As an MC you should be familiar with all of the reception agenda arrangements including contingency planning for the evening.

You should know the GO-TO person in event of needing to know caterers, the photographer(s), and other key players beforehand and ensure everything is arranged according to plan.

You should familarise yourself with the guest list and know who is who. Ensure you know arrangements for out of town guests, so you can assist with arrangements/questions if necessary.

Duties of an MC

Here are some top tips on your duties as an MC:

1. Open the wedding reception by welcoming the wedding guests.
2. Introduce yourself as the Wedding Master of Ceremonies for the reception. Inform guests of exits, facilities, other housekeeping matters, and flow of the evening.
3. Create an atmosphere of anticipation and announce the entrance of the wedding couple with enthusiasm and applause.
4. Introduce the person who will say the blessing or grace prior to serving the main meal.
5. Prepare and introduce each wedding guest before they give their wedding speech or wedding toast. The toast may inspire laughter and tears, it usually is uplifting and heartfelt, and it should be less than 3 minutes in length.
6. Give the Wedding MC’s Wedding Speech if requested to do so.
7. Read messages of congratulations from friends and relatives who were unable to attend the wedding. To add humor to the occasion, it’s acceptable to include several humorous “made up” telegrams (which are usually directed towards the groom).
8. Announce the ceremonial cutting of the cake.
9. Inform the wedding guests that the throwing of the bouquet and garter are about to take place.
10. Announce the commencement of the dancing.
11. Announce the first dance by the bride and groom and invite them to take to the dance floor.
12. Inform the wedding guests that the bride and groom will be leaving the reception shortly.
13. Announce plans for next day – if any; time, location, what to do/bring (if anything) etc. A map to give people is often handy if the location for events is out of town, or you have out of town guests.
14. Officially end the wedding reception, thanking the guests for attending, and wishing them a safe trip home.

The team at Kim Chan Events are here to help. We provide much more than just wedding flowers, our talented wedding stylists design and style your wedding from start to finish, along with helping nerves you might be feeling as MC for your loved one’s wedding reception.

If you’d like to know how we can help, drop us a line at [email protected] or call us on 021 122 4082. We also offer beautifully curated flowers for delivery in Christchurch and Canterbury.