Being a wedding MC...HELP!!

[geobur]

Hey guys so I went out to dinner with my best friend on Friday and she asked me to be the MC at her wedding. I said sure no problem. Only she didn't really tell me what she expected me to do, nor did she give me any itinerary or schedule...I don't even know who she will be having do speeches...This wouldn't be so bad except the wedding is the 28th...next Saturday...

I have no idea what is required of me as an MC and I want to do a good job for them. I have no problem speaking in front of people but I don't know what I am supposed to be saying or doing.

If anyone who has been through this before or had weddings before has any advice I would be eternally grateful I am stressing out big time.

[JonsMazda]

Just keep talking and crack lots of jokes. You'll do fine. Don't think too much.

[lcianf01]

You pretty much run the show. Introduce people and such. I don't believe the MC has to do a speech although they normally do as they are usually close to the bride or groom.

[Shinglez]

Let the liquor do the thinking

[rukus]

Just keep talking and crack lots of jokes. You'll do fine. Don't think too much.

no absolutely not. unless you have LOTS of (successful) experience doing this.

tell some stories about the couple, ask them what stories should be told, how they met, first date, special events, etc. don't be rude, crude or "edgy" keep it simple.

write things down. you are only an interlude between the people that matter

[cwp_sedan]

no absolutely not. unless you have LOTS of (successful) experience doing this.

tell some stories about the couple, ask them what stories should be told, how they met, first date, special events, etc. don't be rude, crude or "edgy" keep it simple.

write things down. you are only an interlude between the people that matter


+1

Simple is definitely the key. If you think you are funny and people don't it will be a bad night. Make them look good or silly at moments but that's all. Nothing less.

[Jackal]

You'll need to ask the bride and groom what exactly they want you to do. They probably have an itinerary or schedule for events and speakers. Get that list and you're halfway there. Find out a little about each event or speaker so when you introduce them you have a joke or something interesting to say. Each speaker should have an idea of when they will speak or in what order so find out who they are at the event and introduce yourself. Then let them know when they will be speaking or doing their part. Big job but make it fun for everyone.

[r4mi5awi]

Be organized, practice your routine if you're not a veteran in public speaking, ask them for a schedule, get to know the dj, he'll have more experience and will have the mic. Games, games, games, find fun games for the crowd, introduce the couple, food, dance time. Have a speech, know who else is doing speeches. If they don't have a schedule, you decide who speaks forth and so on. If they're completely unorganized, and have random demands the day of that'll ruin the program, respectfully declined by smiling and say 'sure' then continue with your scheduled work. Don't drink too much, pace yourself, absolutely no shots! I warned you :beer:

You're gonna do a lot of running around, you'll probably not have a lot of fun. I've personally mc'd before, never again, voluntarily at least lol.

P.s. I really want to join you guys at the Masiv Monday meet tonight but I just finished an all day practical medical exam. And my wife jumped the curb in Toronto on our way home. Damage to rim is certain, still driving home. Fml :(

[The Wolf]

Wedding MCs typically end up getting asked to do so because the couple think they would do a good job. So, be yourself, act natural. They picked you because you can handle it.

[Wisecraker]

Let the liquor do the thinking

Yes, but be careful. This can also back fire lol

[FoXy]

You might be able to work with the DJ as well so in that case I would try to get in touch with them.

Otherwise look for sample itinerarys on the net if the bride and groom dont give you any info.

[JD@WhitbyMazda]

I would recommend noting a few quick stories about the couple and sharing them between the speeches. You're only a short interlude so keep it simple. A quick/funny piece of advice would suffice as well. Clarify with the bride/groom how many different people are speaking and see if they can give you the itinerary. In some case the bride/groom will have you announce the dances, garter/bouquet toss, cake cutting etc... or they may just ask the DJ to do that. Also, make sure you have name pronunciation down (My sister-in-law married a polish guy so that was a bit of a curve ball).

Above all, try to have fun with it. I've MC'd 3 weddings. I dreaded my first one, but I am looking forward to my next one (which I've already been asked to do).

[geobur]

Cool thanks for the advice guys, I have been looking at some tips online, and I am going to take JD@WhitbyMazda advice and prepare some short stories, and FoXy 's advice and look at sample itinerarys.

I am trying not to stress too much. But I want to do a good job.

Thanks again guys

[slam525i]

I've done a few weddings as MC.

Get a clear, detailed schedule of who talks when, and what course get served when and such. Discuss with the couple. The schedule will go to hell, but at least you've got something to grasp at.

Unless you've been asked to, keep your stories SHORT. You're MCing, not speech-ing. (2 new words in a sentence of 4 words. Wow. English me no speak very goodly.) I prefer to stick to one or two-liners between intros of speakers.

Usually, you're friends with one or the other in the couple, but don't make it seem like you only know one of them. Try to target your jokes and such to cover both victims.

Discuss with the couple how far your jokes can go. Not risky is not funny. Going too far is disastrous. Find out whether your audience is young or old and whether they can take jokes.

Discuss with the couple what games they want during the wedding. Try to keep the more serious speeches and stuff in the beginning, and more fun and games in the end. That way the guests are more prepared to party after.

Fill your stomach before you go. You probably won't get much time to eat (unless the schedule shows significant down-time.)

Have cue cards in hand, so you're never completely lost. Make sure you know who everyone is.

Have a drink or two to loosen up, but don't get tipsy.

Remember, this is about the bride and groom and for everyone to have fun. It's not about you. (This part is important!)

[SirWanker]

choreograph the group dance :P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBq8nB6gwnA