Master of Ceremonies – to have or not to have at your wedding or event?

Master of Ceremonies (MC): To a lot of people this conjures up the vision of a man in a red coat with a BIG moustache and strict formality for your wedding day. Well yes, it can be the full works or it can be a friend who is used to public speaking who just announces the main points to keep your day moving and save those precious minutes.

As a wedding planner at a prestigious hotel on the Devon/Cornwall border, I was taught to MC and it is still something that I do a lot today. I strongly believe in having an MC as it adds just the right amount of structure if done correctly.

Many people would instantly say no but the one huge benefit of an MC is they can keep your day to a schedule so time is not wasted or lost. For example, minutes can easily slip away if you have a shy best man or ushers that go round asking people to sit, as guests often start chatting to other people on their way to their seats, this can take up to 20 minutes! A good MC will command the room so those precious minutes are not wasted, they will hit their gavel and 100 guests can be sat in 5 – 10 minutes. An MC will be watching the clock instead of you, leaving you to relax and enjoy your day rather then worrying about the time.

In my experience I would avoid asking the best man to MC as he is busy enough looking after the groom and thinking about his speech. Have you a god father or a friend that you would like to offer the position too?

An MC can make minimal announcements, for example they can call the guests in for the Wedding Breakfast and perhaps announce the cutting of the Wedding Cake, you do not have to have lots of announcements or you can have have the full works.

Should you have me as your MC, I like to have a bit of fun so once all your guests have been called to sit, I will announce the bride and groom in, the “NEW MR and MRS ……” and have everyone on their feet clapping and cheering. Grace can also be announced so that your guests do not have the awkward do we stand up or sit down moment. Later on the cake cutting can be announced followed by the speeches. The MC can announce the first speaker or all. There is no set tradition anymore so the level of formality is up to you.

For any events we undertake catering for at Oaktree Occasions I am happy to MC for no extra charge. Alternatively, if you prefer, I can whisper in a friend’s ear when there are announcements to be made. This can be a good option as I can ensure all your suppliers are in sync and none of those precious minutes are wasted – meaning your food reaches you at its very best!