The Master of Ceremonies

From Wikipedia: “An MC (emcee) is the host of an official public or private staged event or other performance. “MC” is an abbreviation for “Master of Ceremonies”. The MC usually presents performers, speaks to the audience, and generally keeps the event moving. An MC may also tell jokes or anecdotes. The MC sometimes also acts as the protocol officer during an official state function.”

I bolded the “keeps the event moving” line because that’s what this blog is about. Like Harold Zigler verbally whipped the men of the Moulin Rouge into a frenzy, the MC is the puppet master of your wedding reception and can do the same to your guests. I learned the importance of an MC early on in my career when I did a few iPod weddings, and weddings where the band did not have an MC.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that it is wrong to have an iPod wedding, this blog is not about your music choices, but about who is orchestrating your event.


Most of  the time, your DJ or your band leader is your MC. It’s a logistical non-exciting thing that people don’t really talk about when it comes to wedding planning. But when it comes to your wedding day unfolding smoothly, the MC is either my bestie or my archenemy. When it is time to move the guests to a new area, announce the bride and groom’s entrance, first dance, cake cutting, etc., the MC and I speak about it beforehand and then the MC facilitates it. Usually with a groovy soundtrack. Even for the clients who aren’t doing any traditional activities, it is utter chaos to move 100+ people around without someone with authority on a microphone.

In a few cultures, mainly Middle Eastern or Indian, a brother acts as the MC for the reception. It is a lot of work, and that brother doesn’t get to party too much, but it is an honored roll for him. The DJ loves it because he gets to focus on making people dance their faces off and not have to talk at all.

When you think about your reception, you need to think about the type of personality you want on the microphone. Do you want Mr. Cool who barely talks, or the guy who takes the mic out on the dancefloor to start the conga? Neither are wrong, but just make sure you have SOMEONE as your MC.