The Man in the Red Coat - Toastmaster James Hasler

Information For The Man in the Red Coat - Toastmaster James Hasler

To allow everybody at a wedding to relax and enjoy the day to the max in the knowledge that nothing is going to be missed as "The Man in the Red Coat" will let them know!

Most weddings are months and sometimes even years in the planning, but on the day itself, you want to be able to relax and enjoy it without having to think about everything that is going to happen.

That is where I come in.

As a professional toastmaster and master of ceremonies, most people think that I am there only to make a few announcements. Well, that is one of the more obvious things a professional toastmaster does at a wedding, but it is actually only the tip of the iceberg.

My role (and this does not apply to all toastmasters) is to take your planning and carry it out on the day. I am not a planner, even though my advice and experience can be invaluable at the planning stage, I am the carry outer!

If you have a planner, then I work very closely with them on the day to ensure the smooth running of everything. I allow them to concentrate on what they do best without the distraction of the people.

If you do not have a planner, then I become the central link between all the other suppliers, like caterers and photographers, keeping them informed, as well as you and your guests about what is going on and where we are with the schedule at any one time.

This means that all your suppliers can get on with doing what they do best in the knowledge that they do not need to worry about the guests and that someone will check in with them as to whether they are ready to go with their part of the event. Likewise, it means that all of your guests can relax in the knowledge that someone will let them know what is going to happen and that as such they will not miss anything either. Finally, it allows you the couple, to completely relax in the knowledge that you can do what you like, whether it is going and taking lovely couples photos, or chatting to your mates, in the knowledge that The Man in the Red Coat will come and let you know what is up next.

Therefore, once the day has started and you have made it to first base, you can forget the time and the schedule knowing that is my concern and no longer yours and as such you should be able to chill out and really enjoy the day as one of the best and most memorable for all the right reasons in your lives.

If you then add to that, the extra advice I can give you at the planning stage, the guidance notes for all who have to speak, the extra notices I give out to make sure that everybody fills in the guest book or goes through the photobooth, or whatever else you want all to do and all announcements are given clearly and with some style, then your day becomes that bit more magical.

During the day you can expect to see and hear from me only when you need to, as most of the time I am running around in the background checking that all is well and ready. All my announcements are delivered with a smile to put everybody at ease and invariably most of your guests will know in advance of any announcement I make because I will have been circulating among them giving them a “heads up” as to what is coming next. (Not giving away any surprises though!) This means less shouting.

I enjoy doing what I do and as such those around me always have a great time at a wedding. (There is nothing worse than a miserable and “shouty” toastmaster!!) My style is collaborative and therefore designed not to antagonise other suppliers and my ethos is to give my clients the best day they can have and if that means I have to roll my sleeves up and muck in to help out another supplier, then that is what I will do to make sure the day runs well.

Weddings do not always run exactly to plan and one of my strengths is that I react well when the unexpected happens. I clearly play to my strengths as I am not the most organised person as I suffer from a form of ADHD, which has been diagnosed late in life and is one reason I am not a wedding planner. However, in unexpected circumstances, this condition acts as a benefit because my brain is already tuned into the random!

So remember, once the day has begun, forget the time and schedule and allow me to take you, your family and your friends through all that you have planned. If something does go wrong, you might notice it yourself as not being exactly as you planned it, but remember, only you and I know what was meant to happen anyway. Invariably everything that you have planned will take place, but sometimes last-minute juggling may be required, and I will do that for you without you having to think your own way around the problem. This all leads to a much less stressful day than it might be otherwise.

I am often asked what is my USP - why would you choose The Man in the Red Coat over other toastmasters?
• Many peers only do events their way. I remember it is not about me, but about what you want. Therefore, I tailor make my delivery to fit the style of the couples’ choice, whether they wish the very formal or as more often is the case at a wedding, formally informal.
• I am by no means the youngest in this role anymore but I have a very young attitude and always join in wherever appropriate.
• I am called The Man in the Red Coat, but I am happy to be dressed as you wish within reason, and although that might make me more of an MC, the level of service would remain the same.

I do on average (pre-Covid) 40 weddings a year and have massive experience at not only running a traditional English-style wedding but also all of the following;
Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, African, Afro-Caribbean, Greek, Chinese and Russian.

I am also equally at home in a large tent, barn or back garden, as I am in a West end Hotel or a building like the Natural History Museum.

As I mentioned I love this job and have had the pleasure of running Weddings all over the world, including Spain, Paris and the three Vs – Venice, Vienna and (Las) Vegas.

Therefore, if you want a brilliant wedding day, that is carefree and fun, where everybody knows their part, then give me a call and let me know your plans. I would love to explore how I can make a difference to your day.

Finally here are two quotes both given to me by two different Fathers' of the Bride.

1. "The children said that they wanted a toastmaster and I said, what do you want one of them for?

But I so get it now. It was the best-invested money, you made everything so easy and kept it all moving to make everything really relaxed. Thank you so much, you have really made their, and if truth be told my day, too. Thank you, thank you"

2. "Thank you so much for making the day run so smoothly and in particular the way you carried on driving the schedule forward, so that we got all that we planned in the time we had hoped for.

Not only were you great value, but you got us all the value out of all our other suppliers too. I am sure that if we had been left to our own devices the three hours that we had for dancing and partying at the end of the evening would have been reduced to about 30 minutes if we were lucky! So a massive thank you and be assured we will be in touch again to use your services at the next family wedding."

The Man in the Red Coat - Toastmaster James Hasler at a Glance

Price Range

450 - 950

Vastly experienced in many different types of wedding Tall, commanding, with a good sense of humour and with the adaptability to do it your way. A fellow of the Guild of International Professional Toastmasters, which means he is not only trained but has not only his, but also the guilds reputation to think when working. He takes pride in doing things correctly, but adapts his delivery to suit the occasion. He spent his formative years in customer service and so he knows how to work with people from all walks of life and to make sure their needs are met whenever possible. He is also a trained actor, so knows how to tailor his delivery specifically to your needs.

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7 Stanstead Grove, London, Greater London, SE6 4UD