It's the wedding couple's much long-anticipated day, and whether you have had weeks to prepare or received a late-night phone call last night, it is your job to carry the bride and groom smoothly through the festivities that follow the ceremony. If you have accepted the responsibility of being a wedding mc, a good deal depends on your understanding of the agenda and transitioning everyone through the activities comfortably. While you yourself need to be entertaining, the bridal party and guests will also look to you to introduce each aspect of the reception celebration.

A very important role for the wedding mc is that of being an announcer. You will introduce the wedding party and close family as they arrive at the reception. You can easily learn the correct order of introduction and should be confident in your presentation. Make sure you pronounce the names correctly. If you introduce yourself with an appropriate joke, the audience will turn expectantly to you each time you rise to speak. This will allow you to move things along smoothly or to pick up the tempo if there seems to be a lull developing.

While it is not listed as one of your primary tasks, the wedding mc is responsible for helping the wedding reception be as joyous and successful as the ceremony preceding it. Being entertaining yourself without stealing attention away from the bride and groom is possible, even if you are inexperienced. Under no circumstances do you want to humiliate or anger anyone present, so be choosy about the jokes, one-liners, and quotes that you sprinkle throughout the proceedings. There are books available online that offer actual categories of wedding jokes that have been tried and tested and are totally unoffensive. If any comment could be misunderstood, simply replace it with a safer one. An inappropriate joke will dampen the mood and create an unpleasant memory, so avoid one of these at all costs.

Public speaking is the one task that the majority of people fear the most. It need not be so difficult for the wedding mc. Once the crowd knows you are a humorous, tactful guide, they will listen intently and enjoy your announcements, introduction of other speakers, and additional remarks that you insert throughout the celebration. Having an emcee checklist or wedding reception agenda can help you specify exactly what you want to say at the appropriate time to offer it. You can actually use these notes if necessary and still be an effective emcee. You have a wonderful responsibility and opportunity to help a unique couple celebrate their most special day. Enjoy what you do and people will enjoy you as well.