The role of the wedding MC is simple, although perhaps often misunderstood. The MC is there to ensure the smooth running of the day and to sort out any problems so the bride and groom have the day of their lives.
However, while that job description tells you the aim of the Master of Ceremonies at a wedding, it is in no way descriptive – it doesn’t tell you what you will actually have to do on the day.
You may be expecting to give a speech and tell jokes and that you’ll be the centre of attention, all of which start those butterflies in your stomach.
OK, let’s take a closer look and see what the role of Wedding MC is really about.
It is true that you will have to make announcements during the day, but you may or may not have to give an actual speech. If you’re also Best Man – and many weddings combine these roles – then you will usually give a speech, you know, the one where you humiliate the bride groom.
However, one thing you should not aim to be is the centre of attention. The guests should know who you are, but you need to make sure the spotlight falls on the bride and groom, for they are the real stars of the day.
One way of looking at it is as the “wedding director”, making sure you let the guests know the order of events at all times. If they need to move somewhere then you’ll need to tell them. And if you require any of them to take some kind of action, you’ll need to give them some warning – the speakers for example, who might be more comfortable if they’ve been to the toilet and have a glass of water sitting in from of them before they actually have to speak.
That’s the basics of being a wedding MC, it isn’t a difficult role, but it does require some planning so you know what is supposed to be happening at all times during the wedding reception.
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