When I launched my Toastmaster career, I was often advised by my more experienced peers never to suggest in advertising what your rates might be. Far too many variables was the argument, leading to the risk of a “But you quoted £x!” when discussing a huge and time-consuming event, not a standard day.

Since that time, however, I’ve talked to numerous clients and potential clients, often at wedding fairs. Here’s how the conversation often goes…

Me:      “Have you seen a Toastmaster at an event before?”

Client:   “Er… no. What do you do?”

A succinct, informative and entertaining description then follows.

Client:   “Ah, interesting. So, what do you cost?”

(most couples have a pretty good idea of the scale of charges for most wedding providers, but few have friends or family who’ve used Toastmasters, so they have no experience to draw upon).

It’s at this point I can see the wedding-planning cogs whirring. A conflict between wanting the best of everything for the day and a rapidly-dwindling budget (especially if they’ve just chatted to the florist or cake maker!).

“Actually”, I say “my fee for managing your wedding, from before anyone arrives through to first dance, is going to be only around £400, maybe some travel costs” (there, I’ve done it – elephant addressed).

Okay, that fee is for the most common form of wedding and longer events would need pricing accordingly. But it’s a good guide, I feel.

And, when they compare that amount with the overall spend, I’d like to think their mindset shifts from “can we afford to have this bloke? to “for that amount, can we afford not to have this bloke?”

In other words, if you are spending significant sums on every part your special day, doesn’t it make sense to spend a little more on someone who will make sure all of those parts are delivered just as you wanted?