consistently high, no one felt the day was dragging on. We were really pleased to have John as our Toastmaster. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend :)”

Jack and Rosy, Eversholt Hall, Milton Keynes 

Despite the weather forecast ‘thunderbolt and lighting, very very frightening’, the rain eased off and didn’t dampen anyone spirits at Eversholt Hall and the wedding of Jack and Rosy. Guests arrived from the church in a bus and vintage cars, and the bride and bridegroom arrived in a vintage Ford Mustang. Instead of the traditional table plan for the wedding breakfast, each table was named after a herb. When I called the guests to table they were each handed a mini milk bottle containing a herb that identified their table; it was ‘Time for Buds on Seats’.

I brought the newlyweds into the hall amidst loud cheers and a sea of waving napkins hand-embroidered by the hostess with each guest’s initial. After the meal I offered the toastmaster’s tribute to the newlyweds and introduced the speeches before inviting the best man to escort Jack and Rosy to the wedding cake with a ceremonial military sword, which was used to cut the cake. Guests then moved outside where Rosy tossed her bouquet to the single ladies present; it was caught by the bridesmaid. After guests enjoyed the sunshine and a game of crazy golf on the village green, I called them back indoors for Rosy’s choreographed dances, first with her father and then with Jack to Ella Henderson and Tom Grennan’s ‘Let’s Go Home Together’.

Rosy writes: “Thank you so much for all your time and support on Saturday, we greatly appreciate all you did for us, ensuring that our day ran smoothly and on time. A huge thank you for your care and support of attending guests, and ushering them at the appropriate time, we know how challenging this can be. Have a wonderful rest of your summer. A huge thank you from us all!”

Mother of the Bride and Hostess Alison writes: “Just a few lines to thank you for all your hard work […] which ensured everything ran so smoothly, we fully appreciate your hours of planning and preparation. […] It was wonderful to have you there as part of Rosanna and Jack’s special day.[…] Many thanks again for your hard work, special touches and commitment to detail.”

Spencer and Alice, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water

It was the summer solstice and the hottest day of the year when Spencer and Alice were married at the Wentworth Club in Virginia Water, home of the most prestigious professional golf tournament in Europe. The wedding ceremony was witnessed by nearly 100 guests with music provided by the piano and cello of Jam Duo. After assisting with the confetti tunnel the newlyweds, with their family and friends, stayed outside for the drinks reception and group photographs before I called everyone to table for the wedding breakfast.

The couple had requested an informal wedding reception, so putting ‘the red’s’ aside and wearing my MC blue velvet jacket, I invited guests to stand and wave their napkins as the happy couple made their way to the top table. The bride’s father welcomed the guests (and his son-in-law’s family), and after the meal the bridegroom and his brother delivered entertaining speeches. After the cake-cutting ceremony on the dance floor, the evening continued with guests dancing to the Ceilidh Tree Band.

Alice writes: “We would like to thank you very much for your support throughout our wedding day and are so pleased to hear that you also had a good time! You helped to ensure that our day ran smoothly and we particularly enjoyed coming into the wedding breakfast seeing all the guests waving their napkins in celebration which we weren’t expecting and was a nice surprise you had organised! Thank you so much also for the very sweetheart dish which arrived yesterday; that was also very thoughtful of you. Thank you again for helping to make sure our day was so enjoyable and ran smoothly!”

Sean & Chloe, Dodford Manor Barns, Northampton

I had the pleasure of serving as Toastmaster at the May wedding of Sean and Chloe at Dodford Manor Barns, which afforded stunning views across the Northamptonshire countryside. The ceremony and confetti tunnel went without a hitch, and the weather was perfect for the outdoors’ drinks reception. After assisting the photographer by rounding up guests for the group photographs, I called everyone to table for the wedding breakfast and the formal entry of the happy couple.

After the covers had been lifted and the toasting prosecco poured, I delivered the Toastmasters tribute to the newlyweds before introducing speeches by the bridesmaids, the bridegroom himself and the best man. The wedding guests were then treated to a magic show by the talented Roy Noakes. As the evening guests, arrived I organised a sparkler tunnel and Chloe’s bouquet throw to the single ladies. I then led  everyone back inside for the cake cutting ceremony and Sean and Chloe’s first dance as husband and wife to Ordinary by Alex Warren.

Sean writes: “Me and Chloe would like to thank you for such a lovely wedding day. Thank you for keeping the day ticking along nicely and also for keeping it as traditional as possible. Your organisation both beforehand and on the day was impeccable and covered things we hadn’t thought about and really helped us piece together our day. Thank you for agreeing to take us on at short notice. We are still taking everything in, but I wanted to make sure I said thank you straight away!”.

Brad and Charlotte, Kings Chapel, Old Amersham

Once again, I was delighted to be back in the Kings Chapel in the historic village of Old Amersham (always a pleasure), this time as MC/Toastmaster at the wedding of Brad & Charlotte. During the ceremony one of the bridesmaids read a passage from Winnie-the-Pooh about enduring friendship: most appropriate. The rain eased up, despite the weather forecast, so we were still able to form a confetti tunnel outside after the ceremony.
Before the wedding breakfast was served, I was delighted to introduce speeches by the Bridegroom, Best Man and Maid of Honour, and after the wedding breakfast, I was honoured to offer the toastmaster’s tribute to the newlyweds. After a short break I gathered the guests together for the cake-cutting ceremony and Brad & Charlotte’s first dance as husband and wife to Ben E. King’s Stand by Me. My duties complete, I discretely slipped away as the guests sang along heartily and pitched up on the dance floor.
Charlotte writes: “John was amazing from start to finish. We hired John much later in our wedding planning due to another toastmaster being unavailable. John made the day run smoothly and was a great help with the planning. We would recommend John to anyone.”

Adam and Katherine, Mandarin Oriental, London

It was a warm and sunny day in Knightsbridge, London, when I had the pleasure of working alongside the award-winning wedding planner Siobhan Craven-Robins, and her team for the wedding reception and dinner of Adam and Katherine at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The bride and bridegroom arrived from the wedding ceremony in Mayfair in a horse-drawn carriage, followed by the bridal party and guests. Drinks and canapés were served in the loggia and on the terrace overlooking Hyde Park while the guests were entertained by a string trio and a magician.
After assisting the photographer by rounding up guests for the group photographs, I called everyone to tables for the wedding breakfast before bringing in the happy couple. Part way through the meal, three singing waiters (surprise, surprise!) took to the floor and entertained the guests, while a dozen children were looked after by a team of child-minders and a balloon artist.
After covers had been lifted, I introduced the speeches by the father of the bride, the bridegroom and the best man. I then delivered the toastmaster’s tribute to Adam and Katherine before inviting them to cut their wedding cake. The formalities concluded with my bringing the happy couple onto the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife to John Legend’s “All of Me”.
Siobhan writes: “Dear John, thank you so much for your help, enthusiasm, professionalism and adaptability on Saturday. It was great to have you by my side and I very much enjoyed working with you. Best wishes, Siobhan”.

Matt and Phillippa, Barn at Redcoats, Hitchin

It was a wet start to the day when I set off for Matt and Phillippa’s wedding at The Barns at Recoats in Hitchin, but the weather improved when I arrived. The rustic barn was decorated in autumnal colours, and the wedding ceremony and reception ran without a hitch.
Phillippa writes: “We were delighted to meet John at a Wedding Fair and had no hesitation in asking him to be part of our Wedding Day. He played a truly integral role. We knew we needed help if the day was going to run smoothly but did not want to be organising family & friends so they could provide it. Having John to hand meant we could forget the logistics, and essentially leave the details around the timetable to him. He was not only reliable, but incredibly polished, and professional, adding a real touch of tradition to our day, which our guests really appreciated. John was easy to get to know, is well versed in wedding etiquette, but equally very happy to flex his approach to suit an individual couple’s situation, and preferences. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend John’s services, he really did take so much worry away, both ahead of, and during the day, allowing us to focus on really enjoying it, knowing we were in very safe hands. Highly recommended.”

Hemal and Tara, Froyle Park, Hampshire

Five years ago, I had the pleasure of serving as Toastmaster at the wedding of Anni and Dale at Heatherden Hall in Buckinghamshire. I have now had the honour of serving as Toastmaster at the wedding of her sister, Tara, to Hemal at Froyle Park in Hampshire. As guests arrived, I could see that this was going to be a colourful and jolly affair!
The afternoon started with the bharat, gharvi and milnis pre-wedding ceremony on the arrival of the bridegroom and his party. After a short break for refreshments in the Great Hall, I called the guests to the Ball Room for the Hindu wedding ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony the guests returned to Great Hall for further refreshment where they were entertained by Marsha (Bollywood violinist), Robert (magician) and David (caricaturist).
After calling the guests to tables in the Ball Room later that evening, I brought Hemal and Tara in to an enthusiastic welcome and waving of white table-napkins. They cut the wedding cake, played the koda-kodi game (with shouts of encouragement from Team Hemal and Team Tara) before I introduced the first three speeches of the evening, which were immediately followed by Tara’s dance with her father and her husband. After dinner (yes, more food) I introduced two more speeches before saying goodnight and handing over to the DJ from Ritzy Music for party time.

Dave and Dawn, Milling Barn, Buntingford

National Grey-Hair Grumpy Old Man Day, but I did smile at the wedding of Dave and Dawn at the Milling Barn wedding venue, with its combination of rustic charm and timeless elegance dating back to the 17th century. Dodging a short shower, the ceremony was held in the Oak Barn after which everyone enjoyed drinks and garden games before I called the guests to tables in the Milling Barn and brought the newlyweds in to an enthusiastic welcome and waving of white table napkins.

Dawn writes: “We first met John at a local wedding fair as he stood out with his redcoat looking very smart. We weren’t sure at first what he could do for us. On talking to John, we found him to be very knowledgeable and professional. We decided to book him, and he guided us on timings of our order of the day and speeches. John greeted our guests and helped us organised our photos, by gathering the guest we needed at the time, before calling them in for our wedding breakfast, then welcoming us into the room as newlyweds to our guests. We entered the room to receive cheers, claps, and napkin waving: what a great atmosphere it was. John introduced each of our speakers in turn and announced a toast to us. John once again organised our guest to greet us for the evening when we were ready to re-enter the room for our cake cutting and first dance. Our whole day flew by so quickly without a hitch, with John keeping an eye on the time. I would highly recommend John as we felt in safe hands knowing he was there to deal with any problems. Thanks, John, for helping us have such an amazing day.”

Alex and Louise, King’s Chapel, Old Amersham

The weather forecast for Alex and Louise’s wedding at Old Amersham was ‘thundery showers’, but with Plan B in place all went well. Following the ceremony, reception and photographs, I escorted the newlyweds to the wedding breakfast and a resounding welcome from their guests. After several great speeches and my toastmaster’s tribute, the guests retired to the garden before I called them in for the tossing of the bride’s bouquet. After introducing Alex and Louise’s first dance as husband and wife, I took my leave as the party started to swing.
Louise writes: “It was an absolute pleasure working with John to arrange the easy-going plans for our wedding day. Meeting John at a wedding fair back in 2022, we were impressed with how he presented himself & really thought his talent and skills would definitely benefit us. When booking John, everything was discussed over the phone & team’s meetings. All our questions were answered. John was amazing throughout the whole day of our wedding, from welcoming our guests, calming the groom, organising our photos with our photographers during our drinks reception to even guiding our guests to their seats for our sit-down meal. John blessed us with his toastmaster’s tribute, which we thought was lovely.
We highly recommend John for your wedding! Not only did he take the pressure of us by organising everything & making sure everything run smoothly he made everyone welcome. An absolute pleasure to have at our wedding. We can’t thank him enough. “

Charles and Andrea, The Priory, Little Wymondley

Having just returned from holiday in Greece, I was looking forward to the wedding of Charles and his Greek bride, Andrea, at The Priory in Little Wymondley, an impressive rustic venue with magnificent views across the Hertfordshire countryside and affording a stunning backdrop for photographs. I was delighted  to be part of Charles and Andrea’s wedding day, and to offer the Toastmaster’s tribute to the newlyweds – συγχαρητήρια και στους δύο.
Charles writes: “Wow! Our wedding day was made even more incredible by the amazing Master of Ceremonies we had the pleasure of working with. From start to finish, John was an absolute delight and made sure every moment was filled with joy and excitement. His creativity and attention to detail were truly impressive. John worked closely with us to understand our vision for the day, and then brought it to life in the most magical way. John’s ability to seamlessly transition between different parts of the ceremony kept everything flowing smoothly, and his energetic and friendly personality had everyone engaged and entertained throughout.
Not only did John have a firm grasp on the schedule and timeline, but he also effortlessly adapted to any unexpected situations that arose. His quick thinking and problem-solving skills were truly commendable, making us feel at ease knowing that everything was under control. John’s announcements and introductions were flawless, and he had a knack for keeping the energy high. Beyond John’s professional skills, he was an absolute pleasure to work with. He exuded warmth and kindness, making everyone feel like they were part of the celebration. His friendly nature and genuine enthusiasm made a lasting impression on us and our guests.
We cannot recommend our Master of Ceremonies enough – He has an exceptional talent who truly goes above and beyond to make your wedding day an extraordinary experience. John’s dedication, creativity, and friendly demeanour makes him a standout choice for anyone looking for a Master of Ceremonies who will make their wedding day truly unforgettable.
Thank you so much for being a part of our special day and making it so incredible!”

Carl & Natascha, Hyde House, Stow-on-the-Wold

I was at Hyde House in the Cotswold village of Stow-on-the-Wold for the wedding of a delightful couple, Carl and Natascha, witnessed by 120 guests in the Grange. Glorious sunshine and stunning views across the Gloucestershire countryside provided an impressive backdrop for the reception and photographs.
The Barn was arranged in banqueting style with top table and sprigs for the wedding breakfast. After calling guests to table, I escorted the bride and bridegroom to their seats to an enthusiastic welcome.
After the speeches and meal, the wedding party and their guests retired to the garden where our bride tossed her bouquet to the single ladies. On returning to the Barn, Carl and Natascha then cut their wedding cake before I introduced their first dance as husband and wife to Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody”.
Carl writes: “Natascha and I were lucky to have someone as experienced as John be around us on our big day. John made sure the day ran to our plan, and without any stress or drama. The prep work John does prior to the main event really gave us the confidence that our day was going to be the day we had planned it to be. Brilliant coordination and communication on the lead up, and on the day. We would highly recommend John!”

Ty & Lolly, Swynford Manor, Cambridgeshire

Swynford Manor in Cambridgeshire, a great venue and a great team for the wedding of a wonderful couple Ty & Lolly, the brand-new Mr & Mrs Reed. During the reception and group photographs, the guests were entertained by a delightful singer and an amazing magician before I called them to tables for the wedding breakfast and the formal entry of the bride and bridegroom to an enthusiastic welcome. A short break followed the Toastmaster’s tribute, speeches and toasts. On the guests return for the cake cutting ceremony, the evening kicked off with Ty & Lolly’s first dance as husband and wife to “Let’s Stay Together”.

John Ashmele FGPT
Fellow of the Guild of Professional Toastmasters
Graduate of the Professional Toastmasters’ Academy
m: 07710 400412 e: john@ashmele.co.uk