Wedding Master Of Ceremonies
Duties & Emcee Tips

Wedding master of ceremonies duties are mainly to take firm control of the proceedings to make sure nothing is overlooked and that events all proceed according to plan. As such, this demanding job is one that differs so much from wedding to wedding for precisely the same reason. Weddings differ, brides differ and traditions differ. No two are exactly alike and wedding emcee programs have to be malleable enough to change. Of course, we are talking about professional emcees here.

The reality is that in many cases, fledgeling emcees have had their duties thrust upon them, often at the last minute. Where to turn? Well, this is were a detailed Emcee Sample Script comes in very handy. And no wedding emcee guide would be complete without a plethora of wedding emcee tips designed to transform any nervous uncle or aunt into a smooth, confident, schmoozing performer. Of course it will take practice, plenty of rehearsals, but you've got days to get ready, right? Let's get cracking!

10 Wedding MC Duties & Tips

Wear a well taylored suit, a freshly ironed shirt and an elegant tie. If you have been asked to Emcee a wedding and don't have a good suit – there's an easy and practical solution – HIRE ONE. No one wants to see a scruffy MC at their wedding.

Practise smiling while speaking and allow your voice to boom, boom, boom across the room. If you accomplish nothing else, this will fill you with the confidence to believe that the room belongs to you! Be loud and proud.

Arrive early. Very early. You need to check the accoustics of the room. There is nothing worse than `testing, testing, one, two, three….’ all over the auditorium.

Make sure you have a detailed time sheet. You will need to co-ordinate your introductions with the caterers and DJ as well as making sure the toasts and speeches all fall to time.

Make sure all the speechmakers know what is expected of them. You don't want any filibusters but you don't want anybody mumbling a few words and disappearing either.

Use the whole stage or floor. Most first-time speakers or emcees, stay rooted to the spot and that simple lack of action dooms them. Feel free to walk around to the bride and groom when you refer to them. Walk up to the parents as you introduce them to the wedding party.

Be animated. The more of your personality and charm you project, the better. So be cheeky, be witty and be in charge. Remember, you are the one with the microphone. Master of ceremonies duties should be conducted with genuine pride and joy. Therefore, they oughtn’t be too dry an affair.

Feel free to incorporate a few one-liners or light humour to lighten the mood. I would refrain from mouldy old jokes and anything off-colour. If you’re unused to this type of banter, practise, practise, practise!

Remember, do not make long rambling monologues. You are there to simply guide the course of events. The actual events have their own energy.

Above all, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. You should know weeks in advance about the venue, the order of events, the speech-makers. It is advisable to give them a few pointers on what to speak about.

Fairy Godmother tip; Get a little quote or back-story from each of the Bridal Party – at gunpoint if necessary. It will give you something to talk about as you introduce them to the guests and help break the ice for every one. Everything goes smoother. Just remember it is an introduction, not a roast.