How To MC A Wedding

March 12, 2012 by

Many novice Wedding MC’s ask how to MC a wedding.

And it’s a great question because there’s a lot of planning that goes into knowing how to MC a wedding reception.

It also shows that you, as the Wedding Master of Ceremonies, want to do a professional job and make it a fun and memorable time for the bride and groom.

Here are some pointers to get you started:

1. Start Planning The Reception And The Events Early

Because the wedding reception is such an involved event, you’ll need time to prepare not only the wedding reception agenda but also the introductions, wedding games and entertainment, and checking out the venue to make sure everything is ready on the wedding day.

Each of these areas will take time to plan properly.

If you leave things to the last moment you risk missing important parts of the reception and overlooking special moments to make the wedding a lasting memory for the newlyweds.

2. Meet With The Bride and Groom and Planners To Find Out What Is Expected Of You As The Wedding Emcee

The bride and groom have given you a huge amount of responsibility. But chances are they don’t know what’s involved with your duties. They’re leaving that up to you as Master of Ceremonies.

That’s why it’s important that you find out what’s expected of you and what the bride’s vision of the reception is.

After all, she’ll have spent most of her time choosing a theme and table settings and centerpieces as well as the menu for the meal.

But she may not have put much thought into making the reception a celebration of her big day because she’s handing that responsibility over to you.

You’ll need to know what’s going on – and only the bride and groom and planners will be able to answer specific questions you have so you can be brought up to speed.

> You’ll need to know who will be in the bridal or wedding party.

> You’ll need background information on the bride and groom if you don’t know them very well as well as the members of the bridal or wedding party.

> You’ll need background on guests who will be giving speeches and toasts and information on dignitaries, if dignitaries are attending the reception.

In How To Be A FUN Wedding MC I have a detailed list of questions you can ask so you know what’s going to happen at the reception.

> When you consult with the bride and groom and wedding planners you’ll also need to know what wedding games and entertainment are planned so you can include those events in your agenda or run sheet.

> You’ll also have to meet with key people involved in the wedding planning including the planners, the event manager at the venue, members of the bridal or wedding party, and the caterer when you’re at the venue.

> You’ll need to know the layout of the venue and the layout of the head table.

> You’ll need to know the order of the bridal party for introductions.

Chances are, especially if you’ve never been a Wedding MC before, you’ll find that your Wedding MC Duties and Responsibilities will be overwhelming because you won’t know what to do or where to start.

As with anything that you’re unfamiliar with, you’re going to have many questions as you get involved in your duties.

Fortunately, there’s a terrific guide – How To Be A FUN Wedding MC – which shows you how to MC a wedding reception from start to finish and it will save you restless nights and a huge amount of time and stress.

You’ll want to make sure you have all of the bases covered before you enter the reception hall on the wedding day.

In fact, How To Be A FUN Wedding MC has extensive checklists to make sure you’ve covered just about everything.

Click on the image below to find out more about How To Be A FUN Wedding MC…

MC A Wedding

In the following video you’ll discover several tips to help you in your duties:

Tip #1

Focus the attention on the bride and groom – not yourself.

As Wedding MC you’re an organizer and facilitator. You conduct the events of the reception but the spotlight is on the newlyweds.

This is the bride and groom’s special day. Remember, the wedding guests came to see them, not the Wedding Emcee.

Tip #2

Make sure you pronounce people’s names correctly.

This is one area where preparation can pay off because there’s nothing more embarrassing than mispronouncing someone’s name – especially if it’s the groom’s last name! So be sure to check to ensure your pronunciation is correct and make appropriate notes on your agenda or in your notebook.

Tip #3

Arrive at the wedding reception venue early. There’s nothing worse than people wondering where the Master of Ceremonies is – especially if things are about to get underway. When you’re late things get disorganized and it leaves a poor impression. If the venue is a long way away, make sure you leave plenty of time to get there and anticipate traffic delays.

One of the signs of a true professional is being on time and ensuring everything is in order before the wedding party and guests arrive.

Tip #4

Create a party atmosphere at the reception. The wedding is a celebration so it’s your responsibility to keep the tempo upbeat and fun.

Your duty as a Wedding Emcee is to successfully transition the wedding guests from the religious ceremony to a celebration of the marriage.

Tip #5

Don’t embarrass the bride, groom, or wedding guests. If the groom or bride doesn’t want to “say a few words” for example, don’t pursue the matter. Be gracious and understanding – especially when it comes to public speaking – because many people are terrified of public speaking.

This tips also includes using humor or jokes.

Use good judgement in what you say to get a laugh. If in doubt…leave it out.

Bonus Tip #6

Follow the bride and groom’s directions. This is where sitting down with the bride and groom beforehand and planning the reception will help you avoid embarrassing mistakes. If the newlyweds ask for something in particular, make sure you include it in the agenda so it’s not forgotten.

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MC A Wedding Reception

July 5, 2011 by

When you MC A Wedding reception there will be certain expectations by the bride and groom and the wedding planners.

You’re expected to know what to do and what to say throughout the reception.

You’re expected to make the reception a fun time.

You’re expected to oversee – and introduce – all of the events at the reception.

You’re expected to look after the bride and groom so they can enjoy themselves and have a fun time with their closest friends and relatives without having to worry about the reception.

Of course, you know that this list is an oversimplification of the what a Wedding MC must do.

And while it seems like a small list of things to do, in reality there’s a huge amount of preparation that must take place – and more things to do – before the wedding reception begins.

Here are 4 tips to help you prepare when you MC A Wedding reception.

MC A Wedding – Tip #1 – Prepare Your Wedding MC Scripts

When you’re in front of 100…200…300…or more wedding guests you don’t want to be tongue-tied.

By creating your Wedding MC Scripts and rehearsing them so you know what you’re going to say you’ll feel much more confident in front of a large audience until your nervousness disappears.

Your main Wedding MC Script will be the Wedding MC Opening Speech where you welcome the wedding guests to the reception.

You’ll have other Wedding MC Scripts for key events throughout the reception.

Again, make sure you rehearse your Wedding MC Scripts so they sound “natural.”

MC A Wedding – Tip #2 – Follow Your Wedding Reception Timeline

There are two Wedding Reception Timelines that you follow as Wedding MC.

The first Wedding Reception Timeline is the one you work with as you prepare the wedding reception agenda. These are the things you have to do to create a fun wedding reception.

The second Wedding Reception Timeline is included with your wedding agenda or run sheet. This lists the key events of the reception, how long they should take, and when they start and finish.

MC A Wedding – Tip #3 – Prepare A Contingency Plan

Preparing a contingency plan – in consultation with the wedding planners – is just as important as preparing the wedding agenda.

After all, things do – and can – go wrong.

Last minute changes are part of the reception, too.

A change in the weather.

A delay in the arrival of the bride and groom.

Someone falls ill during the reception.

A wedding speaker can’t make the reception and has to cancel his wedding speech.

They’re all things you have to anticipate and have a Plan “B” for if you want to make sure the reception proceeds smoothly and isn’t ruined.

MC A Wedding – Tip #4 – Choose Fun Wedding Games

The reception is all about having fun since it’s a party and a celebration of the newlywed’s big day.

Your role as Wedding MC is to choose fun wedding games that keep the guests entertained as the reception progresses.

How To MC A Wedding
And Create A FUN And
Memorable Reception

It’s probably not too farfetched to assume that you’re a novice or first-time Wedding MC.

And chances are you’ve never been the wedding master of ceremonies at a reception before.

If that’s the case then there are a lot of things you won’t know about.

You probably won’t know where to begin.

You’ll quickly realize that you don’t know how to create a fun wedding reception.

You don’t know how to prepare and plan the reception.

You don’t know what questions to ask the wedding planners.

You don’t know how to create amusing introductions for the wedding party or the bride and groom’s Grand Entrance or for those giving wedding toasts and speeches.

You don’t know what advice and suggestions to give the bride and groom.

You don’t know how to make the reception a memorable and fun time for the newlyweds and the guests.

You don’t know what wedding games will be appropriate for the reception so you can keep the guests entertained and having a fun time.

You don’t know how to prepare the wedding agenda which outlines the order of events as well as the order of wedding speeches and toasts.

You don’t know what your Wedding MC Duties and Responsibilities are.

And you’re probably feeling a little anxious about the role you’ll be playing at the reception even though it’s a huge honor to MC A Wedding reception.

There’s no doubt that to MC A Wedding is a big responsibility and you might even feel overwhelmed at what you have to do to prepare for the reception.

That’s perfectly understandable and shows that you want to do the best job you can for the bride and groom on their happy day.

Fortunately you don’t have to feel overwhelmed or anxious when you have the proper guide at your side.

That’s why How To Be A FUN Wedding MC was created – to take you virtually step-by-step through the reception planning process and show you how to create a fun wedding reception and how to MC A Wedding reception.

Click on the image below to find out more about
How To Be A FUN Wedding MC…

MC A Wedding

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MC At A Wedding – Wedding MC Reception Tip #7

May 26, 2011 by




If you’re the MC At A Wedding then there’s one area that should be discussed with the wedding planners.

And that’s whether there should be “Open” wedding speeches and toasts.

This is the time during the wedding speeches segment of the reception where wedding guests are invited to stand up and make a short impromptu wedding speech or toast.

There are pros and cons to “Open” wedding speeches and toasts.

On the one hand, it can be a wonderful experience to hear spontaneous good wishes and sentiments from close friends and relatives – especially if the speaker or toaster is eloquent.

On the other hand, there is a dark side to spontaneous comments – there’s a very good possibility of inappropriate remarks being made – especially if the speaker or toaster has had too much to drink.

Sometimes a joke might seem funny to the speaker but could embarrass or humiliate the bride and groom or the guests.

As well, speeches can drag on and the event can become boring. And the last thing you want as MC at a wedding is for the reception events to drag on and have bored wedding guests.

For the most part, “open” wedding speeches and toasts are not normally part of the wedding speeches event.

But, ultimately, it’s up to the bride and groom to decide whether there will be “Open” wedding speeches and toasts.

And it’s your responsibility as Wedding MC to find out what their wishes are and to make a note on your wedding reception agenda.

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MC At A Wedding – Wedding MC Reception Tip #6

May 19, 2011 by

Here’s another tip if you’re an MC At A Wedding…

Practice in advance what you’re going to say at the wedding reception.

Just like you would practice a wedding speech, practice your Wedding MC Opening Speech and your introductions – especially for the Grand Entrance, the bridal party, and the wedding speakers.

Practice these out loud – preferably in front of someone so they can offer constructive criticism.

Many novice Wedding MC’s aren’t sure what to say when introducing key wedding reception events.

With the word-for-word Wedding MC Scripts in How To Be A FUN Wedding MC, you’ll have examples of what to say when you introduce yourself to the wedding guests during the Wedding MC Opening Speech.

Plus, you’ll also get examples for introducing the bridal party and wedding speakers during the wedding speeches and toasts event.

Even though you’ll have your Wedding Reception Agenda with you, you’ll still need to practice what you’ll be saying before the wedding day.

If necessary, write down what you’ll say when introducing each key event or each person if you’re the MC At A Wedding.

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MC At A Wedding – Wedding MC Reception Tip #5

May 12, 2011 by

As part of your Wedding MC Duties at the wedding reception you might be tempted to use notecards for your material.

They’re definitely handy to use but more appropriate for a wedding speech.

I suggest, instead, that your material for the wedding reception be printed out on letter size paper and  that you number your pages.

Then place the pages in a three ring binder or folder.

If necessary, insert tabs for separate events so you can refer to them quickly and easily.

Keep in mind that your “notebook” will contain the order of events at the reception, your Wedding MC Scripts, reception games, and more so you want to make sure you have everything readily available and easily accessible.

If you’re using a laptop computer for your material at the reception, be sure to print out the wedding reception agenda (run sheet) and other notes you’ll need in case the laptop crashes.

If that happens – and sometimes it does – and you’ve been relying solely on your computer you’ll have trouble directing the wedding reception which could spoil the reception for the bride and groom.

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MC At A Wedding – Wedding MC Reception Tip #4

May 5, 2011 by

As Wedding Emcee I’m sure you’ll want to take your Wedding MC Duties and Responsibilities seriously.

After all, the bride and groom chose you to be the Wedding MC at their reception for a reason.

They have confidence in you.

And because they have confidence in you, they expect big things from you.

They expect you to create a memorable wedding reception.

They expect the wedding reception to be fun.

After all, they want to enjoy their special day with people who are close to them.

What better way to honor the bride and groom than to put on a wedding reception that is FUN and memorable.

Even if you’ve never been a Wedding MC before, there is help available – in How To Be A FUN Wedding MC – that takes you step-by-step in creating a fun wedding reception.

To the bride and groom, their wedding day and the celebration at the wedding reception are going to be a lasting memory.

Make that lasting memory not just a good one…but a great one.

Click The Following Link For The Complete Wedding MC Guide On How To MC A Wedding Reception.

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Wedding MC Tips

May 3, 2011 by

Wedding MC Tips. How To Be A FUN Wedding MC At A Reception. Wedding Reception Timeline, Reception Games, Checklists, Sample Agendas. Get Wedding MC Tips Here!

Every Wedding MC should be well prepared for the reception with his or her notes, scripts, and fun ideas to make the reception a fun time.

Here are 5 Wedding MC Tips for the emcee at the reception.

This is just a sampling of the tips and advice available in How To Be A FUN Wedding MC.

Wedding MC Tip #1 – Start Your Reception Planning Early

Sit down with the wedding planners and plan the wedding reception agenda.

Wedding MC Tip #2 – Rehearse Your MC Scripts

Create your wedding mc scripts and then rehearse them – out loud – so you feel confident in your role as Wedding MC.

Wedding MC Tip #3 – Make The Bride and Groom The Center of Attention

It’s the bride and groom’s special day. Make sure they’re the center of attention.

Wedding MC Tip #4 – Entertain the Wedding Guests

Use Reception Games, Group Activities, and Wedding MC Jokes to keep the wedding guests entertained.

Wedding MC Tip #5 – Know How To Pronounce People’s Names

Pronounce people’s names correctly when making introductions.

Are You A First-Time or Novice Wedding MC
Who Has NO IDEA What To Say or What To Do
As A Wedding MC?

If you are, then you’re invited to find out more about How To Be A FUN Wedding MC

How To Be A FUN Wedding MC will show you…

How to plan a fun reception
What to do and what to say
What questions to ask the bride and groom
How to introduce the bridal party
How to introduce the bride and groom
How to introduce the wedding speakers

How To Be A FUN Wedding MC also includes…

FUN entertainment ideas
Reception games to entertain the wedding guests
Checklists, preparation forms, sample wedding agendas or runsheets
Word-for-word MC scripts for key events

Click The Following Link For More Information About How To Be A FUN Wedding MC

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MC At A Wedding – Wedding MC Reception Tip #3

April 28, 2011 by

The Wedding Reception Program and Wedding Reception Agenda are similar but have distinct differences and uses – especially for the Wedding MC.

Think of the Wedding Reception Program as something that is given to the wedding guests for their information and as a keepsake of the wedding.

The Wedding Reception Program highlights the main events of the wedding reception and can be created from the wedding reception agenda.

It can also include such things as menu information, after-party information, as well as a personal thank you note from the bride and groom.

The wedding reception agenda (or wedding reception runsheet), on the other hand, is a detailed outline of wedding reception events and is particularly important for the Wedding MC.

It will include times, key events, games for the wedding reception, entertainment and other activities, surprises you might have in store for the bride and groom, and any special notes you need to make to ensure the reception flows smoothly.

Special notes could include names of songs, introductions, order of wedding speakers and toasters, a schedule of entertainment events, and more.

In fact, your wedding reception agenda can be as detailed or as concise as you like because it will be your personal guide throughout the reception.

Where the wedding reception program is general in nature and primarily for the wedding guests, the wedding reception agenda is much more detailed and is used by the Wedding Emcee.

Click The Following Link For The Complete Wedding MC Guide On How To MC A Wedding Reception

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MC At A Wedding – Wedding MC Reception Tip #2

April 21, 2011 by

The Wedding MC Run Sheet – or Wedding Reception Agenda – is an important aid for the Wedding MC both before and during the wedding reception.

The Wedding MC Run Sheet outlines the sequence of events during the wedding reception – from the beginning to the end.

The Wedding MC Run Sheet helps the Wedding MC plan what will take place during the reception and is entirely flexible.

It will start with the Grand Entrance.

And it will end with the Final Farewell.

In between the Grand Entrance and the Final Farewell, you’ll plan all the events that will take place during the reception – including the meal, the wedding speeches and toasts, the group activities, the entertainment, and the dancing.

In How To Be A FUN Wedding MC the Wedding Reception Run Sheet is completely laid out from start to finish.

Plus, you’ll get samples of the Wedding Reception Run Sheet that you can review with the bride and groom as you sit down and plan the reception with them.

Click The Following Link For The Complete Wedding MC Guide On How To Prepare The Wedding Reception Run Sheet.

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MC At A Wedding – Wedding MC Reception Tip #1

April 14, 2011 by

Just as the Wedding MC should know the Order of Toasts, many Wedding Emcees also need to know the Order of Events – also known as the Wedding Agenda – at a wedding reception.

The Order of Events at a wedding reception is quite flexible.

In How To Be A FUN Wedding MC you’ll get examples of the Order of Events.

These examples come in very handy as you prepare for the wedding reception.

You can sit down with the bride and groom and create a unique wedding reception that is both fun and memorable.

Click The Following Link For More Information About How To Be A FUN Wedding MC

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MC A Wedding

May 3, 2010 by

MC A Wedding: Short List Of Wedding MC Duties For The Wedding MC

When you MC a wedding at the reception, your Wedding MC Duties and responsibilities will be varied – and numerous.

That’s why it’s important to keep an agenda on hand to make sure everything is on time – from the Grand Entrance of the bride and groom…to the serving of the meal…to the final departure of the newlyweds.

Here’s a short list of Wedding MC Duties that you will be responsible for as Wedding MC at the reception:

1. Welcome the guests to the reception before the arrival of the bride and groom. This is the “warm up” time to get the guests in a party mood after they’ve come from the wedding ceremony.

2. Introduce yourself to the guests and tell them that you will be their Wedding MC for the reception – which may be either an afternoon or evening event. This is also an opportunity to make other announcements regarding the facilities including location of rest rooms, designated smoking areas, parking arrangements, forthcoming events, etc.

3. Announce the entrance of the bride and groom and formally introduce them to the guests as they enter the reception venue. This is the bride and groom’s first “official” gathering as husband and wife so it’s important that you introduce them correctly.

4. Introduce the members of the bridal or wedding party. The bridal party will normally be seated at the head table. Keep introductions brief but interesting.

5. Introduce the minister, pastor, or official who will say grace or a blessing before the serving of the main meal – if there is a sit down meal at the reception.

6. Introduce each speaker who will be making a wedding speech or a toast. Your introduction might include background information, an interesting fact about the person, or a humorous remark (that doesn’t embarrass the speaker.)

7. If requested by the bride and groom or wedding planners, give the Wedding MC Speech. Some newlyweds do not want formal speeches at their wedding and would prefer one speech by the Wedding MC instead.

8. Read faxes, telegrams, and other messages from friends and relatives who were unable to attend the wedding ceremony and reception. (This is the perfect opportunity to insert “creative” telegrams or messages that you have made up to inject humor into the situation. How To Be A FUN Wedding MC will give you ideas on how to approach this.)

9. Announce the ceremonial cutting of the wedding cake.

10. Inform the guests when the bride’s bouquet and garter will be thrown. You will ask the guests to gather around for these two traditional events.

11. Announce the dance program including the first dance by the bride and groom. You will want the bride and groom to be the center of attention during the first dance.

12. Announce bar opening and closing times or other arrangements for alcoholic beverages.

13. Announce other  events that will be taking place after the reception such as after-wedding activities or an open house or luncheon with the bride and groom’s parents.

14. Announce when the bride and groom will be leaving the reception.

15. Announce the formal ending of the reception and thank the guests for attending.

The Wedding MC is the key person who ensures the reception runs smoothly and that the guests and newlyweds have a memorable time.

As Wedding MC you will not only be a speaker and facilitator but also an entertainer to ensure everyone has a FUN and enjoyable time.

That’s why, when you mc a wedding, it’s important to have your Wedding MC Duties planned out well ahead of the wedding day.

Here are some other tips:

1. Be prepared. Prepare your scripts and notes well before the reception.

2. Create a detailed agenda (run sheet) and give copies to key players (caterer in particular) who need to know the timing of events.

3. Get to know the other key players. Introduce yourself to them and ensure they know when they will be needed. Attend to any requirements they may have.

4. Meet guests who will be participating in events such as speeches and toasts. Let them know when they will be expected to give their speech or toast.

5. Meet with the wedding (bridal) party to ensure they are introduced in the correct order.

6. Make sure guests and other key players are present when needed. For example, ensure guests who are making speeches or toasts are in the room and are ready for the event. Notify the photographer or videographer of upcoming events so they can have their equipment ready.

7. Advise guests of upcoming events so they can get drinks or use the restrooms before the event gets underway.

8. Avoid distractions during events where possible. For example, have tables cleared after the meal before speeches and toasts begin to avoid distractions and noise from the staff clearing the tables.

9. Be prepared to stand in and make a toast or short speech if needed.

10. Make important announcements including the location of the gift table, guest book, and any after-wedding events.

11. Anticipate delays that will cause changes to your agenda. Sometimes a guest who was to give a speech won’t show up. Or an event will run too long. Or the bride and groom won’t show up when expected.

12. Be prepared to fill gaps in the agenda with entertainment or games to keep the mood upbeat and fun.

13. Make sure the bride and groom are the center of attention.

14. The bride and groom are the guests of honor. Make sure their needs are taken care of during the reception.

15. Be flexible with your agenda. Follow your timeline to keep events moving on time but be prepared to make small changes if necessary.

How To Be The Wedding Emcee Who Turns An “Ordinary” Wedding Reception Into A FUN Celebration

If you’re a novice MC, chances are you’re not familiar with how to run a reception.

If you don’t know what to do or what to say and you want to save yourself time and stress, be sure to check out How To Be A FUN Wedding MC.

It’s the premier guide showing the Master of Ceremonies how to plan and create a FUN reception and includes wedding games, wedding entertainment, preparation sheets, checklists, Wedding MC scripts, sample wedding agendas, wedding timeline, and much more.

Click On The Following Link For How To Be A FUN Wedding MC


 

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Get Your Wedding MC Duties and Wedding MC Jokes Information at Wedding MC and Create A Memorable Wedding For The Bride and Groom.

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wedding games, MC scripts, jokes tips, duties, checklists, run sheets, agendas, order of wedding speeches and toasts, and much more!

Get your Wedding MC download, How To Be A FUN Wedding MC, the treasury of scripts, runsheets, fun games, duties, and more, here.