What Does a Master of Ceremonies Do?
More than you think!
Sadly, a lot of couples seem to think that a master of ceremonies (MC) is only responsible for introducing each person making a speech. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Your MC will also work with all the vendors to ensure things are running on time. They will work with the kitchen/catering staff to check if things are still due to run on time. They will keep in contact with your photographer/videographer to ensure they are ready for key events prior to them being announced.
If you are having a buffet, your master of ceremonies will release tables to the buffet. Not over the microphone telling them what table number is next! A good MC will walk to each table and personally invite them to the buffet. This is a much more elegant approach and shows respect to your guests.
Your MC will, of course, introduce speeches, whilst also giving quick microphone handling advice to each person making a speech to ensure they can be heard. A good MC will not go off a script but actively listen to each speech and use the mood and content of that speech to match the mood when required.
Too many times I have seen poor-quality MCs, stuck in a script and not listening to the previous speaker, come in directly after an emotional, heartfelt or sad speech with a cheesy smile and tacky line to deliver—just like a bad game show host. Not what you want for your wedding day!
The MC will work the rest of the event ensuring the dance happens and introducing others to the dance floor as well as potentially run games etc.
What does a master of ceremonies do?
Your MC is the glue that holds the event together.
Ensure you choose someone with experience.
We hope this has helped to answer your question – “What does a master of ceremonies do?”
NikNat Entertainment offers professional MC services on the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. Get in touch today to see how we can bring your event to life. I have trained under many of the industries leaders in the master of ceremonies field, including many well known MCs from the United States. I like to keep my MC service fun and lighthearted, whilst not making it a stand up comedy show. (I have seen this and it’s awkward).
I make my service all about you and the guests, it’s NOT about me nor my moment to shine.
I am there to simply facilitate the order of the events and the flow of the night.
Making you and your guests the stars, not me!
Many wedding couples will frequently choose to have a family friend or member fulfil the role of Master of Ceremonies. This role is perhaps the single most misunderstood role when it comes to weddings. Many couples pick the person they think would be the funniest person. This could be the biggest mistake ever. We have seen way too many weddings ruined by people that take this role and use it as their “15 minutes of fame” opportunity. This is NOT the time for the MC to shine or try out his or her “material”. It is not a stand-up comedy show. It is a wedding and the only stars of the show should be the bride and groom.
The other type of person often chosen is the person that has had a lot of experience in speaking in front of others. Whilst this might be a slightly better choice than the “funny guy” persona, the fact that one can speak in front of a crowd does not make one a Master of Ceremonies. This would be akin to assuming just because someone is used to driving a lot (maybe a taxi driver), then they would be a great choice to become a professional race-car driver. They are completely different tasks. Whilst it is true that a good Master of Ceremonies should not have a fear of public speaking, this is not enough. A professional Master of Ceremonies should also be very well versed in the traditions and running of a wedding.
It is not very well known, but a Master of Ceremonies acts on behalf of the Bride & Groom and is the personal representative of them and their parents for the venue and all the suppliers involved. The Master of Ceremonies is responsible for working in closely with the venue and the caterers in keeping things on track with the time line. He or she is also responsible for ensuring the photographer is informed and present when important things such as the cutting of the cake is about to take place. (The amount of times I have witnessed a family member acting in this role completely forgetting to ensure the photographer is ready, only to have the cake cutting take place without the photographer!). A good Master of Ceremonies ensures everyone that needs to be present is present.
When it comes to your special day, we strongly suggest letting us perform this very important role. This also has the added benefit of allowing all your family and friends to relax and enjoy being guests at your wedding. If they are performing the role of Master of Ceremonies correctly, they won’t have time to relax as they will be constantly bouncing between suppliers and yourselves to keep things on track.
We have staff that has been personally trained by the man many people consider to be the best Master of Ceremonies in the world, Mr. Mark Ferrell. Mark is well known across the world by wedding industry professionals everywhere. You can reap the benefits of the training from the best in the world at your own wedding for only a small extra investment.
Check out our ABIA reviews for our Master of Ceremonies services.
