The Cavalryman Toastmaster
‘Leave it to the Cavalryman Toastmaster for your perfect day’
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The Cavalryman Toastmaster
My name is Des O’Connor and I’m a fully trained Fellow of the Guild of International Professional Toastmasters. The secret to any successful occasion is in the planning and this holds true for your event. Having spent a 36 year distinguished career in a fine cavalry regiment in the British Army, I understand in getting it ‘right’ My military service has taught me the importance of planning and preparation before any event, so it all runs smoothly and in a professional manner. Organising formal dinners to delivering for a Royal visit, I always give 110%. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event or a society occasion, I ‘think to the finish’, ensuring every fine detail is covered. As your dedicated toastmaster or MC, I’ll provide an unforgettable and professional service that takes any pressure away from you. You can rely on me to deal with any problems, should they arise, working with the venue staff and other professionals to deliver an amazing experience as promised, leaving you and your guests to enjoy the day.
My friendly, calm and personable approach makes me a good choice for your event. I reside in North Yorkshire but will travel anywhere in the country and abroad to make your day a memory that will last a lifetime.
Duties of the Wedding Toastmaster:
- Before the arrival of the guests, liaise with the banqueting manager about the format of the day.
- Meet & greet your guests for the day, then meet the evening guests.
- Greet the bride and bridegroom on their arrival and ensure their needs are catered for.
- Organise the receiving line (if required)
- Announce the entrance of the bride and bridegroom.
- Announce, or say, Grace as required.
- Conduct the toasts, Introduce the speakers.
- Assist with handing out bouquets and presents to the mothers and bridesmaids.
- Arrange the departure of the Bride & Bridegroom from the table and advise guests of subsequent arrangements.
- Announce cutting of the wedding cake with a ceremonial cavalry sword
- Perform the sabrage ceremony (if requested)
- Announcing of the first dance
Wedding Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies
Your wedding day is one of the most important moments of your life, and having a dedicated wedding toastmaster can ensure everything runs smoothly, so you can focus on celebrating with loved ones. A toastmaster trained by the Guild of international professional Toastmasters brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and poise to your event, guiding proceedings seamlessly from the ceremony to the reception. I am skilled in handling every detail, from welcoming guests and coordinating with suppliers to announcing the speeches and leading the toasts. With me overseeing your big day, you can relax, knowing that the timings, etiquette, and flow of events are in expert hands. Whether it’s a grand affair or a more intimate gathering, I will create a polished, memorable experience for you and your guests, allowing you to savour every special moment.
THE TOASTMASTERS RED COAT!!
The history of the red coat is uncertain, but it is widely believed that the first Toastmaster to don a scarlet jacket was a Mr William Knightsmith, who worked in London from around 1895 until his death around 1932.
Reputedly, he was becoming increasingly incensed at being addressed as a waiter by the assembled companies that he was attending to. His wife suggested that he change the colour of his jacket to make him stand out.
In that same year he first wore his new scarlet coat, much to the amusement of other Toastmasters, who saw to ridicule him and thought it a joke.
Later seen by the then Prince of Wales ( later King Edward the Seventh), he led applause and approved of the colour (the ‘hunting pink’ coat) that virtually within a year, all Toastmasters in London were wearing the ‘red coat’.
The red coat is not allowed to be worn at a ‘City Of London ‘ function. On these occasions the Toastmaster is required to wear a black tailcoat with a full evening dress and a red and white City of London Sash over the right shoulder. A version of this would have traditionally been worn by all Toastmasters or Announcers prior to the arrival of Mr Knightsmith.
William Knightsmith’s most notable job was to be the Master Of Ceremonies at the 1908 London Olympics!!
