Wedding Emcee Role
Posted on August 24th, 2008 in Wedding Planning
Are you a wedding couple planning your wedding? Have you been asked to be a wedding master of ceremonies? Either way, you will need to carefully think about the role of the wedding MC. How well this role is performed can make or break the success of a wedding reception.
Some people think a wedding master of ceremonies should be an entertainer, and preferably a comedian, to keep everybody thoroughly entertained during the reception. They are looking for a star performer. Others believe the master of ceremonies should remain in the background acting as the host and coordinating each stage of the reception, with attention firmly focused on each speaker and contributor, and especially on the newlyweds.
The traditional role of the wedding master of ceremonies is to oversee the formalities of the wedding reception. A good wedding MC creates an atmosphere of happy celebration. A sound knowledge of wedding etiquette is required, an understanding of the wishes of the couple getting married, and the ability to speak well and with good humor to set the mood and gain everyone’s cooperation.
A successful wedding MC knows when to step in and take the lead, and when to keep in the background so that he does not dominate the floor. A traditional wedding MC is more like a chairman of proceedings than a star performer for the wedding reception.
Usually the wedding MC as a volunteer, and is often the bride’s father who was traditionally the host of the wedding reception. Sometimes a family friend or relative with the appropriate personality is asked to be the MC, or the role may be performed by the best men. Such volunteers will not often be capable of putting on a star entertainment act, but there will usually be somebody who makes a good chairman among the newlywed’s circle of friends and relatives.
The wedding MC will usually have the personality to add some fun and humor to proceedings, especially the introductions to the various speakers. Occasionally the person chosen will be a natural performer and entertainer, but this should not be the main selection criterion. It is more important that the chosen MC is a good chairman, able to make sure the reception goes as planned.
For many weddings it is the best man’s speech that generates the most hilarity. At some receptions there will be a specific entertainment item included in the program. A singer, often a talented family member or guest, is a popular choice. The flower girls, pages and others in the wedding party should each have their moment in the limelight. The danger of having a wedding MC who dominates the reception with his personality as an entertainer is that he will detract from the contributions of the other less professional and outgoing participants. The wedding couple needs to be very clear with their chosen MC about the role they would like him to play.
An option is to hire a professional wedding MC. That is often an expensive option, and favored mostly for celebrity or society weddings. The ironical thing is that a professional MC is usually expected by the guests to provide an entertaining act, while professional MCs often see their role mainly from the traditional chairman or coordinator perspective.
Being the master of ceremonies for a wedding is a big responsibility that can make or break the success of the reception and how it will be remembered for a lifetime. In most cases a successful wedding MC will not set out to give a high profile entertaining performance at the reception, but will make sure he is well briefed and organized to make sure everything goes smoothly to make the reception a happy and memorable celebration - with the wedding couple as the stars of the show, not himself as the wedding MC.
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