The Master Of Ceremonies: A Wedding's Unsung Hero

A good wedding MC (Master of Ceremonies) is essential for ensuring that the event runs smoothly and that the happy couple can relax and enjoy their special day. A wedding MC's duties include making announcements, facilitating the schedule, and coordinating with vendors. A good MC will be confident, calm, organised, and able to read the room. They will also be well-prepared, friendly, and able to improvise when needed.

Know the schedule and keep things on track

Knowing the schedule and keeping things on track is one of the most important aspects of being a good wedding MC. Here are some tips to help you excel in this area:

Know the Schedule in Advance

Obtain an official schedule or "run sheet" of the event well before the wedding day. This will typically be a detailed itinerary created by the couple, outlining the various events and the timing for each. Knowing the schedule inside out will enable you to effectively facilitate the event and ensure everything runs smoothly and according to plan.

Keep Things on Track

As the MC, it's your job to keep the event moving forward in a timely manner and ensure that everything stays on schedule. This may involve liaising with venue and catering staff to ensure meal service is on time, as well as coordinating with other wedding vendors such as the DJ, photographer, and videographer.

Make Announcements

One of your key duties as the MC is to make announcements to direct guests throughout the event. This includes announcing when tables should approach the buffet, the order they should follow, where presents should be placed, and when and where events like the garter toss will take place.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Even with a detailed schedule, unexpected things can happen. It's important to be able to think on your feet and come up with contingency plans for last-minute fixes. For example, if the catering group is understaffed, suggest busing tables or enlisting some guests to help. Keep a positive outlook and remain flexible to ensure the event remains stress-free for the couple.

Delegate Tasks

Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to others. If there's a mess that needs to be cleaned up, enlist some guests to help or turn it into a fun challenge. This will ensure you're not overwhelmed and can focus on keeping things running smoothly.

Keep it Simple

While it's important to keep things on track, remember that your role is to facilitate the event, not tax everyone's fun by being too strict or in-your-face about the little rules. Focus on keeping things simple, orderly, and enjoyable for everyone.

Make announcements

Making announcements is a key part of being a good MC at a wedding. It is your job to ensure that the wedding guests are informed about what is happening and when. This means that you need to be clear, concise, and confident in your delivery. Here are some tips to help you make effective announcements:

Know the Schedule

Firstly, you need to be familiar with the schedule of the event. Obtain an official copy of the schedule ahead of time and keep it with you during the wedding. This will allow you to confidently guide guests through the various events of the wedding, such as the cake-cutting, the first dance, and the bouquet toss. Knowing the schedule will also help you to make timely announcements and ensure the wedding runs smoothly.

Distinguish Between Types of Announcements

Not all announcements need to be made into a microphone. Sometimes it is more appropriate to inform guests about something by speaking to them as they come through the door or by going from table to table. For example, if the presents table is clearly labelled, you won't need to keep reminding guests about it. Use your judgement to decide which announcements need to be made in a more formal way and which can be done more informally.

Make Important Announcements First

Before you make an important announcement, such as the entrance of the wedding party or the start of the speeches, ensure that the relevant people are in the room and ready. For example, if you are about to introduce a speaker, check that they are present and prepared before you begin your introduction. This will help to avoid any awkward pauses or delays during your announcements.

Be Clear and Concise

When making announcements, be clear and concise. Guests will appreciate it if you get straight to the point, rather than rambling on. Focus on providing the necessary information in a friendly and approachable manner. Avoid trying to be entertaining or humorous, as this is not your main role as the MC.

Use the Microphone Correctly

Ensure that you know how to use the microphone properly before the wedding begins. Stand at the correct distance so that your voice can be heard by everyone in the room. Practise with the microphone beforehand to avoid any technical difficulties or feedback during your announcements. Remember to use the microphone, even if you think your voice is loud enough without it. This will ensure that everyone can hear you clearly, including those with hearing loss.

Communicate with event staff

As the Master of Ceremonies, or MC, at a wedding, it's your job to facilitate the event and make sure everything runs according to the schedule. This means you'll need to be well-prepared and well-informed in advance.

Before the wedding, get in touch with the event staff and vendors to introduce yourself and ask any relevant questions. This might include the caterers, servers, cooks, DJs, photographers, and videographers. Find out what their needs are and how you can accommodate them. For example, if you're announcing the cake-cutting, you'll need to ensure the caterers have the knife and plate ready, and that the photographer and videographer are in position.

On the day, arrive early to familiarise yourself with the venue and the staff. This is also a good opportunity to perform a soundcheck on the microphone and PA system. You can also use this time to check in with the event staff and ensure everything is on track.

Throughout the event, liaise with the venue and catering staff to ensure meals are served on time. Meals often dictate when the speeches and other formalities take place, so it's important to keep on schedule. If there are any last-minute changes or issues, work with the event staff to find solutions and keep the event running smoothly. For example, if the catering group is understaffed, you might need to delegate some tasks to other guests.

Remember, clear and timely communication with event staff is key to ensuring a well-organised and stress-free wedding.

Prepare and be ready to improvise

A good wedding MC should be ready to improvise and adapt to unforeseen circumstances. For example, the MC should be able to quickly solve any unexpected problems with vendors on the night. This could include issues such as an understaffed catering group, an empty keg of beer, or a malfunctioning PA system.

To prepare for the unexpected, the MC should have a printed copy of the wedding day schedule, a checklist of important guests, and a list of wedding vendors. This will enable them to make any necessary last-minute changes and ensure that the event stays on track. It is also a good idea for the MC to keep a pencil and paper handy to write down any changes or additions to the program.

In addition, the MC should be prepared to make announcements and introductions without sounding too scripted. They should be able to add personality to their script and speak naturally to the audience. Practicing their remarks beforehand and seeking feedback from a friend can help them feel more confident and improve their delivery.

The MC should also be ready to delegate tasks and enlist help from others if needed. For example, they could ask lazy cousins to help with cleaning up by challenging them to a can-crushing contest.

Overall, a good wedding MC should be well-prepared, adaptable, and able to think on their feet to ensure that the event runs smoothly and the couple can enjoy their special day.

Dress well and be friendly

Dressing well and being friendly are two key aspects of being a good master of ceremonies (MC) at a wedding.

Dressing Well

The MC should be one of the best-dressed people at the wedding. There is a certain standard and expectation that the MC sets by dressing well. A good MC should not be a distraction to the guests due to wrinkled pants or a stain on their shirt.

Being Friendly

It is important to be friendly to wedding guests both on and off the stage. Guests are more likely to respect an MC who has the same warm personality on and off the microphone. A friendly MC will be able to make requests of the guests, such as "Can you please be seated?" or "May I please have your attention?" without diminishing their respect.

In addition to dressing well and being friendly, a good MC will also need to be well-prepared, organised, and able to improvise when things don't go according to plan.

Frequently asked questions