A master of ceremonies or toastmaster is the icing on the cake for any wedding, civil ceremony or formal function. Dressed in ceremonial clothes, most noticeably a red tail coat, the toastmaster adds to the pomp and splendour of any wedding and brings with him experience of dealing with formal occasions, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the wedding reception. What is a toastmaster? The toastmaster discreetly goes about his duties and provides confidence and a calming influence on the bridal party. He is also an expert on wedding etiquette and protocol which ensures that the members of the bridal party, who have roles to fulfil during the reception, do so in the right order and without embarrassment. As well as time keeping, the toastmaster can introduce guests to their hosts at the start of the receiving line, announce meals, speeches, toasts and cake cutting. They will also help guests to find their seats for the wedding breakfast. Ken is also a specialist in civil ceremonies and can tailor his service to meet any particular preferences you may have. Having someone with responsibility for these elements of the reception will ensure that the event runs smoothly, eliminating pauses where the bridal party and guests aren't sure what's happening or what to do next. Make sure your wedding reception runs to time and plan. Talk to Toastmaster Ken Chaproniere today about including a master of ceremonies in your wedding package. Why not add something really special to Your Wedding Reception – Something spectacular! Sabrage - opening a bottle of champagne with a sabre – is a time honoured art and tradition started by Cavalry officers in Napoleon’s army. Sabrage is a great way to start any party particularly a wedding reception. The tradition goes particularly well at the moment before the cutting of the wedding cake by the bride and groom. The master of ceremonies calls for silence whilst the bride and groom Sabrage a bottle of champagne. (The secret is to hit the champagne cork with the sabre at the correct angle and with the right degree of force in order to send the cork spectacularly flying through the air. Ken Chaproniere is a Chevalier Maitre-Sabreur of the order of the Golden Sabre – Le Confrérie de Sabre d’Or – and he will make sure that all goes well and guide the bride and groom through the simple and straightforward process) Once the bottle is opened, the champagne is poured while the sabre can be used to make the initial cut into the wedding cake while the happy couple make their wish together. (This provides an excellent and unusual photograph opportunity) Each guest is then presented with a glass of champagne in readiness for the conclusion of the speeches and the toast to the bride and groom, which is traditionally offered by the bride's father. Sabrage is a rare skill, so why not talk to Ken Chaproniere today about introducing this exciting element into your wedding breakfast. Tel: 0845 270 1437