HARRY LOMAS
Toastmaster and
Master of Ceremonies
offering that certain touch of elegance
to any occasion
Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies offering that certain touch of elegance to any occasion.
When the need arises and the situation calls for procedure, etiquette and discreet protocol I would be delighted to offer my professional services as a Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies.
The friendly formality of a red-coated Toastmaster can make all the difference to your wedding reception, whether it takes the form of a sit-down meal or a buffet and whether it’s held in a banqueting suite, hotel, marquee or a local hall, the presence of a Toastmaster ensures that the wedding party is relieved of any worry about who does what, or what happens next?
Trained in the art of caring there really is no better person in whom to put your trust to ensure your special day not only runs smoothly but has a certain flare and panache. I liaise with all those involved to co-ordinate the event leaving the you free to relax and enjoy your “special occasion” from the moment you arrive at the reception, knowing that someone is present who will guide you and look after your interests in a friendly manner all through the reception.
The Toastmaster is the quintessential British element to formal functions, without whom such functions can degenerate into unsuccessful, forgettable events. Every one of these functions has rules of protocol and the time-honoured procedures and etiquette associated with it. The responsibility of employing them falls on the shoulders of the trained Professional Toastmaster.
Based in Hertfordshire, my Toastmaster duties often require me to work in other areas of the South East and London. My presence and friendly style will add a touch of dignity to any occasion, whether it be formal or informal.
The duties of a Toastmaster vary according to the occasion. However, “weddings” are in the main informal, but still require much organisation and planning to ensure that the reception runs smoothly, thereby enabling you the happy couple, the wedding party and families to relax and enjoy your special occasion, knowing that you are in the capable hands of a professional Toastmaster.
- I will arrive in ample time at the venue and carry out preliminary checks.
- Co-ordinate and liaise with the staff and management of the Reception venue.
- Liaise with photographer / Videographer and assist during the photographic session.
- Receive and direct your guests
- Receive and escort the happy couple on arrival.
- Make your guests welcome and assist with any queries.
- Organise the receiving line and make the necessary announcements.
- Announce the grand entrance of the happy couple, escort them to their places.
- Say Grace before meals or introduce a guest to do so (if required).
- Assist with the distribution of gifts.
- Co-ordination of the speeches.
- Formally close the wedding breakfast and escort the happy couple from the room.
- Prepare and make necessary announcements after festivities.
- Announce the cutting of the wedding cake and the first dance.
- Announce any formal toasts and speeches or special presentations.
- Be on hand to deal with any small incidents, emergencies or problems which may occur with the objective of leaving you all free to enjoy your day the way it should be.
I would be pleased to work as your Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies at the following events:
- Wedding Receptions
- Corporate Hospitality and Functions
- Charity Events
- Civic Functions
- Product Launches
- Wedding Ceremonies
- Civil Partnerships
- Celebrant Services
- Masonic Ladies Festivals
- Ladies Nights
- Rotary Functions
- Round Table Functions
- Lions Events
I would be pleased to work as your Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies at the following events:
- Wedding Receptions
- Corporate Hospitality and Functions
- Charity Events
- Civic Functions
- Product Launches
- Wedding Ceremonies
- Civil Partnerships
- Celebrant Services
- Masonic Ladies Festivals
- Ladies Nights
- Rotary Functions
- Round Table Functions
- Lions Events
Questions & Answers
Why Choose Harry?
Couples that hire me appreciate the value of having a professional who can guide them through the process of creating a wedding ceremony, running a rehearsal, and putting their families and other guests at ease. Couples who hire me respect that the ceremony is the most important aspect of the wedding, and lavish appropriate attention on it.
WHY DO THEY WEAR A RED COAT?
The red coat that we wear is called ‘Pink’ This is probably from the renowned tailor who designed it originally for hunting, whose name was ‘Thomas Pink’.
Hunting was not allowed within the boundary walls of London and so Toastmasters do not wear the familiar red jacket when working within the city of London preferring to wear the black tail coat instead.
What is The Wedding Rhyme?
Something Old
Something New
Something Borrowed
Something Blue
Actually, has a fifth line ‘and a silver sixpence for her shoe’ Sixpences (2.5p) for us old enough to remember were originally made of solid silver. They would be presented to the bride by the Lord of the manor as a dowry gift. The bride would place the coin in her left shoe to symbolise wealth both monetarily and wealth in happiness. Eventually, the tradition died out and the last line of the traditional poem was lost to obscurity.
The silver sixpence soldiered on but became increasingly rare as it slowly became worth more melted down than its actual face value. In 1920 the silver content of a sixpence was reduced by 50% being an alloy of silver and cupronickel. Then in 1947 all silver content was removed with the lowly coin now being made up entirely of cupronickel which is an alloy of Copper and Nickel. The sixpence however has always been and continues to be a symbol of good luck, perhaps due to the fact that if you happened across a silver one in your change you were richer than you thought! The tradition of handing the bride a sixpence to hide in her shoe is gradually coming back into favour and who knows maybe the last line of the poem will see a revival as well.
Why is it called ‘A Toast’?
This may originate from Roman times when a piece of toast or burnt bread was added to a glass of wine to reduce its acidity and thus sweeten its taste. Slightly more sinister is the act of ‘chinking’ glasses as we toast. Again, in Roman times one of the easiest methods of removing one’s enemies was to poison them, normally by adding the poison to sweetened wine. The act of knocking wine glasses together would allow some wine to spill over into the other person’s glass thus proving that the wine was not poisoned.
What is The Wedding Rhyme?
Something Old
Something New
Something Borrowed
Something Blue
Actually, has a fifth line ‘and a silver sixpence for her shoe’ Sixpences (2.5p) for us old enough to remember were originally made of solid silver. They would be presented to the bride by the Lord of the manor as a dowry gift. The bride would place the coin in her left shoe to symbolise wealth both monetarily and wealth in happiness. Eventually, the tradition died out and the last line of the traditional poem was lost to obscurity.
The silver sixpence soldiered on but became increasingly rare as it slowly became worth more melted down than its actual face value. In 1920 the silver content of a sixpence was reduced by 50% being an alloy of silver and cupronickel. Then in 1947 all silver content was removed with the lowly coin now being made up entirely of cupronickel which is an alloy of Copper and Nickel. The sixpence however has always been and continues to be a symbol of good luck, perhaps due to the fact that if you happened across a silver one in your change you were richer than you thought! The tradition of handing the bride a sixpence to hide in her shoe is gradually coming back into favour and who knows maybe the last line of the poem will see a revival as well.
Why is it called ‘A Toast’?
This may originate from Roman times when a piece of toast or burnt bread was added to a glass of wine to reduce its acidity and thus sweeten its taste. Slightly more sinister is the act of ‘chinking’ glasses as we toast. Again, in Roman times one of the easiest methods of removing one’s enemies was to poison them, normally by adding the poison to sweetened wine. The act of knocking wine glasses together would allow some wine to spill over into the other person’s glass thus proving that the wine was not poisoned.
What are your Prices for bespoke a Ceremony?
My professional Celebrant prices are below as each and every ceremony or Event is unique and will require different elements to bring it together but below are my starting prices and increase in proportion to the amount of planning and writing time required to meet your needs whilst taking into consideration time at the event and Travel.
Toastmaster & Master of Ceremonies from £350
If you prefer, send me an email to [email protected] or you can always phone 07545351242 I look forward to hearing all about your plans.
What you said!
Made our Day!
Harry is a lovey and endearing person, so full of life and a sense of humour .
He has a big personality and you can’t help but love him!
He went out of his way to make sure that your celebration is the best it can be!
Nothing is too much trouble for him.
Book him, you won’t regret it!
Ron and Barbra
Thank You again
Just wanted to touch base with you as we begin to come down off cloud nine
We cannot thank you enough for the part you played in our wedding last weekend. So many of our guests believed you to be a close personal friend of ours, testimony to the personal and individual beauty of the ceremony.
It was an absolute pleasure to have met you and maybe one day our paths will cross again.
Tour Guide included
Harry was unbelievable on the day. he looked after our Guests with an added unexpected tour of the church and tower. We had an extremely tight schedule and his precision with the timings were second to none. He gave us absolutely everything to ensure our day went smoothly and we honestly could not have done it without him. His time keeping, enthusiasm and knowledge of our wedding ceremonies helped greatly- thank you so much Harry!
Harry was absolutely amazing, witty, professional, always there giving those extra touches. He made our day very special, would definitely recommend his services!! A master of ceremonies is a must for any bride and grooms big, special day! Harry made our day less stressful! Was always there in our arrangements, very helpful good price!! Good luck Harry in future weddings!!