Denise Ward is a St Albans, Hertfordshire based celebrant and toastmaster who officiates at weddings all round the UK. Today she shares with the readers of Bride of Colour a little about being a toastmaster and what that job entails.

Welcome Denise, what benefits do a bride and a groom get by hiring a Toastmaster?
I love to meet a Bride and Groom for their free initial consultation knowing I may share in their wedding day and have a chance to make it exceptional for them.

As an ex actress, I see the bride and groom as the stars in an extravaganza: the costume, and props are important and they could benefit from a director on the day to ensure that it all goes according to plan. That is where I come in.

What is the typical uniform for a Toastmaster?
I report on the day in my Hunting Pink Tailcoat, white gloves and my Executive Toastmasters Guild Jewel adding splendour and flair to occasion. I will have worked previously with the bridal party and the venue to deliver a precision timed plan. The bridal party can then can sit back and enjoy the day and the champagne knowing I will keep my head and help with any unforeseen issues.

Tell us a bit about you being also a Celebrant. What’s that exactly?
If the couple wish to have their wedding ceremony and say their vows at a venue of their choice, I can do this as a Celebrant. This is usually after the legal registration of marriage is performed at a Registry Office. I can be booked for both or either role.

What if the wedding venue provides one of their staff to announce the bride and groom to their recption? Do you still need a toastmaster?
Many people think that they do not need a Toastmaster, as the venue provides one. In some cases this can be adequate. However, as someone who is employed solely to look after the bridal party and not cook, or take care of the kitchen and other parties, you can be assured that when you book me, I have your best interests on the day.

So what attracted you to becoming a Toastmaster?
Becoming a mother in my late 30s made me refocus on what I would like to do. After spending two years working at a civic venue where weddings and cultural events made up a lot of the revenue I decided that I would train as a Toastmaster and Celebrant. It is still a helping and theatrical role, especially if it is weddings!

I find the job very rewarding, I am member of The Executive Guild of Toastmasters and attend Wedding Fairs and do some Charity work too.

Did you find it hard to break into the career of being a Toastmaster?
Most of the Toastmasters and Celebrants are white and male, however this had not been an issue for me. The sector and the work are open to anyone who feels they have something to offer. Indeed, it is all down to the rapport one builds with the client.

What does a Toastmaster do when they are not toastmastering?
Much of my time is spent on marketing and business networking. The work is mainly at weekends and this leaves me time to concentrate on administration and family matters.

A big thank you to Denise to agreeing to be interviewed by Bride of Colour. Denise can be contacted via her website – http://www.glovesandgavel.com or Facebook.