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The Master of the Ceremony
Master of Ceremonies |
Whether you want a
traditional reception, a casual outdoor affair, or a small cocktail party, the
key to a relaxing and enjoyable celebration is making sure that someone is
organizing and running the show. Entrust this task to someone you're sure can
handle the job and enjoy your party!
Who should I choose for my master
of ceremonies?
The most
popular and best choice for your master of ceremonies is a family member or a
close friend. Your master of ceremonies should be someone who knows both the
bride and groom as least relatively well and has a substantial knowledge of the
family structure of both sides, as well as the wedding party. It's usually best
to choose someone who is not included in the wedding party as this will make
things confused and overly hectic for that person.
You should
also take into account the personality of the master of ceremonies. Think about
weddings that you have attended. What qualities did you enjoy or find helpful in
the master of ceremonies at those weddings. Your master of ceremonies needs to
comfortable with the role and incorporates two major strengths: public speaking
and organization. Think of someone who can feel comfortable going up to the
groom's grandmother he's never met to talk to her about when she would like to
make a toast. He or she should also have the time (and be willing to contribute
it) to help with planning before the wedding.
Consider
asking a couple to share the tasks - often two people who play well off of each
other such as a couple or siblings are both amusing and very natural. Some DJ
companies will also provide MC services if you give them a detailed list of who
speaks when, what announcements need to be made, etc. Make sure you like their
personality and the way they speak in public. A good indication is whether
they're laid back or loud speakers when you meet with them about DJ'ing your
wedding. Even though everyone is different when they're in front of a crowd,
they'll likely speak in a similar manner at your wedding.
If you really
feel like you're at a loss about who to choose within your circle of family and
friends, try checking with your local Toastmasters. There quite a few people who
are involved in this organization and will be able to provide you with their
services. And if one of your family members or a friend is one of them, it's
even better!
Most of all,
choose someone who you would like to give the honour to. Entrust this special
task to someone who can be relaxed, comfortable and keep the party going so that
you and your groom can enjoy the reception.
What is the master of ceremonies
responsible for?
The master of
ceremonies is traditionally involved in the following events:
•
Announcing the entrance. This normally signals the commencement of the
reception. The MC will introduce by name the parents of the groom, the parents
of the bride, the wedding party and finally the new couple as then enter the
room.
•
Miscellaneous announcements. This may be done anytime or periodically
throughout the reception and may include information about the reception site,
such as parking information, location information, etc. or information that
guests need to know about the events of the evening - i.e. dessert will be
served after the bride and groom's first dance.
•
Organizing the toasts. The MC and the best man should collaborate to ensure
that the toasts run smoothly and no one is forgotten. Each person should be
announced with little or no lull in between toasts.
• From one
event to another. Have your MC ensure that your guests are aware of what is
happening when. This may mean announcing that dinner will be served momentarily
and people should be seated, or that the next dance is the wedding party dance.
Your MC should also announce the bouquet and garter toss so that your guests
will not miss the action.
• The
dramatic departure. While you've had a great evening, at some point you and
your groom will want to sneak away to start your romantic and relaxing
honeymoon. It's usually best to have your MC announce your departure for the
full effect of a warm and celebratory send-off.
Tips for your master of
ceremonies...
There are a
few things to consider passing along to the person or people you ask to be
master of ceremonies:
• Get all
the info. This is one of your primary responsibilities. It's your job to
know the names (and how to pronounce them) of the wedding party, bride and
groom's immediate family, and any other important players in the wedding day.
• Know
what's going on. Sit down with the bride and groom before the wedding so
that you know how they want their reception to unfold. Perhaps they want to do
their first dance as soon as they are announced into the reception, or they want
to skip the bouquet and garter toss altogether. Make sure that you are aware of
any special touches that the couple may want to include in the celebration.
Write down the various events of the evening with general times and try to stick
to these outlines. Don't panic if things slow up, find a way to make the
reception continue flowing.
• Talk to
the right people. However busy the day may be, it's important that you make
contact with each person planning to make a toast or say a few words. Let each
of them know when they should be ready and how long they have to speak. It's
also great to work with the DJ or band to make sure that all your cues are in
order.
• Be
subtle. As crucial as your role is, people are not there to see you. Keep
your comments and stories about the couple short and sentimental. A few tasteful
jokes may be needed during the reception in order to fill time between events,
but don't use the event as an opportunity to showcase your talents. The best
master of ceremonies keeps things running smoothly in an understated and subtle
manner. |
