Wedding MC | Amanda Douglas Events | Winnipeg Event Planning

The MC has a big role and task at hand. You might not know what to tell them, or even what they sound all do, so we’ve done some research and found some really great info we wanted to share with you here!

Your General Role:

Most importantly, try to sit down with the couple a week or two before the wedding to go over an itinerary. This should include the information for your introduction (what rules you need to let people know about, the names and order of the wedding party, etc.), the time for each course and when/who will be speaking. Also, the bride and groom will be able to tell you when you’ll need to introduce the cake cutting, first dance and any parent dances. This will help you organize your thoughts and you will be able to plan out what you need to say.

First and foremost, the role of an MC is to “run” the wedding reception. You are the first person guests hear from and you will be providing them with information on the evening as well as introducing the speeches.

It is important to understand that you are NOT the entertainment for the evening. If you can tell a funny joke or quick one liners, that’s great. Otherwise, you don’t need to worry about telling a story each time you are at the mic. There is nothing wrong with simply saying, “I would now like to introduce the Maid of Honour.”

The longest you will speak is at the very beginning. The role starts with welcoming guests, explaining any rules (see ‘List of Rules’ below for examples) and then introducing the wedding party and the bride and groom. This first introduction to the evening is a great opportunity to explain how you know the couple. Just remember that the bride and groom usually are not in the room at this point so wait to say anything meaningful until after you introduce them and they are in the room.

Before you introduce anyone for a speech take a look around the room to make sure the important guests are there (parents and wedding party). You don’t want the bride and groom to speak and find out later that the groom’s mother was in the ladies room. Check that the speaker is ready and that the bride and groom are ready.

Tips to be a Successful Wedding MC

Be organized: Have everything written down in advance and know exactly what you’re going to say. Make sure you have the correct names and information and a detailed timeline.

Meet with the wedding planner: The wedding planners may be the mother of the bride, the bride, or a professional wedding planner. One of your first tasks as Wedding MC will be to meet with the wedding planners to find out what is expected from you and to get information about the wedding reception.

Dress sharply: The wedding reception is a special and formal occasion. As a professional wedding emcee you’ll be expected to dress the part.

Check 1, check 2…: Make sure you are talking clearly, slowly and loudly into the microphone so everyone can understand you.

Get to the venue early: Try and get there about 15 minutes ahead of time so you can orientate yourself – where you’re going to stand, how the mic sounds, where bathrooms are, etc.

Have fun!: Don’t forget that you’re a guest too. Make sure you don’t miss out on a slow dance with your own partner or a quiet drink and chat because you are running around doing everything.

List of rules your MC may want to mention in their introduction: