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A Master of Ceremonies (MC) or toastmaster usually presents performers, speaks to the guests and generally keeps an event moving. They take the worry and strain away from the hosts so that the families and guests can relax and enjoy themselves.

Here’s what they do:

They greet the bride and groom on their arrival to the wedding reception. Direct guests to all the facilities available at the wedding venue. Assist the photographer and the videographer in gathering members of the bridal party for family portraits. When all the guests are seated they will announce the entrance of the bride and groom.

After the meal they will introduce grace, sheva braches and the cutting of the cake. They will announce the speeches ensuring that the photographer and videographer are ready to capture the action.

And they will wind the function down gracefully at the end of the evening. As a photographer I have attended many functions with and without a toastmaster. Those without are often shambolic with guests often taking 30 minutes to go in for dinner, planned timings for the event going out of the window leaving no time for dancing at the end, and speeches announced without some members of the wedding party even being in the room. Some families are reluctant to hire a toastmaster because they don’t want all the pomp and ceremony of a man in a red jacket. Remember that the toast master can wear black tails, a dinner suit or whatever you think will blend in at your function. Also there are lady MC’s who cast their own charm and glamour on proceedings.

A master of ceremonies can make or break a wedding reception. They each have different personalities and styles, so take the opportunity to meet them and see if their manner fits in with your event.

Hayley Lehmann a Licentiate of BIPP since 2001, a Professional Wedding Photographer and Bar Mitzvah Photography.

If you’ve decided on your dress, now comes the really difficult bit, the quest for the right shoes. When you are shopping, try on as many pairs of shoes as possible and go with the most comfortable.

Try them on at the end of the day when your feet may be tired or swollen. Make sure you select something you can walk and dance easily in, and will hold your foot in place. You’ll be on your feet most of the day and there’s nothing guaranteed to ruin that serene smile in your photos more than aching feet! The heel height of your wedding shoes is of utmost importance. Your dress will be fitted to accommodate the height of your bridal shoes, and if you’re not comfortable in really high heels, your wedding may not be the best time to try them out. 

If you want a bit of added height to match your groom, but aren’t used to stilettos, you can consider platform heels, or lower kitten heels. And, of course, flat, satin ballet slippers make beautiful bridal shoes. Matching the style of your dress If you’ve chosen a traditional bridal dress, opt for classic shoes with a lowish heel. As your dress is reaching the floor, you won’t see much of the shoes so it’s important that the bits that are visible complement it. If you are buying a couture gown, designers like Johanna Hehir offer a range of shoes, viels & accessories to complete the outfit.

Summer weddings

If you are planning a celebration in the summer months, you will be spoilt for choice. You may even be tempted by glamorous silver or gold evening shoes or jeweled sandals. Winter weddings A wedding during the winter months, can bring its own problems. You don’t want to wreck your elegant shoes in the snow or rain and sandals are a no-no. Some brides buy two pairs of shoes just in case one gets ruined.

Winter weddings

A wedding during the winter months, can bring its own problems. You don’t want to wreck your elegant shoes in the snow or rain and sandals are a no-no. Some brides buy two pairs of shoes just in case one gets ruined.

Hayley Lehmann a Licentiate of BIPP since 2001, a Professional Wedding Photographer and Bar Mitzvah Photography.

If you want a traditional sit-down wedding you will need to find a venue with a function room that is large enough to accommodate all your guests. A buffet-style reception can be held in a smaller room or series of linked rooms but this kind of event is unusual for the kind of weddings that Hayley Lehmann photographs.

If you’re having a religious wedding, the general rule is that your venue should be no more than 20 minutes’ drive from the church/synagogue, so that your guests don’t have too far to travel between the two. The same rule applies if you’re having a civil ceremony in a register office.

If you’re having a religious wedding, the general rule is that your venue should be no more than 20 minutes’ drive from the church/synagogue, so that your guests don’t have too far to travel between the two. The same rule applies if you’re having a civil ceremony in a register office.

If you’re having a religious wedding, the general rule is that your venue should be no more than 20 minutes’ drive from the church/synagogue, so that your guests don’t have too far to travel between the two. The same rule applies if you’re having a civil ceremony in a register office.

These are just some of the venues that recommend the services of Hayley Lehmann Photography; Avenue which is a very new and wonderful Venue at Holiday Inn Express Golders Green North. Say that Hayley Lehmann suggested you take a look! Suitable for weddings or bar mitzvahs.

Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel
The Landmark Hotel
The Park Plaza Riverbank

As you look around the various rooms that are available to hire, think about the number of guests you are inviting. If you are hosting a small reception, you need a room that creates an intimate atmosphere. An overly large room, however impressive, will feel as though half your guests haven’t turned up.

Be guided by the banqueting manager as to the number of guests that can be accommodated comfortably in your venue. There is nothing worse than tables being jam packed in and guests being knocked and bumped around in their seats as waiting staff struggle to get through tight spaces. An empty ballroom will always look much bigger than it really is by the time there is a stage for the band, dance floor and beautifully laid tables.

You may need the following rooms:
1. Ceremony
2. Drinks reception
3. A space for family photos
4. Dinner and dancing

Many couples already have a firm picture of how their ideal wedding venue will look, so you need to make sure the setting – and the staff – are capable of working with you to fulfill your dream. As you view each potential venue, try to imagine your color scheme. A room with little decoration will provide an exciting challenge for imaginative, but often expensive, decoration whereas a beautifully decorated venue may stretch your budget but will need little extra adornment or lighting.

If the venue is spread over several floors, please consider stairs and access for the elderly or disabled. And will you have exclusive use of the venue?
Most hotels and function rooms offer a variety of catering packages from a formal sit-down meal to a buffet, often with a specified amount of drinks included. The price per head should include the food & drink, and hire of tables, chairs, linen and staff. Alternatively, you may just hire the venue and bring in your own caterers. Some venues prefer you to use their recommended suppliers and may charge you for bringing in someone else. You’ll also be charged a corkage fee if you want to supply your own wine and champagne. Make sure you know exactly what’s included as the extras can quickly add up.

Expect to pay a deposit at the time of booking with the balance due a few weeks before the wedding day once final numbers have been confirmed. Now sit back, and start thinking about the menu and seating plan, and remember that on the big day to relax and enjoy yourself leaving all the details to the professionals employed to look after you!

Hayley Lehmann is a Wedding Photographer Professional Wedding Photographer and School Photography.