How to Be a Wedding MC

You've accepted the job of being master of ceremony at a wedding. At first, you're honored to have been asked. Then a sense of panic overtakes you because you have no idea what the job entails, and the thought of talking to a couple hundred people is really frightening. A wedding MC is responsible for the flow of the wedding reception by making sure things happen at the right time. Even though he won't be giving a speech (that's up to the Best Man), he will announce each event and introduce each person who makes a toast or gives a speech. How well he prepares will be reflected in his performance.

Instructions

1. Make a list of each event in the order in which it will take place; and on 3-by-5 inch cards, briefly jot down the remarks you intend to make. If you can, make a note of the time when each event is to occur. Preparation is 90 percent of what it takes to be a successful MC. And in the heat of the moment, don't forget to bring your notes.

2. Before you say the first word to announce the events at the wedding, take a deep breath, exhale slowly to calm your nerves and give everyone on the room a big smile. Not only will these techniques help you to relax, you will gain the respect and attention of the audience.

3. Practice using a microphone prior to the wedding. Above all, do not mumble. Articulate each word and practice projecting your voice. Ideally, if you have the chance to do this where the wedding reception will take place, it will enable you to get used to the room, not to mention the workings of the microphone.

4. Make eye contact with someone in the audience and make believe you are speaking to him alone. Then do the same with someone else. Rather than thinking about addressing hundreds of people, you'll be limiting your focus to just one.

5. Do not be verbose. Make sure that your comments are short. For some speakers, nervousness causes them to say more than they would normally. This is especially important when you introduce people who are to give toasts or speeches.

6. Make sure that no one will be offended by any of your remarks. Among those comments you need to totally avoid are ethnic slurs and swear words. Neither is appropriate at an important event like a wedding reception, and you'll always run the risk of offending someone in the audience. Also, “inside” comments may not be understood by everyone there, so they should be avoided.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that nervousness comes with the responsibility. But if you plan ahead and practice, you might just find yourself having a good time at the wedding reception.