The Mc's Wedding Speech: To Speak Or Not?

A wedding MC, or master of ceremonies, is the host of a wedding reception. They are responsible for making a speech, introducing the bridal party and wedding couple, and presenting speakers. The MC sets the mood for the reception and ensures the day's agenda runs on time. They also communicate with wedding vendors and perform various other tasks to ensure the reception runs smoothly.

The role of the MC

The MC is often the first person that guests hear from once they are seated at the reception. They will usually begin by making any necessary housekeeping announcements, such as pointing out the location of the bathrooms and any safety information. They may also give a brief introduction of themselves and explain their relationship to the couple.

One of the key duties of the MC is to introduce the wedding party and the couple. They will ensure that the bridal party is lined up in the correct order and that everyone is ready to enter the reception area. The MC will then ask the guests to stand and cheer for each couple as they are announced, with the loudest applause reserved for the newlyweds.

Throughout the reception, the MC will invite guests who are making speeches, ensuring that key people such as the photographer and videographer are present. The MC may also be involved in other formalities such as announcing the cake-cutting, the first dance, and any games or activities. They will facilitate the flow of the evening, providing a smooth transition between different parts of the reception.

A well-prepared MC will have a detailed understanding of the wedding schedule, including a timeline of events and a list of key people. They will also be familiar with the couple's expectations, such as the desired vibe of the event and any stories that are off-limits. It is important for the MC to be confident, calm, and organised, with the ability to read the room and solve any unexpected problems.

While some couples opt for a professional MC, others may choose a family member or close friend for a more personal touch. Regardless of who takes on the role, the MC plays a crucial part in ensuring the wedding reception runs smoothly and creates lasting memories for the couple and their guests.

MC duties

The Master of Ceremonies, or MC, is the host of the wedding reception. They are responsible for speaking to the guests, presenting speakers, and keeping the event moving along. They are often the first person that guests hear from once they are seated at their tables. The MC sets the mood for the reception and ensures the couple and their guests feel relaxed and supported.

Before the Wedding

• Communicate with the couple to understand their expectations for the day.
• Ask the couple if they want an open mic and, if so, work with them to set ground rules.
• Find out how the couple wants to be introduced to their guests.
• Get a copy of the final run sheet for the day.
• Familiarise yourself with the wedding day schedule, venue requirements, and the names of the wedding party and vendors.
• Prepare a timeline of what needs to happen when.

On the Day

• Test the microphone and get comfortable with how it works.
• Check in with the speakers to see if they are ready and how they would like to be introduced.
• Make sure the couple is in the room before you call any formalities.
• Ensure key people, such as the photographer and videographer, are present for the speeches.
• Keep things short and sweet.

During the Reception

• Make a speech about the couple, including how you know them.
• Introduce the wedding party and the couple.
• Invite guests who are making a speech.
• Announce housekeeping matters, such as the location of the bathrooms and any smoking or dance floor rules.
• Announce key moments such as the cake cutting, first dance, and farewell circle.
• Present the first speaker and provide closure after each speech, hinting at what's coming next.
• Keep the event flowing and ensure everything is running on time.

MC preparation

A wedding MC, or emcee, is the master of ceremonies for the reception. They are the host and the first person that guests hear from once they are seated at their tables. The MC is responsible for presenting speakers and keeping the event moving along. They set the mood for the reception and ensure the agenda for the day runs on time.

How to Prepare

• Get a copy of the final runsheet ahead of the day. This will help you understand the schedule of events and your duties.
• Find out what microphone you will be using and spend time familiarising yourself with it.
• If there is any housekeeping to be done, make a few notes. This will give you something to say when you introduce yourself.
• Before the bridal party enters the room, check that they are ready and standing in the correct order.
• If you are introducing people, ensure you know how to pronounce their names.
• Keep things short and sweet.
• If you are drinking, minimise the number of drinks you have before your duties.
• Check in with the person you are about to introduce and ask if they are ready and how they would like to be introduced.
• If you know the speaker, share something personal about how you know them.
• Survey the room before introducing a speaker to ensure all the important people are there.
• If you are making a speech, prepare in advance and practice.
• Keep your speech under 5 minutes.
• Ensure your speech is sincere and comes from the heart.

What to Include in Your Speech

• A funny anecdote or story about the couple.
• A touching story about the proposal or when they fell in love.
• A meaningful quote about relationships, love, or marriage.
• A lighthearted wedding or marriage-related joke.
• Personalised stories and anecdotes that offer insight into the couple's relationship and personalities.
• Significant memories like vacations, holidays, and milestones in their relationship.
• Sprinkle in intimate details like their favourite foods, TV shows, and hobbies.
• Give a heartfelt toast, wishing the couple happiness and love.
• Thank the guests for coming and the couple for inviting you.

What Not to Do

• Trying to be the funny man. Remember, this is a wedding celebration, not a comedy gig.
• Inside jokes or roasting the couple too much.
• Risqué topics, politics, or religion.
• Speaking for too long.
• Forgetting to check that the couple is in the room before calling for a formality.

Speech structure

The role of the MC is to act as the ''host' of the wedding reception, creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for the couple and their guests. The MC is responsible for making sure the day's agenda runs on time and keeping guests informed of what's happening and when.

Before the Speech

Before the wedding, the MC should be sure to get a final copy of the 'run sheet' or schedule, and familiarise themselves with the order of events and the names of the wedding party. It's also important to check any specific requirements the couple may have, such as how they want to be introduced, and whether there are any stories or topics that are off-limits.

During the Speech

The MC's speech will usually begin after the guests are seated and the cocktail hour (if there is one). The MC should ensure the bridal party and couple are ready to enter the reception area, and that the wedding party is lined up in the correct order.

The MC should then ask for everyone's attention and introduce each couple separately, allowing them to enter the room one by one, with the best man and maid of honour entering last, followed by the newlyweds.

Once the couple has entered, the MC should give a short introduction speech. This should include:

• Thanking everyone for being present
• Introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the couple
• Welcoming people to the event and providing some housekeeping information (e.g. pointing out bathrooms, exits, safety information, and any venue requirements)
• Giving a shout-out to any notable guests who are not part of the wedding party (e.g. grandparents, parents, siblings)
• A brief recap of the couple's relationship, including how they met and key moments in their romance

After the Speech

After the introduction speech, the MC will introduce the first speaker. It's a good idea to have a list of speakers and their order, and to check that they are ready and aware that they are expected to speak.

Throughout the evening, the MC should continue to facilitate the event by smoothly transitioning between different parts of the reception and keeping things running on time. This may include announcing the cake-cutting, first dance, and other key moments.

Additional Tips

• Mingle with guests beforehand to get a sense of who they are and their connection to the couple
• Grab the guests' attention with a captivating opening (e.g. a funny story or meaningful quote)
• Share personalised stories and anecdotes about the couple
• Give a heartfelt toast, wishing the couple happiness and love
• End on an uplifting note, thanking the guests and the couple
• Practice your speech several times beforehand to refine and memorise your content

Speech delivery

The role of the Master of Ceremonies (MC) is to be the host of the wedding reception, creating a relaxed and supported atmosphere for the couple and their guests. The MC is responsible for speaking to the guests, presenting speakers, and keeping the event moving along. They set the mood for the reception and are often the first person the guests hear from once they're seated at their tables.

Before the Speech

Before the wedding, the MC should get a final copy of the run sheet, which outlines the schedule and the order of events. It's also a good idea to write down some notes or have a timeline to stay aware of what needs to happen when. The MC should also test the microphone in advance and get comfortable with how it works.

During the Speech

The MC's speech typically begins after the guests are seated and the cocktail hour, if there is one. The MC should ensure that the bridal party and the couple are ready to enter the reception area and line up in the order of entry. The MC should also double-check that they have each person's name correct and know how to pronounce them.

The MC then introduces the newlyweds and allows them plenty of time to walk into the room, usually to a standing ovation. After the couple is seated, the MC can begin their introduction speech.

The speech should start by thanking everyone for being present and asking the couple to kiss, allowing for cheering. The MC should then introduce themselves and state how they know the couple. It's also a good idea to welcome the guests and take care of some housekeeping items, such as pointing out the bathrooms, exits, and any safety information.

The MC can then give a shout-out to any notable guests who are attending but aren't part of the wedding party, such as grandparents, parents, and siblings. This is usually provided by the couple before the wedding.

After the Speech

After the speech, the MC can provide a brief relationship recap, sharing a few key moments about how the couple met and the development of their romance. This should be kept concise, with no more than three key moments, to avoid dragging out the evening.

The MC then introduces the first speaker, following a pre-determined order of speakers. The MC should ensure that only designated people have the microphone, unless the couple has approved impromptu speeches. It's a good idea to break up the speeches throughout the night to allow guests to chat, drink, and eat in between.

Tips for an Effective Speech Delivery

• Know your audience: Research the couple thoroughly, including how they met, their proposal story, their values, dreams, quirks, and what they want for their wedding day. Understand their cultural backgrounds and important traditions. Mingle with the guests beforehand to get a sense of who they are and their connection to the couple.
• Hook the audience immediately: Avoid a boring introductory welcome. Instead, open with a funny anecdote, a touching story, a meaningful quote, or a lighthearted joke about love or marriage. Ensure that any humour is tasteful and appropriate for all guests.
• Share meaningful stories: Include personalised stories and anecdotes that offer insight into the couple's relationship, personalities, and what they admire about each other. Share early dating moments, funny habits, inside jokes, nicknames, and significant memories. Sprinkle in intimate details like their favourite foods, TV shows, and hobbies.
• Give a heartfelt toast: Include a sincere toast, wishing the couple a lifetime of happiness and love. This is a highlight that guests look forward to.
• End on an uplifting note: Thank the guests for coming and the couple for inviting you. Offer a final piece of marriage advice, and smoothly transition to the next reception event.
• Practice: Take time to practice your speech at least ten times to refine and memorise your content. Record yourself to improve pacing, tone, and volume.
• Stay calm and confident: On the day, relax, speak slowly and clearly, and make eye contact with the audience. Hold note cards, just in case. Staying cool and collected will build your confidence and connection with the audience.
• Keep it concise: As a general guideline, keep your speech under five minutes.
• Avoid controversial topics: Steer clear of inside jokes, excessive roasting, and risqué topics like politics and religion.
• Hydrate: Have water or a drink nearby to avoid a dry throat.

Sample Script Outline

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, my name is [your name], and I'm going to be your MC tonight. In a few moments, we're going to welcome our bridal party into the room, but first, I have a few housekeeping rules to mention. [Share housekeeping details, such as bathroom locations and no-smoking areas.]

[After the bridal party and couple have entered and are seated:]

Thank you, everyone, for being here today. [Couple's names], we wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness. [Ask the couple to kiss.]

For those of you who don't know me, I'm [your name], and I [share how you know the couple]. It's an honour to be here today, and I want to welcome you all to this celebration. [Share a few details about the couple, such as how they met and what they admire about each other.]

Now, before we continue, I'd like to take a moment to recognise some of the special people here today who aren't part of the wedding party. [Recognise notable guests, such as grandparents, parents, and siblings.]

[Share a brief relationship recap, including a few key moments from the couple's journey.]

And now, I'd like to invite [name of first speaker] to share a few words."

Frequently asked questions