Guidelines for the First-Time Wedding MC
Author: Angela White
If you think being a wedding planner is the only nerve-wracking and challenging job that has to do with weddings, think again. Being an MC or the Master of Ceremonies is another task worthy of praises because an MC can truly make a wedding reception special and unforgettable.
If you have been asked to be an MC for an upcoming wedding event whether it is a favor for a friend or you have just started doing it for a living, the first thing that you have to realize is that this job is not going to be a breeze.
Even though being an MC means dropping a couple of jokes here and there, you have to know that this job should be taken very seriously. After all, the success of the reception depends primarily on you. Fortunately, this wedding MC guide for beginners provides helpful insights and practical tips on how to win your audience and provide entertainment that the couple will surely thank you for.
1. Plan and prepare. The wedding reception plan is an extensive and comprehensive one. You should sit down with the couple to discuss in detail what they want to happen during the reception. Do they want a formal and solemn celebration or do they want something light and upbeat? Does the couple appear traditional or are they the type who have modern taste and style? All these factors should be considered when making a program for the event.
2. Arrive at the event early. Whatever you do, never be late for a wedding reception. Even if you think you are the best kind of MC there is, it is still not all right to be unprofessional. Arriving early also gives you a head start and you can begin to observe people around. This will make it easier for you to have a smooth flow of program during the reception. It will also give you time to check the audio equipment if it is working properly. There is nothing more embarrassing than talking for several minutes only to realize that nobody has actually heard a thing you have said.
3. Give your guests a good laugh. As we all know, being funny is not easy. If you are not a natural comedian, the best thing you can do is to carry with you timeless jokes that are simple, good-natured and generally funny. Never resort to jokes about religion, disabilities or races so as not to offend anyone in the room. It is also a good idea to tell funny stories about the couple but make sure to skip anything that can be offensive to anyone.
4. Prepare an inspiring toast. Keep your message short and sweet. A toast about 3 minutes is usually enough. If you are going to present other guests for speeches, be sure to introduce them with delight and enthusiasm.
5. Talk to your audience. Have eye contact with the members of the audience so it will not seem as if you are talking to a blank wall.
6. Be ready for surprises. Weddings are full of surprises. Be sure you know how to handle the situation when something goes wrong. For example, if a groomsman mentions anything about the groom’s ex-girlfriend, interrupt and change the subject. If a relative drinks too much at the wedding and wants to hog the spotlight, be sure you know how to deal with this.
7. Understand that you are not the star. Never steal the limelight from the couple, especially from the bride. This is not your show. You are only an instrument that can make this event a memorable one.
A Master of Ceremonies truly has a variety of responsibilities to do for the couple. But the most important duty of all is to ensure a smooth flow of the program and to provide good-natured entertainment all throughout the reception event.
