How I : Host your party
Being the Master of Ceremonies isn’t just holding the microphone and making announcements, following the schedule and making sure the reception runs on time. It’s not about asking the crowd “If they’re ready to have a good time?” followed by saying “I can’t hear you!”. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trash talking how MC’s hype up the crowd. Audience engagement is definitely part of bringing excitement to the evening and joy to the newly weds. But there are a few fundamentals that I’ve subconsciously formed through being a master of ceremonies.
In no particular order, here are my Fundamentals…
The fundamentals of business. The funda-mentals of business. 'Mental' is part of the word, I have underlined it. Because you're mental, if you don't have a good time. You have to enjoy it.
Michael Scott
The Married Couple get everything they need. You don’t have one lead actor/actress in this blockbuster movie, you have two, and the lead roles get everything catered. Has the groom had a few drinks with the bridal party and his looking a bit sweaty? Then I’ll go to the bar and get an ice pack made up. It’s time for speeches, I’ll chase up your parents and tell them where they need to be. You’re about to cut the cake? let me make sure there’s a knife, and now it’s time for dancing, allow me to get the staff to move the cake away (after I get a slice). You get the point. Let me get what you need, without having to ask.
Usher the guests. Naturally, I’ll call guests to be seated during speeches, let them know meals will be served shortly etc. But what about when your actual wedding ceremony is over and you have photos with different groups of friends and family. Let me be the one to yell out the groups of names and call them over. Save your voice, don’t yell. I’m not some elusive person who only appears on the microphone. I feel it’s important for me to meet your family and guests, congratulate parents, in-laws, siblings and friends. I need to make sure that everyone’s here together for a celebration.
Work with your Coordinator, DJ/band, photographers/videographers. If your photo/videographers have additional lighting I’ll make sure I know where they’re setting up, so I can tell speech-givers where to stand. When it comes to the Bouquet Toss/Garter throw or anything else on your run sheet, I’ll make sure the DJ/Band and I are in sync to play the right song for what’s happening.
Encourage the party, not be the party. Believe me, I’ll always have an amazing time at a wedding as a guest or MC; but I’m not trying to be the life of the party. I’m not after the attention, it’s not my night, it’s not my wedding. I want to encourage the party to celebrate your love & happiness.
“The guests don’t need to know my name, hear my jokes, know my website or my story - they need to know that they’re here to have the best night, celebrating your wedding day.”
