- Know your role.
The role of a master of ceremonies is to keep the wedding reception flowing, to keep the energy of the guests up, to help speakers feel appreciated ... and so the list continues. It is not simply to watch the clock or to give information.
- Prepare information on the wedding guests.
Get to know as much as possible about the guests. Who are the important ones? Is there a special aunt? Someone who has traveled from overseas? A guest they haven't seen for years? Someone who is celebrating a special event? Find out their names. Collect their stories. Then plan how you will make a special mention of them.
- Humour is essential but jokes aren't.
There are some appalling wedding jokes available that pull down men, women, mothers-in-law and marriage. You don't have to tell jokes. They can offend and bore people. And leave you looking stupid if no-one is laughing. If you use jokes, be sensitive. Just because the groom is from the footy club, doesn't mean footy club humour is appropriate.
- Liaise with everyone involved in the reception.
Every wedding reception is different, every bridal couple is different. What is common to all receptions is that there are many different people involved. Liaise with everyone involved. This includes the speakers, caterers, the DJ or musicians, the photographer, and so on. Make sure that you know what they need, and make sure they are all working to the same schedule.
- Keep everything flowing smoothly.
It is often your job to mastermind the entire wedding reception. You need to know exactly what is to happen when, where and with whom. When events do not go to plan you have to provide a way for everything to continue to run smoothly. This may be by your filling the gaps in the program or by getting someone else to do it. But whatever happens make sure you smooth everything over.
- Build up happiness.
Help the bride and groom take away a wonderful set of memories that will last them a lifetime. People cherish their wedding photos for years and years; they still talk about their wedding 10, 20 or 30 years later, and they want everything to go well so they can savour each moment. The happy memories matter. Do whatever you need to help the bride and groom leave the wedding reception feeling truly happy.
- When alcohol is present be prepared for anything.
Sadly, people who drink too much alcohol can cause problems at the reception. However, the Master of Ceremonies (usually along with the Best Man) is responsible for managing crowd behaviour. You become the unofficial bouncer. It is your job as the Master of Ceremony to ensure minor incidents do not escalate and if they do to deal with them swiftly and discreetly so there is as little embarrassment for the bride and groom as possible.
Find out more:
There are many more tips to ensure you are a brilliant Master of Ceremonies at a wedding in a special book: "A Master of Ceremonies: How to be a brilliant MC." It provides many tips and ideas on how to be an MC at any event including weddings, and then has a special section devoted specifically to being a wedding Master of Ceremony. There is even a special guide of wedding jokes you can also get, free, when you buy the book. If you are at all nervous about what to do as the emcee then get your copy now. Be a brilliant Master of Ceremonies and make the wedding reception brilliant.
Rachel Green
Communication specialist and professional speaker.
http://www.rachelgreen.com/masterofceremonies.html |
