The Master Of Ceremonies
The Master of Ceremonies (MC) is essentially the person who ensures your wedding reception runs smoothly and that the running sheet or order of proceedings is adhered to. Following are some tips and pointers to help your MC do the best possible job.
KEY TASKS OF THE MC
The main tasks of the MC are to:
* Liaise closely with the function supervisor throughout the reception. The first thing the MC should do upon arriving at the reception is to seek out the supervisor, introduce him/herself and go over the running sheet. For further information about running sheets please click HERE.
* Liaise closely with the DJ/entertainer(s) and other suppliers (e.g. photographer & videographer). It is important that the MC keep all suppliers informed of any delays or changes to the running sheet and make them aware of upcoming activities and formalities.
* Formally welcome the guests (ideally before the bridal party entry) and announce the housekeeping rules. The venue supervisor will have a list of in-house rules that the MC will need to cover off.
* Announce the entrance of the bridal party and introduce each bridal party member by name (culminating with the newlyweds).
* Announce the cutting of the cake. The MC should provide a brief explanation as to the meaning / symbolism of the cake cutting and invite guests to take pictures or videos.
* Introduce those giving speeches. For further information about wedding speeches please click HERE.
* Invite the newlyweds on to the dance floor for their 'first dance'. At the appropriate juncture (usually half way through the first dance) the MC also invites members of the bridal party to join the bride and groom on the dance floor. Towards the end of the first dance or afterwards the MC also invites family members on to the dance floor followed by the remaining guests.
* organise and conduct any wedding games that have been planned (e.g. tossing of the bouquet and removal of the garter). For further information about wedding reception games please click HERE.
* organise and announce the exit of the wedding couple exit. For further information about the departure of the bride and goom please click HERE.
TIPS FOR THE MC
It s very important that the MC:
* Remain sober and focused on the job at hand. Inebriated MCs are an absolute no no. It's OK to have a few drinks as long as it the performance of the MC is not impaired. It is easy for MCs to be distracted, especially if they are also wedding guests seated at a table. They can lose track of time and become absorbed in the table conversation.
* Be brief and concise. One of the biggest mistakes made by MCs is to talk too much. The MC can inadvertently steal the thunder of those giving speeches by giving their own impromptu speech. MCs talking too much also causes delays.
* Correctly annunciate names. If there are challenging names in the bridal party or list of speech givers then the MC should write down phonetic spelling to make the names are easier to say.
WHO SHOULD BE MC?
The MC can be a guest or a professional MC hired for the job. It can be somewhat of an imposition for an invited guest to act as MC and as such some couples are reluctant to ask any of their family and friends to take on the role. For that reason I am asked MC at most of the weddings I am booked for. Whilst having a professional MC will usually result in a better run event, it is nice to have someone who knows the newlyweds well and who is also familiar to the guests. It is a more more intimate approach. Whoever takes on the role must be a confident public speaker, who presents well and is articulate. A charming disposition and good sense of humour are also characteristics an MC should ideally have.
CONCLUSION
The MC has an important role to play at any wedding reception, so choose your MC wisely and make sure they are willing and able to do the job. They will need to do some preparation in advance and they will need to be on the ball once the reception starts.
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.perthweddingsinger.com.au
www.earlcolemusic.com
KEY TASKS OF THE MC
The main tasks of the MC are to:
* Liaise closely with the function supervisor throughout the reception. The first thing the MC should do upon arriving at the reception is to seek out the supervisor, introduce him/herself and go over the running sheet. For further information about running sheets please click HERE.
* Liaise closely with the DJ/entertainer(s) and other suppliers (e.g. photographer & videographer). It is important that the MC keep all suppliers informed of any delays or changes to the running sheet and make them aware of upcoming activities and formalities.
* Formally welcome the guests (ideally before the bridal party entry) and announce the housekeeping rules. The venue supervisor will have a list of in-house rules that the MC will need to cover off.
* Announce the entrance of the bridal party and introduce each bridal party member by name (culminating with the newlyweds).
* Announce the cutting of the cake. The MC should provide a brief explanation as to the meaning / symbolism of the cake cutting and invite guests to take pictures or videos.
* Introduce those giving speeches. For further information about wedding speeches please click HERE.
* Invite the newlyweds on to the dance floor for their 'first dance'. At the appropriate juncture (usually half way through the first dance) the MC also invites members of the bridal party to join the bride and groom on the dance floor. Towards the end of the first dance or afterwards the MC also invites family members on to the dance floor followed by the remaining guests.
* organise and conduct any wedding games that have been planned (e.g. tossing of the bouquet and removal of the garter). For further information about wedding reception games please click HERE.
* organise and announce the exit of the wedding couple exit. For further information about the departure of the bride and goom please click HERE.
TIPS FOR THE MC
It s very important that the MC:
* Remain sober and focused on the job at hand. Inebriated MCs are an absolute no no. It's OK to have a few drinks as long as it the performance of the MC is not impaired. It is easy for MCs to be distracted, especially if they are also wedding guests seated at a table. They can lose track of time and become absorbed in the table conversation.
* Be brief and concise. One of the biggest mistakes made by MCs is to talk too much. The MC can inadvertently steal the thunder of those giving speeches by giving their own impromptu speech. MCs talking too much also causes delays.
* Correctly annunciate names. If there are challenging names in the bridal party or list of speech givers then the MC should write down phonetic spelling to make the names are easier to say.
WHO SHOULD BE MC?
The MC can be a guest or a professional MC hired for the job. It can be somewhat of an imposition for an invited guest to act as MC and as such some couples are reluctant to ask any of their family and friends to take on the role. For that reason I am asked MC at most of the weddings I am booked for. Whilst having a professional MC will usually result in a better run event, it is nice to have someone who knows the newlyweds well and who is also familiar to the guests. It is a more more intimate approach. Whoever takes on the role must be a confident public speaker, who presents well and is articulate. A charming disposition and good sense of humour are also characteristics an MC should ideally have.
CONCLUSION
The MC has an important role to play at any wedding reception, so choose your MC wisely and make sure they are willing and able to do the job. They will need to do some preparation in advance and they will need to be on the ball once the reception starts.
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.perthweddingsinger.com.au
www.earlcolemusic.com
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