wedding introduction speech for mc

Wedding Officiant Help Desk

Tips and Scripts for the Wedding Emcee and Officiant

How to Write a Great Wedding MC Introduction Speech

Writing A Great Wedding MC Introduction Speech

If someone has asked you to be the Wedding MC at their reception, then you may be feeling a little nervous about the role. Even the most confident person may find themselves at a loss when standing in front of a room full of strangers, or even worse – your close friends and family.

If you’re not sure of what to do, we’ve broken down the basic components of being a wedding MC and preparing your introduction at the reception. Keep in mind that you may have to adjust this list slightly depending on the couple’s wishes but these are the primary parts that will be included.

Prepare for The Big Entry

The wedding MC’s duties typically begin after the guests are seated and after the cocktail hour, if this has been included on the run sheet. You’ll want to first make sure that the bridal party and the couple are ready to enter the reception area.

Have them stand up and line up in the order of entry and double check your list to make sure that you have each person’s name correct and you know how to pronounce them. Use notecards and write down pronunciations if needed.

The couples will typically dance into the reception and continue dancing (preferably on the dance floor) until the newlyweds have been introduced to a standing ovation, entered, and taken their seat at the head table. So let the wedding party this is going to happen before you announce them.

Venue: Thirroul SLSC Photo: BCSIMAGING

Introduce the Newlyweds into the Reception with a Wedding MC Introduction Speech

Let the DJ know that it’s time to go and step up to the plate! Ask for everyone’s attention then ask them to start cheering for each couple. Name each couple separately and space out the names to allow them to enter the room.

The end of the bridal party should be the best man and the maid of honour. Finally, introduce the happy couple and allow them plenty of time to walk into the room as the applause at this part should likely be the loudest. The wedding party will then make their way to their chairs and allow them to settle before you start your introduction speech.

Give the Wedding MC Introduction Speech

Although speeches are going to vary from person to person, you’ll have some of the same components for every speech. Start by thanking everyone for being present. Have the couple kiss and allow for cheering.

Wedding MC Introduction Speech and Housekeeping

After you’ve put the attention on the stars of the event, introduce yourself and state how you know the couple. Welcome people to the event and then take care of a few housekeeping items. This may not be intuitive for everyone so it’s a good idea to point out the bathrooms, exits, and any safety information. There may also be requirements by the venue so point these out as needed.

Reception MC Shoutouts

You can then give a shout out for any notable people who are attending but aren’t a part of the wedding party. This list of people should be included by the couple before the wedding. They usually include the grandparents, parents, siblings, and sometimes special friend groups who may be seated at different tables. Don’t spend too much time but make sure that they are pointed out as being special to the day.

Brief Relationship Recap

Finally, you’ll give a short recap of the couple’s events that have led everyone there tonight. This can be a brief overview of how they met and what their romance blossomed until they decided to make the decision to marry. Don’t spend too long on this as it can drag out the evening. Maybe 3 key moments, that’s it!

Introduce The First Speaker

Thank everyone once again and then introduce the first speaker. For the speakers, you should have a list of people who are going to be giving speeches and their order as well. Some people may want to give impromptu speeches.

Be prepared for this and only allow those designated people to actually have the microphone, unless the couple have approved it. Try and break up the speeches throughout the night so people can chat, drink and eat in between.

Venue: Grounds of Alexandria Photo: Samantha Heather

How To MC a Wedding

If you’re still nervous about being the Master of Ceremonies at a Wedding then you may want to check out our simple online course on How to be an Amazing Wedding MC. At Marry Us Gary, we offer a fantastic wedding MC course so visit https://marryusgary.com/mc-course to find out more.

Wether you are a one time MC for a friends wedding or you are in the wedding business looking to up skill, this Online MC Course is for you. This can be a fun and creative way to take on part-time or even full-time work so consider signing up for this fun and informative course.

WEDDING MC SPEECH

Related posts:

How to give a wedding speech.

• How to Perform the Wedding MC Speech at a Reception
• What NOT to Do as the Wedding Master of Ceremonies
• How to Perform the First Dance Introduction as MC
• How to Perform the Wedding Guard of Honour as MC
• Microphone Tips For Officiants and Celebrants
• Wedding Words Explained For Officiants and MCs
• How to Perform a Wedding Rehearsal as Officiant

Related Posts

How To Be The Best Emcee at a Wedding

What Does a Wedding MC Do?

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How to Begin a Wedding Speech: 20 Speech Introductions

Got to give a speech but don't know where to begin? Our wedding speech introduction examples will help you get started

Love them or hate them, the speeches are central to any wedding reception, but it can be nerve-wracking if you're the one standing up to say a few words. Whether you're the bride , groom , father of the bride , best man or maid of honour , we've got you covered with tips to help you begin your wedding speech , including some introduction examples, so you can start strong and feel confident. 

"Getting the introduction right is key because it sets the tone for the whole speech," explains wedding wordsmith and professional speechwriter Amerdeep Sanghera of Lovingly Penned . "You don't want guests thinking, 'Oh no, not another speech'. Instead, you want to see those smiles spread. So the introduction is pretty much the most important part of the whole thing."

Sounds stressful, right? Well, don't panic. From funny opening lines to general tips on how to get started, scroll on to make sure your speech is talked about for all the right reasons… 

How to Start Your Wedding Speech

Knowing how to start your wedding speech - whether it's a traditional wedding speech or if you're going for a more modern take - can be challenging, but we've asked the experts for tips and ideas on how to beginning a wedding speech. 

1. Introduce Yourself

It doesn't matter if you're the father of the bride, the maid of honour, the best man – even the groom – it’s always polite to introduce yourself. Smile as you do so and make a bit of a joke if you feel tense, or reference how important the day is if you don’t feel like joking:

• “Hi, I’m [BRIDE/GROOM’S NAME] – you should probably all know who I am, and if you don’t, well done for sneaking in unnoticed.”
• “Hi, I’m [BEST MAN’S NAME], but you can call me by my full name: [BEST-MAN’S-NAME-WOULD-YOU-LIKE-A-DRINK].”
• “Hello, I’m [FATHER OF THE BRIDE’S NAME] and I’m so delighted to welcome you all here on this beautiful day.”

Don’t go overboard with a long-winded introduction about yourself – a line or two about who you are and your role in the day will be enough.

To grab the audience's attention, be confident and keep it simple. If in doubt, start with the thank-yous. If you’re the best man, it’s fine to start with a joke (check out some of our  tried and tested best man jokes to inspire you) but remember, this isn't a stand-up routine and you should always add how honoured you are to be part of the day. 

2. Make Eye Contact

Pick a few reassuring faces in the crowd and pitch your speech to them – but don’t focus just on one person. Aim for a couple of different locations around the room so the whole audience feels engaged. "A simple way to do this early on is to ask people to give the couple a round of applause," adds Amerdeep. 

If the idea of making eye contact is too much, pick inanimate objects to focus on but mix them up.

3. Have Notes to Hand

Don’t think you need to know your whole speech off by heart – you’ll feel more confident if you have your notes to hand and no one will judge you for it. If you don’t want it to feel too scripted, simply give yourself cue cards to work from.

4. Don’t Drink Too Much

Don’t try and drown your nerves before you stand up. You might not remember your performance, but everyone else will (for a long time). Consider a one-drink limit before you begin your speech and save the celebratory fizz for after you’ve completed it – slur free!

5. Consider Hiring a Pro

If you're really stumped on how to begin your wedding speech, a professional speechwriter will help you gather your thoughts and anecdotes and put them into a coherent structure to get you started.

Speech Introduction Examples

Here are a few more ways to introduce your speech, no matter what role you’re playing in the wedding day – just tweak it to suit you and your speech.

Bride and/or Groom or Newlyweds 

• “We would like to welcome all of you here today to celebrate and thank you for choosing to spend the day with us."
• "Hello everyone! I hope you're having a wonderful day so far."
• "On behalf of me and my new [WIFE/HUSBAND/SPOUSE], I'd like to thank you all for coming today!"
• "Hi everyone - hopefully you all know who I am, otherwise you might be at the wrong wedding..."
• "If you don't know me, allow me to introduce myself - I'm the luckiest person in the world!"

Father of the Bride or Groom

• “Friends and family of [NAME] and [NAME], thank you for being here today to celebrate their marriage.”
• “The highest happiness on earth is the happiness of marriage.”
• “Today, promises have become permanent and friends have become family.”
• “Thank you for joining us today on such a wonderful occasion.”
• "What an honour I have, to give a speech today on my child's wedding day."

Maid of Honour or Bridesmaid Speech Introduction Examples

Mark Horton Photos

• “Welcome to the most important day in the lives of [NAME] and [NAME].”
• “Today is a celebration and we are here to celebrate with [NAME] and [NAME].”
• “Love has brought [NAME] and [NAME] and everyone in this room together today.”

Amerdeep also recommends: "Hello, beautiful people! I can't help but feel like I'm on stage at the Oscars, standing here. Sadly, there's no red carpet or golden statue for me, but I do have the privilege of celebrating two incredible people and their love story tonight."

Hitched Editor Zoe Burke chose to go for humour when it came to starting her maid of honour speech. "I was the first one speaking and I knew I needed a laugh quickly to help with my nerves, so I said 'Well, I've had the chance to wear a beautiful dress, carry a gorgeous bouquet and walk down the aisle without any of the financial pressure or stress of planning a wedding, so thank you!'

"It can be trickier figuring out how to start a wedding speech if you're not one of the traditional speech givers, but adding in some humour always helps!"

You can see more maid of honour speech examples  here.

• “My name is [BEST MAN] and it’s an honour to be here today as [GROOM]’s best man.”
• “Hi, I’m [NAME] and it’s time for me to do this speech I scribbled down about an hour before the ceremony started.”
• “I must admit, I’m not accustomed to public speaking. Up until I was asked to give this speech I thought a toastmaster was a kind of kitchen appliance!”
• “Before I begin, I must admit that [NAME] and [NAME] have asked that I remove anything resembling innuendo from this speech – I’ve promised if I come across anything even slightly risqué, I’ll whip it out immediately.”

"Another favourite of mine is, 'Alright, let's kick off this party! But before we hit the dance floor, let me share a few stories about our fearless groom and his journey to this moment…'" adds Amerdeep.

If you’re still worrying about your wedding speech, don’t miss our guide on how to deal with wedding speech nerves .

Related Hitched articles

How to Begin a Wedding Speech: Great Opening Lines

Handy one-liners to get your speech off to an amazing start.

If you've read our post on how to make a great wedding speech , you'll know that it's really important to start strong! Well, here we're showing you how to do exactly that, with a list of the best wedding speech opening lines . The beauty of this list is that it works for any kind of wedding speech, whether you're the bride, groom, best man, bridesmaid, father-of-the-bride, or even the flower girl or the groom's granny!

We've made sure to include lots of different options so there's something to suit every style of speech, whether you want to keep it simple, bring the audience to tears, or give them a giggle with a joke . Some of our wedding speech opening lines can be customised, too, to help you make your speech even more personal. So, let's dive in!

Our Favourite Wedding Speech Opening Lines

To help you find what you're looking for, we've split our sample opening lines into three categories; simple and sincere opening lines, funny opening lines and opening lines with quotes from famous people.

Note: (name) can indicate yourself, the bride/groom, the couple as a whole, or another member of the wedding party.  

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Simple and Sincere Opening Lines

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you (name) for the kind introduction."

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As (name's friend/relative), I'm delighted to welcome you all here tonight."

"Thank you so much, (name), for such a wonderful introduction. I only hope I can live up to your kind words!"

"Hello everyone. I hope you're all having a great night so far."

"Hello, I'm (name) and, for those of you who don't already know me, I'm (relation to couple)."

"Hi everybody, I'm (name), and I'm here to talk a little bit about my good friend (name)."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'm going to talk a little bit about (name). When I was writing this speech, I asked myself how I could sum up (X) years of friendship, laughter and adventures in one speech, and I decided that I can't. We'd be here all night."

"Hello everybody and welcome. I think we can all agree that it's been a wonderful day so far. (Couple names), you should be really proud of the amazing day you've put together. We're all very lucky to be a part of it."

"Hello everyone. I hope you're all having a great night so far. My life changed completely on (date, year), when (name) came into my life, and it changes again today, as they embark on their latest adventure with (name)."

"Hi everybody. Thank you for the warm welcome. Mark Twain once said that 'there are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. Liars.' I'm definitely in the former category, so I hope you'll forgive me if I'm a little bit shaky this evening."

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Funny Opening Lines to Make Guests LOL

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and before any of you ask, yes I am single."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'll be your speaker for the next 95 minutes."

"Hi everybody. If you don't know who I am... well, you're probably at the wrong wedding! But stick around, we need extra people for the conga line."

"Hi everyone. You're probably wondering why I gathered you here today. I've got a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity that I know you're going to - sorry, wrong speech!"

"Hello everyone! Thank you all for being here on such an exciting night. Yes, the rumours are true, I will be debuting some new choreography on the dance floor this evening. But in the mean time, I suppose I should talk a little bit about (couple names)."

"Hello, and welcome. You may know me as (name's friend/relative), but tonight, I go by the title, (name), Lord of the Dance."

"Hi everyone. Just in case you don't already know, I'm (name) and I'm the best man. There are some really successful, good-looking, charming men in the room tonight, but now that it's written on the ceremony program in black and white, it's official - I am the best."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from the great Seamus Heaney/Maya Angelou/Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./Mother Teresa... but unfortunately I left my speech in my other jacket. So you'll have to make do with me!"

“Hi everyone. If I could just say a few words … I’d be a better public speaker! That gag was actually stolen from Homer Simpson, which should give you an idea of the caliber of speech you can expect from me tonight.”

"Hi everyone, and welcome. Webster's dictionary describes a wedding as, 'The process of removing weeds from one's garden'. That's a Homer Simpson quote, which should give you an idea of the caliber of speech you can expect from me tonight.”

"Hello everyone, I'm (name.) According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right?"

"Hi everyone. When I was preparing this speech, (name) gave me a list of topics that were strictly off-limits, so I'd like to start with those."

"Hi everyone. I'm (name). Anyone who knows me knows that I'm (name)'s biggest fan. So much so, that I was actually quite hurt when I learned that I wasn't going to be involved in the first dance!"

"Hi everyone. I just want to take a few minutes to talk about my good friend (name). I first met (name) when we were 13, and since then, I've always looked up to him. He was, after all, the only 6ft 2' student at (school name)!"

"Good evening everyone. To our English speakers, I'd like to say welcome, we're delighted that you could be with us today to celebrate the marriage of (couple names). To our (other language) speakers, I'd like to say (use Google Translate or ask a native speaker to translate, 'My llama is very handsome. I hope my translation is correct.')"

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Beginning with a Quote

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Dr. James Dobson, who said, 'Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Franz Schubert, who said, 'Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, 'There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Franklin P. Jones, who said, 'Love doesn't make the world go 'round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.' "

"Hi everyone, I'm (name.) I hope you're all having a wonderful day so far. When I got married to my partner (name), somebody told me, 'Don't just be husband and wife, be president of each other's fan clubs,' and I'd like to pass on that same advice to (couple)."

"Hello everyone. I'd like to begin with a quote from Mignon McLaughlin, who said, 'A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.' Over the past (x) years, I've had the pleasure of watching (name) fall in love with (name) over and over again."

Click herefor a handy checklist of people to thank in your wedding speech , plus how to keep the speeches from being too long !

Image credits

Adam and grace, via one fab day, see more in:.

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Opening Words and Introduction

The Opening Words and Introduction of the wedding ceremony   sets the tone for the wedding. It’s a statement about the occasion, its importance, the significance to the world as well as the couple getting married.

Opening Words and Introduction 1

Friends and Family of the BRIDE and GROOM, welcome and thank you for being here on this important day.

We are gathered together to celebrate the very special love between BRIDE and GROOM, by joining them in marriage.

All of us need and desire to love and to be loved.

And the highest form of love between two people is within a monogamous, committed relationship.

BRIDE and GROOM, your marriage today is the public and legal joining of your souls that have already been united as one in your hearts.

Marriage will allow you a new environment to share your lives together, standing together to face life and the world, hand-in-hand.

Marriage is going to expand you as individuals, define you as a couple, and deepen your love for one another.

To be successful, you will need strength, courage, patience and a really good sense of humor.

So, let your marriage be a time of waking each morning and falling in love with each other all over again.

Opening Words and Introduction 2

Good evening, welcome to this most important moment in the lives of this couple.

We invite you to leave behind the worries and concerns of every day life and join us in the celebration of their marriage.

This is an opportunity for us to share not only in the joy of BRIDE and GROOM’s love but also to reaffirm and appreciate the love and the friendship we experience in our own lives.

May we all celebrate by being fully present during our short time together.

BRIDE and GROOM have chosen this setting in which to be married because it provides an appropriate backdrop for the public affirmation of their love.

BRIDE and GROOM view marriage as a coming together at all levels of being — mind, body, and spirit.

A marital commitment includes the willingness to be open and vulnerable, and the courage to take risks.

Marriage is a conscious act of will.

To remain in marriage we must continually renew our will to be married.

Marital partners accept the challenges that living together in love offer.

They decide that they will face the fears that are a necessary part of establishing and nurturing an intimate relationship.

And you, BRIDE and GROOM have made the commitment to create and recreate this conscious partnership.

Those of us who are married or in relationships may take this moment to consciously reaffirm our commitment to our partners and ourselves.

Marriage consists of entrusting our deepest selves into the loving care of another.

It is a public and legal act to be sure.

It is also an emotional and spiritual act.

The spiritual aspect of marriage must be embraced openly, seriously, and completely for the marriage to endure.

BRIDE and GROOM commit themselves today to each other in sacred trust.

They promise to embrace conflict as well as peace; to work as well as play; to struggle as well as coast; to give as well as receive; and to be with, stay with, and move toward one another.

Opening Words and Introduction  3

Today there will be no dearly beloved, no betrothed, and no ancient rhyme of the married.

Today there are no dead languages to solemnize vows that are very much alive and will remain so for a lifetime.

Today promises become permanent and friends become family.

However, this day is not about the words spoken or the rings exchanged, nor is it about grand pronouncements and recessional marches.

This day — the day of BRIDE and GROOM’s wedding — is about love.

One of my favorite authors once wrote ,  If love is not all, then it is nothing: this principle, and its opposite, collide down all the years of my breathless tale.”

BRIDE and GROOM, your breathless tale is about to begin.

If love is not all, then it is nothing.

Its opposite — If love is all, then it is everything — is going to be the basis for every aspect of your relationship.

All you have to do is simply love one another and that love shows through in everything you do for one another, how you treat each other, in good times and bad.

Love isn’t just a word; it’s an action.

Love isn’t something you say, it’s something you do.

Love is genuine, honest, and open, compassionate and kind, passionate and blind, love doesn’t know space or time, nor look through jealous eyes, and in the modified words of Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never dies.”

There are many different kinds of love, almost if not all of which are represented here today.

There is romantic love, the love of parents and children, of brothers and sisters and family, and love among friends.

Not only do BRIDE and GROOM love one another romantically — and they do, you can see it in every look, every touch, every moment they’re together — they also love one another as friends.

In fact, they’re best friends, constantly giggling and taunting and teasing and very plainly and obviously having fun together.

That love and enjoyment of each other as best friends will sustain them through this marriage.

In addition, the love collectively in this room, from friends and family, will help sustain and support the promises they make today.

All of us here will help solidify this bond, as these two individuals are joined as husband and wife.

This new journey will be at times richly rewarding and extremely difficult, but, most importantly, it will be a journey you take together.

Marriage is much more than your signatures on a legal contract.

You are promising, in front of all these people you love, that you want to be with each other and only each other for the rest of your lives, and that you will do everything in your power to honor the promises you are making here today.

For their part, the people who love you will also do everything in their power to try to help you hold up your end of the bargain.

Opening Words and Introduction 4

Today is a celebration.

A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it for forever.

You don’t have to have a ceremony to have a marriage.

And when you think about it, the whole thing is kind of weird, right?

You’re standing on in front of a lot of people, looking fancy, holding flowers, and being stared at by pretty much everyone who has meant anything to you.

So why do we do it?

The marriage ceremony has been an important feature across nearly every culture, religion, generation, and society.

We have thousands of important moments that happen throughout our lives, but this one is regarded as one so critical, we acknowledge its special status by sharing it with others.

Why this moment?

Because despite all of our differences, love is what we all share.

It’s the great unifier – our one universal truth.

That no matter who we are, where we’ve come from, what we believe, we know this one thing: love is what we’re doing right.

That’s why you are both standing here.

And that’s why you all are here to watch them stand up here.

We have all loved in our lifetimes, and in this moment, we’re reminded that the ability to love is the very best part of our humanity.

All of us here today have our own love stories.

Some are short, others long.

Some are yet unwritten, while others are just getting to the good part.

There are chapters in all of our stories that are sad or disappointing – and others that are exciting and full of adventure.

[Insert love story here]

And that brings them here, a time to pause, look back, and smile at all the moments that brought them here.

And a time to look ahead to all the moments that are still to come.

I’m here – we’re all here – because we want those moments for you.

We’re here to hope with you, to support you, to be proud of you, and to remind you that love isn’t happily ever after, love is the experience of writing your story.

It’s not one moment – not even this moment. It’s every moment.

Big ones like saying “I love you,” moving in together, getting engaged – but mostly a million little ones that come in between the big moments.

Falling asleep next to one another, making dinner together, spending holidays with your families, getting a big hug when you get home from work…

These everyday moments fuse together into one big experience.

And even though this experience is so incredible, words fail us when we try and explain it.

That’s just the way it is with love – it’s meant to be felt, not described.

But trying to describe love is one of our favorite pastimes.

We use the words we have to write stories, and poems, and songs about love.

And even though we describe love in different ways – and even though love can look different from one person to the next – we all know it when we see it.

And we see it here.

Opening Words and Introduction 5

We have been invited here today to witness and celebrate the uniting in marriage of BRIDE and GROOM.

They are taking the first step of their new beginning; their new life together.

The ability and desire for one human being to love another is perhaps the most precious and fulfilling gift that has been entrusted to us.

It is an all-consuming task, a lifelong endeavor — the journey we’ve been preparing for all of our lives.

Loving someone is a reason to stretch beyond our limits, to become more for the sake of the other.

It is to look into the soul of your beloved and accept what you see.

Loving is the ultimate commitment which challenges humans to become all that we are meant to be.

As they join in marriage today, BRIDE and GROOM are announcing to the world that they are welcoming that challenge.

Opening Words and Introduction 6

Hello and welcome!  May your hearts be glad and your spirits be light.

For every thing there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven.  Now is the time for a wedding.

BRIDE and GROOM have asked you all here today to bear witness to the forming of their covenant.

In honor of this event, they will say heartfelt words, perform age-old rituals and validate this event in your presence, their family and friends.

They will laugh and cry, dance and sing, and above all, celebrate their love with the blessings of the people who matter most to them.

To this day BRIDE and GROOM bring the joy in their hearts as a gift to one another.

They bring their shared dreams, which tie them together.

And they bring the seeds for their future, out of which will grow their life together.

You have been invited to share in their joy because of your bonds to the bride and groom and their families.

Again, they welcome you and thank you for coming.

Opening Words and Introduction 7

Hello everyone and welcome.

Thank you for joining us on this day of gladness and good fortune.

BRIDE and GROOM are coming together to publicly proclaim their undying love through the celebration of their marriage.

We are all here to learn about loving and being loved, and to watch the miracle of love exchanged enriches every one of us.

Therefore, we appreciate the opportunity to witness the shared love of this beautiful couple.

Their enthusiasm is contagious, their certainty of their destiny together is inspiring and their great expectations give us all a glimpse of the heights love can reach.

Marriage is a very special place.

It’s an oasis, a haven, and a sanctuary where we can safely learn about ourselves in the presence of another.

Like the harmony with the melody, marriage weaves two lives together, creating a deeper and richer song.

We are honored that BRIDE and GROOM are sharing some of their beautiful music with us on this day.

We ask that the vision they have of one another always reflect the electric attraction that first brought them together.

And we pray that, as they enter into the lifelong bond that is marriage, they may always see one another in the light of all light; the light of love.

Opening Words and Introduction 8

We have come together – families and friends – to witness BRIDE and GROOM as they exchange their vows of marriage.

We share with them their delight in finding love with each other, and support their decision to be together from now until the end of time.

As this couple enters into marriage, they do so with thought and reverence.

They give thanks for the past, which brought them to this place, and look forward with hope to what the future will bring.

Marriage is like a great umbrella that shelters love from the elements.

Corinthians One says that love is patient and kind.

It is not jealous or boastful, not irritable or resentful, not arrogant or rude.

Love does not insist on its’ own way.

It does not rejoice in the wrong, but rejoices in the right.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes in all things and endures all things.

Love never ends.

This marriage is a symbol of BRIDE and GROOM’s commitment to that love.

Opening Words and Introduction 9

We are here on this magnificent and beautiful day to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments – we are all present to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love – and to publicly witness the creation of an outward marriage bond that BRIDE and GROOM have already been creating inwardly.

Their love and intention has created this marriage and we are gathered here today to join in the celebration and acknowledgment of that bonding.

Opening Words and Introduction 10

We would like to welcome all of you, honored guests, and thank you for being with us today.

We are gathered here this evening, in the presence of God and of His company, to join BRIDE and GROOM in Holy Union, and bear witness to the miraculous power of love.

Love is our purpose in being here; it is the essence of who we are.

With Love as their foundation, marriage offers BRIDE and GROOM the opportunity to become their essence with one another.

Marriage is an art form that brings profound joy and demands great responsibility, awareness, and commitment.

We who partake of this occasion bind ourselves as witnesses to the journey of love that they are undertaking here.

Opening Words and Introduction 11

Love has brought BRIDE and GROOM together.

But what do we mean by love?

When we love, we see things other people do not.

We see beneath the surface to the qualities, which make our beloved special and unique.

To see with loving eyes, is to know inner beauty. And to be loved is to be known, as we are known to no other.

We who love, can look at each other’s life and say, “I touched his life,” or, “I touched her life,” just as an artist might say, “I touched this canvas.”

“Those brushstrokes in the comer of this magnificent mural, those are mine. I was a part of this life, and it is a part of me.”

Marriage is to belong to each other through a unique and diverse collaboration, like two threads crossing in different directions, yet weaving one tapestry together.

The secret of love and marriage is to be in love and in trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other.

It takes dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so.

And it takes faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both.

The true art of married life is an inner spiritual journey.

It is a mutual enrichment, a give and take between two personalities, a mingling of two endowments, which diminishes neither, but enhances both.

It is, ultimately, the emergence of the Highest Selves of each person.

Opening Words and Introduction 12

You have come here today, BRIDE and GROOM because you believe that by being together your lives will be better and more productive than they would be apart.

In marriage, a new perspective is created with the joining of male and female views of life.

Through this partnership, each partner becomes stronger, each becomes wiser and each becomes more loving.

But marriage is a garden, which needs to be tended every day:  the benefits we receive through marriage are not free.

If we don’t make time to tell our partner how much we value what we have together, we will begin to take each other for granted and lost the very special quality that we originally united to enjoy.

The importance of marriage to humans is so great, that it is the oldest rite or ritual of any kind recorded in history; it’s scope so great that it is virtually the only custom recognized by every human government and religion.

It is into this dynamic and wonderful state of partnership that you two come, today, to be joined.

Opening Words and Introduction 13

We are gathered here in this beautiful place to join together this man, GROOM, and this woman, BRIDE, in marriage — a state instituted in love, occasioned by joy.

Honored and renewed by each person who pledges themselves to each other.

It is therefore, not to be entered into lightly, or, unadvisedly. It is to be entered into with praise and delight for it’s inexpressible gifts.

Let us be honest enough with ourselves to know that there is no true marriage, except the inward bond of trust and love that dwells in the hearts of BRIDE and GROOM.

Only the two of you will know what marriage exists between you — the outer forms are only signs and covers over the love of your hearts.

We wish that you will find together, a richness beyond the wealth of money — a depth of soul that will make beautiful everything you do in life,  both separately and together.

Opening Words and Introduction 14

The stream had flowed through the center of the forest for as long as anyone could remember.

It began as a cold, clear fountain in a fractured hillside, then tumbled down over mossy stones and last year’s autumn leaves.

At the foot of the hill the stream took a course running southeast through tall stands of beeches, maples, and oaks, and by the time it left the forest five miles later it carried a river’s ambitions.

But in the center of the forest it was a watery dream, about ten feet wide and ten inches deep. Fallen logs made bridges for chipmunks, foxes, and children looking for secrets.

Occasional shafts of sunlight revealed freshwater muscles in the silt, crayfish picking over pebbles, water beetles dancing on the surface, and young trout darting among roots, branches, and softly bubbling falls.

The stream was full of life, and full of lessons for those who knew how to see them.

And regarding it silently on the bank stood the master and the student.

The master and the student had arrived at the stream after walking the forest path for nearly two hours.

Every step of the way, the student spoke anxiously of the impending choices that filled his mind with confusion.

Should he travel?

If so, where?

Should he continue his studies?

If so, in what field of knowledge?

Should he learn a new trade, or perhaps join the family business?

Should he save his money, or spend freely and enjoy life to its fullest?

And on, and on, and on. And every step of the way the master only listened.

When they reached the stream the student fell silent.

They stood side by side, watching the water.

Then, pointing to a fallen twig, the master asked, If you throw that stick into the stream, where will it go?”

The student answered, It will go downstream, of course.”

But the master shook his head. No,” he said, I want you to tell me exactly where it will go.”

The student crouched down on the bank and observed the water carefully.

He noted the paths of leaves, the surge of bubbles, and the sway and drift of weeds growing on the bottom, until he was sure.

Well,” he said, If I throw the stick to land at that spot there, it will follow the current between those two rocks, rush over that fall, then swirl in that eddy for a moment, then pass under this branch, and then move off under that fallen log over there.”

The student smiled, supremely confident.

All right,” the master said. Throw the stick.”

And the student did.

And it traveled on a course entirely different from the one he had predicted.

They watched the stick drift out of sight. The student shuffled his feet and looked at the ground, but finally met the master’s eyes.

The important thing,” said the master,” is to throw the stick!”

We are here today because  BRIDE and GROOM have decided to throw the stick.

In a world of endless choices, unpredictable outcomes, and no guarantees, they are doing the finest thing two people can do: making a commitment before friends and family to devote their lives to each other.

We call this a wedding.

It comes from an old Germanic word meaning a pledge.”

And this is worth remembering as we consider what this day is all about.

We make few pledges in our modern lives.

But today we celebrate with BRIDE and GROOM as they make theirs: a pledge to and for each other, not as individuals, but as two that are choosing to become one.

Opening Words and Introduction 15

Hello and welcome.

Today we are here to witness the act of love.

Love is the magic that has brought BRIDE and GROOM together and through that magic, we are joining them today.

When we love, we see things other people do not see.

We see beneath the surface, to the qualities, which make our beloved special and unique.

To see with loving eyes, is to know inner beauty. And to be loved is to be seen, and known, as we are known to no other.

One who loves us, gives us a unique gift: a piece of ourselves, but a piece that only they could give us.

“Those brushstrokes in the corner of this magnificent mural, those are mine.

I was a part of this life, and it is a part of me.”

Marriage is a supreme sharing of experience, and an adventure in the most intimate of human relationships.

It is the joyous union of two people whose comradeship and mutual understanding have flowered in romance.

Today BRIDE and GROOM proclaim their love and commitment to the world, and we gather here to rejoice, with and for them, in the new life they now undertake together.

Opening Words and Introduction 16

Hello & welcome.

We are here to witness the creation of a marriage.

Marriage is the most intimate of all relationships.

It is the ultimate commitment to love, share, trust and grow with another person.

It is the beginning of a whole new life.

By entering into this marriage BRIDE and GROOM are stating publicly, the feelings and commitments they have held privately between them.

They are proclaiming their love for, their trust in and their loyalty to the one they cherish above all others.

Marriage has been described as living in love with your best friend.

Love is one of the few constants in the universe.

It is reality, affinity and communication.

Only love is capable of joining living beings by their deepest essence, uniting, completing and fulfilling them.

Marriage is a symbol of the commitment to create a lifelong partnership based on love.

Opening Words and Introduction 17

Today, before this company, BRIDE and GROOM will declare their intention to join their lives together, to intertwine them in the partnership of marriage for all of the seasons of their lives.

This is the beginning of the journey they now undertake together for their mutual growth in character, in mind, and in spirit.

Marriage doesn’t stay still.

Tomorrow will be different from today, and so marriages too change from day to day, year to year.

Marriage is an ever changing, ever-growing relationship moving the couple toward greater contentment within themselves, with each other, and all those whose lives they touch.

A good marriage makes room for the participants to spread their wings and soar toward their own self-realization.

Marital love is like the seasons of our hearts. BRIDE and GROOM are in the springtime of their love.

It is as tender as the green shoots that in the springtime push their heads through the earth and take nourishment from the morning sun.

With tending and care their love will grow dramatically; it will flower and bear fruit and grow ever stronger in the heat of summer.

Together they will harvest the mature fruit of their union in the warm days of autumn and enjoy the contentment of their labors.

And with the onset of the quiet days of winter when words are no longer necessary, the love that they have cultivated and harvested with such care will sustain them for always.

Someone once said to me — Man plans, and God laughs.”

I think about life that way.

We make plans and they don’t necessarily turn out the way we envisioned, but somehow life happens, and shapes and molds us to be better than we are.

Marriage is the single most important relationship that challenges us to be always better.

It molds and strengthens our character.

Opening Words and Introduction 18

We are here on this magnificent and beautiful day to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments–we are all present to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love–and to publicly witness the marriage bond that BRIDE and GROOM have been creating inwardly.

Aware that there is one Presence and Power, and that we are each part of that Divine unity, we join in blessing BRIDE and GROOM as they bring their hands together in Namaste.

Namaste is a beautiful greeting used widely in the East.

As BRIDE and GROOM join their hands in Namaste, and gaze into each other’s eyes, they will repeat after me, the meaning of this greeting as a symbol of their love and commitment to each other:

I honor the place in you,

Where the entire universe resides,

of love, of light, of peace.

I honor the place within you, where

If you are in that place in you,

And I am in that place in me,

There is only one of us.

Opening Words and Introduction 19

Welcome to all of you, who have come to share in this important moment in the lives of  BRIDE and GROOM.

I ask you to join together in celebrating, acknowledging, and honoring this day and the vows that they will be making.

By your presence, you witness and affirm the truth of their love and commitment to each other.

No one gets married in a vacuum.

Each person lives in the context of their culture and community, and most importantly, within a special network of family members and close friends who make up what we might call their tribe.”

For BRIDE and GROOM, you are these people.

By birth or good fortune, you have had a significant place in sharing, affirming and shaping their lives, and they yours.

Your cherished connections endure, despite the distances that separate you, your busy lives, and all the changes that life takes you through.

Their wedding has brought all of you to one place — an event in itself — and has made the tribes suddenly visible.

Today the two tribes are about to become one.

The Bride’s tribe will take the Groom into their hearts and the Groom’s tribe will take the Bride into theirs.

Through the joining of the couple, so are their tribes joined.

This is a wonderful thing for you, since you may never have a better opportunity to develop connections with so many good people.

You’ll be sharing the evening with some of the best people around, hand picked by the happy couple.

This occasion also provides an opportunity to stop and appreciate the love and friendship you experience in your own lives.

Take a moment to recall the special people who make up your tribe. Think of them with appreciation and gratitude.

Opening Words and Introduction 20

We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, the joining of two hearts.

In this ceremony today we will witness the joining of BRIDE and GROOM in marriage.

Today we have come together to witness the joining of these two lives.

For them, out of the routine of ordinary life, the extraordinary has happened.

They met each other, fell in love and are finalizing it with their wedding today.

Opening Words and Introduction 21

Out of affection and honor for BRIDE and GROOM, we are here today, before God, to witness their vows, which will unite them in marriage.

To this moment they bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure to share with one another.

They bring the spark and spirit which is uniquely their own, and out of which has grown for some time, and will continue to grow, deepen, and strengthen, the precious reality of their life together.

We share joy with them this special day in their lives.

This day they affirm and declare each other as life partners in a celebration of love, which will bring empowerment to their life’s path together.

Let us all give our blessing and love to  BRIDE and GROOM during this ceremony as they pledge their love to one another.

May the wisdom and spirit of all-giving and all-understanding love pervade the words spoken and the love given here today, that these vows offered will remain strong and true in the presence of love all the days of their lives.

May all of us present feel the strength and depth BRIDE and GROOM’s love and experience a rebirth of the power of love in our own lives.

Opening Words and Introduction 22

Good evening.

It is truly a blessing from heaven for two people to find one another and to love so deeply that they embrace the holy bond of marriage.

That is why we are all here today, to witness and celebrate Bride and Groom’s commitment to their union.

On behalf of them, I welcome you all.

Opening Words and Introduction 23

Good afternoon.

We gather here today to witness and celebrate an act of deep love.

Bride and Groom, in their devotion, respect, and love for each other wish to unite in the holy bond of marriage, and to dedicate themselves to each other’s happiness and well-being as life mates and partners.

Opening Words and Introduction 24

Although this is their day, it is also a tribute to all of you.

For knowing you and interacting with you has helped to make our Bride and Groom who they needed to be to find each other.

They would like to thank you all for that.

All of you are the threads of which have woven the tapestry of their lives.

Each one of you is an important piece in the story it tells.

It is the fabric that they wrap around themselves and take comfort in when the world seems cold.

And on days like today when everything is right in their world, that tapestry is proudly spread out and displayed for everyone to see, with all the glorious colors and textures that your diversity adds.

You all hold a place in their hearts reserved for those that they have chosen to call ‘Family’ and Friends” and they are deeply grateful for each and every one of you here today

Opening Words and Introduction 25

Let us all give our blessing and love to BRIDE and GROOM during this ceremony as they pledge their love to one another.

May the wisdom and spirit of all-giving and all-understanding Love pervade the words spoken and the love given here today, that these vows offered will remain strong and true in the presence of love all the days of their lives.

May all of us present feel the strength and depth of BRIDE and GROOM’s love and experience a rebirth of the power of love in our own lives.

To make this relationship work, therefore, takes more than love.

It takes trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other.

While love is our natural state of being, these other qualities are not as easy to come by.

They are not a destination, but a journey.

Opening Words and Introduction 26

If it were possible to begin this ceremony by gathering together all the wishes of happiness for BRIDE and GROOM from all present here . . . if we could gather together those precious wishes of affection and our very fondest hopes and turn them into music, we would be listening now to a most inspiring anthem, composed of the most harmonious notes possible to produce.

Even though this is not possible, just speaking of it should assure BRIDE and GROOM that our hearts are attuned to theirs in these moments so meaningful to all of us.

For what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness.

Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between the parties.

Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between two human beings; the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life.

It is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention since no earthly happiness exceeds that of a reciprocal satisfaction in the conjugal state.

Marriage should be a life-long consecration to the ideal of loving kindness, backed with the will to make it last.

Opening Words and Introduction 27

Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony.

The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee.

It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.

The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.

Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, bit reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.

Into this holy union BRIDE and GROOM now come to be joined.

If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now, or else for every hold your peace.

I require and charge you both, here in the presence of God, that if either of you know any reason shy you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and in accordance with God’s Word, you do now confess it.

Opening Words and Introduction 28

Before God we have come together today, for marriage is one of the most sacred of His wishes, and now, through me, He joins you together in one of the holiest of bonds.

Opening Words and Introduction 29

Dear family and friends we have gathered here today to joyfully acknowledge the wedding of BRIDE and GROOM.

They have requested your presence on this memorable occasion in order that you might share with them the pledging of their everlasting love on this day of commitment. Let us pray in silence as we wish them all the happiness in their new life together.

Opening Words and Introduction 30

We have gathered here today, in the presence of family and friends to join BRIDE and GROOM in Matrimony.

Opening Words and Introduction 31

BRIDE, GROOM and their families extend a warm welcome to all of you.

They are elated that you could be here today for this joyous marriage celebration.

We have come together this day to uphold you, BRIDE, and you, GROOM, as you exchange your vows of marriage.

We celebrate with you the love you have discovered in each other, and we support your decision to continue your life’s journeys together as husband and wife.

BRIDE and GROOM came together from different backgrounds and experiences.

Through their marriage they do not leave those things behind, but instead form a new family that will broaden the circle of love and understanding in the world.

Whatever source of spiritual guidance you follow, I’m sure you will agree that as inhabitants of Planet Earth, we are one family.

With that in mind, BRIDE and GROOM have asked me honor you – their immediate and extended families – by combining both of their individual spiritual traditions into this ceremony.

The principles and sentiments expressed today will be very familiar to you all.

Opening Words and Introduction 32

It is the joyous union of two people whose comradeship and mutual understanding have flowered in love.

Today BRIDE and GROOM proclaim their love and commitment to the world, and we gather here to rejoice with and for them, in the new life they now undertake together.

The joy we feel now is a solemn joy, because the act of marriage has many consequences, both social and personal.

Marriage requires “love”, a word we often use with vagueness and sentimentality.

We may assume that love is some rare and mystical event, when in fact it is our natural state of being.

So what do we mean by love?

We see beneath the surface, to the qualities that make our beloved special and unique.

To see with loving eyes, is to know inner beauty.

To be loved is to be seen, and known, as we are known to no other. One, who loves us, gives us a unique gift: a piece of ourselves, but a piece that only they could give us.

We, who love, can look at each other’s life and say, “I touched his life, ” or, “I touched her life, ” just as an artist might say, “I touched this canvas.”

The secret of love and marriage is similar to that of religion itself.

It is the emergence of the larger self.

It is the finding of one’s life by losing it.

Such is the privilege of husband and wife – to be each himself, herself and yet another – to face the world strong, with the courage of two.

Opening Words and Introduction 33

We are gathered here today to unite BRIDE and GROOM in marriage.

This celebration is but an outward sign of an inward union of heart, mind and spirit.

This is a celebration of the joining of two souls already attuned to each other.

When such a true bond already exists between a man and a woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made.

We are here to bear witness to the entry into the closer relationship as husband and wife of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit.

Opening Words and Introduction 34

Dear family and friends, we have gathered here today, together in the sight of God, to witness and celebrate the marriage of BRIDE and GROOM.

They have requested your presence on this memorable occasion in order that you might share with them the pledging of their everlasting love on this day of commitment.

Mutual love is one of the richest experiences and most precious gifts we know.

Marriage is both a threshold and a continuing process in that experience.

The relationship must continue to grow with care, nurture, and an unending awareness of each other’s needs and feelings.

It requires a solemn commitment, which is to be entered into reverently, but also with joy and celebration. In this we now share.

BRIDE and GROOM, I charge you with the responsibility to keep alive; to grow, to change, to maintain the capacity for wonder, for spontaneity, for humor; to remain pliable, warm and sensitive.

I charge you to give fully; to show your real feelings, to save time for each other, no matter what demands are made upon your day.

I charge you to see the meaning of life through the changing prism of your love; to nurture each other to fullness and wholeness, and in learning to love each other more deeply, learn to love the creation in which the mystery of your love has happened.

Opening Words and Introduction 35

We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to recognize a bond that already exists.

This marriage is one expression of the many varieties of love. Love is one, though its expressions are infinite.

It is fitting to speak briefly about love.

We live in a world of joy and fear and search for meaning and strength in the seeming disorder.

We discover the truest guideline to our quest when we realize love in all its magnitudes.

Love is the eternal force of life.

Love is the force that allows us to face fear and uncertainty with courage.

For the giving of our self in love is difficult, for you must learn to give of your love without total submission of yourself.

Therefore, in your giving, give your joy, your sadness, your interest, your understanding, your knowledge — all expressions that make up life.

But in this giving, remember to preserve yourself — your integrity, your individuality.

This is the challenge of love within marriage.

Although you will be sharing one life, never forget, you are two separate people.

Cherish and affirm your differences.

Love each other.

Keep your commitment primary.

Together you will laugh and cry, be sick and well, be happy and angry, share and grow.

Grow, sometimes together, sometimes separately.

But never remain stagnant. Love and life are always changing, always new.

If you will insure a healthy lasting marriage, always, always value each other.

Although you will disagree, remember to respect each other’s feelings, needs and wants.

So it is our hope for you both that in all areas of your life together you will weave a durable fabric of mutual consolation and support and of help in time of trouble.

May each of you achieve the ability to give of yourselves freely so that you will each live better life and become greater persons.

Opening Words and Introduction 36

BRIDE and GROOM, the relationship that you have nourished together stands for love that will blossom and grow with each passing day.

Before you knew love, you were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is now your destiny.

Marriage is the clasping of hands, the blending of hearts, the union of two lives as one.

Marriage is caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as your own.

It is not total absorption into each other. It is looking outward in the same direction together.

Marriage makes burdens lighter because you divide them.

It makes joys more intense because you share them.

It makes you stronger, so that you can be involved with life in ways you dare not risk alone.

To make your relationship work will take love.

This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today.

It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want the best for each other.

It will take dedication, to stay open and honest with one another — and to learn and grow together.

It will take faith, to go forward together without knowing exactly what the future brings.

And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both promised today to share together.

An intimate and secure relationship is not based on promises, but rather on trust, respect, faithfulness and the ability to forgive.

A lasting marriage is based on all of these, bound together by love.

Opening Words and Introduction 37

We must give ourselves in love, but we must not give ourselves away.

As Saint Exupery said, Love does not consist in gazing into each other’s eyes, but in looking together in the same direction.”

That is why love must always say no to live in a closed world with just the perfume of the beloved and no other essences from nature or humanity.

So it is on this summer eve, let us rejoice yet know that we are here not just to observe but also to participate in this marriage ceremony.

May we all remember that the path of love is meant to be walked together with God and with all of humanity.

No persons in a love relationship can have meaning apart from their family, their friends and their community.

Who gives their blessing to this marriage, and in the giving who says an enthusiastic Yes!” to this new relationship?

Opening Words and Introduction 38

A marriage between mature people is not an escape but a commitment shared by two individuals that becomes part of their commitment to themselves and society.

Yet to love is also to accept the mystery of the loved one, and to refuse to violate that mystery.

Opening Words and Introduction 39

Dear friends, we are gathered to celebrate a historic and extraordinary event.

At the invitation of BRIDE and GROOM, we are here to see for ourselves their love and commitment, to witness their claim to their civil rights, to surround them with prayer and support, and to share in their joy.

Opening Words and Introduction 40

We welcome all of you here today as we have gathered together in the presence of God and these witnesses to join GROOM and BRIDE in holy matrimony.

Marriage is a gift, a gift from God, given to us so that we might experience the joys of unconditional love with a lifelong partner.

God designed marriage to be an intimate relationship between a man and a woman–mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Just as the two of you make vows to one another today, God also made vows to you and me that show how much He loves and cares for each one of us.

Listen to these vows God made that are recorded for us in His Word: I will betroth you to myself forever in lawful wedlock with unfailing devotion and love; I will commit myself to you, to have and to hold, and you shall know the Lord.”

GROOM and BRIDE because your deep love for each other comes from God above, this is a sacred moment, and it is with great reverence that I now ask you to declare your intent.

Renewal of Vows Opening Words and Introduction 41

Friends, we are gathered here at this hour to celebrate the marriage of these two individuals.

We are here to re-affirm BRIDE and GROOM in marriage, to rejoice with them in the making of this important commitment.

The essence of this commitment is the taking of another person in his or her entirety, as lover, companion and friend.

It is a decision which was not entered into lightly, but rather undertaken with great consideration and respect for both the other person and oneself.

Love is one of the highest experiences that we human beings can have and it can add depth of meaning to our lives.

The day-to-day companionship, the pleasure of doing things together or in exchanging individual experiences, is a continuous and central part of what two people who love each other can share.

What marriage is about is what life is about — growth.

The relationship between two people must keep growing and changing, forming a constant adventure and development which will not be without conflict.

If differences are faced openly, the possibility of learning how to convert problems into opportunities will not be lost and the marriage will prosper.

A marriage that lasts is one which is continually developing and in which each person is individually growing while growing in understanding of the others.

Deep knowledge of another is not something that can be achieved in a short time and real understanding of the other can develop fully only after years of intimacy.

This wonderful knowledge of another person grows out of caring enough to want to truly understand what the other is feeling.

Thus, it is possible to share not only joys and successes but also the burden of sorrows and failures. To be known in this way is a priceless thing.

Such understanding and acceptance makes it easier to live with our problems, failings and worries.

To give ourselves in love is not to give ourselves away.

A good and balanced relationship is one in which neither person is overpowered or absorbed by the other.

It is out of the tension between separateness and union, that love, whose incredible strength is equal only to its incredible fragility, is born and reborn.

Renewal of Vows Opening Words and Introduction 42

As these two people have come together before, pledging everlasting love, so we are gathered together today to once again join this woman and this man in holy matrimony.

But now they wish to extend that joy in a new affirmation, based not upon what they hope the future years will bring, but on what the past has already brought them and what they know of their future together.

Additionally, as they honor one another in memory of the years already shared, the family now grown, and the joys and hardships together endured, they wish to pledge their love anew.

This pledge represents not only what will be, but also honors what has already been.

When a couple first decides to marry, it is an act of faith; faith that the new spouse will be as wonderful as his or her behavior has led each of them to believe.

But we all know that sometimes married life can reveal hidden aspects to your spouse’s personality.

It then becomes a test of love and endurance to maintain a marriage.

BRIDE and GROOM have come through their challenge wiser, more mature and with their love intact.

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Master of Ceremony Opening Speech

3 step guide to writing a great master of ceremony opening speech.

Over the last 20 years I’ve had to write an Opening Speech for hundreds of large events where I have been engaged as the MC.

Some have been relatively easy, while others have required many hours of effort and thought.

Rather than reinvent the wheel each time, I now have a 3 Part Formula or Process I always follow. This both saves me time but also ensures that all the elements of a great opening speech are there.

Ingredients of a good Opening Speech

I like to cook when I’m at home and in many ways putting together a great Master of Ceremony opening speech is like cooking a great meal.

Firstly you have to understand what you are trying to make, then the ingredients you are going to use and finally, how you are going to combine them!

We are going to dive in deep into each of those areas but I hope you can see how the metaphor works.

Understanding the outcome you are aiming for, the why, is important because your role as an MC is to help your client achieve their aims for the event. If you are not aware of those aims you could in fact hinder the process with ill considered comments or wrong emphasis. To go back to the planning of your meal, are you making sandwiches and finger food or designing a 5 course sit down banquet?

Secondly, while the ingredients of each opening may sometimes be very similar, often, like a good cook, you can substitute different things. You might change the spice to create a slightly different flavour or double the amount of another ingredient to add more kick or emphasis.

And lastly you can combine those ingredients in different ways. Some elements work better going in early, sometimes just a pinch near the end is all that’s required.

So for a Opening Speech, the 3 Steps are …

• Why is this Happening and What are you trying to Achieve?
• What needs to be Included
• How to put that Together

Preparing a great Master of Ceremony Opening Speech.

It’s unlikely that you are the organiser of the event itself, though this formula is just as useful if you are and are writing your own opening speech.

In most cases as an MC  you will have an organiser, who is then your client. This is the person who has asked you to be the MC. It could be a business owner, CEO, your headmaster, the President of the Association etc. They have specific reasons why this event is taking place and it is your job to ascertain what they are.

In every situation you want to have a briefing session with this person either face to face or over the phone. This Briefing of course will cover your involvement in the whole event, but in this article we will just focus on the Opening.

Pro Tip –  Check out the full list of Briefing Questions on page 102 of the Expert MC Toolkit & Resource Manual .

Part One   –   Reason for the Event

Knowing “why” the event is taking place will get you firmly on the right track to writing a great opening speech!

Is it a Celebration, an Information Night, a Product Launch, Team Building or an Awards Night?

And don’t take a simple answer like “oh, we have it every year” as an answer. Drill in a little deeper. The next question will open it up a bit more.

What are they trying to Achieve?

Building on the “why” question, I usually then ask … “how do you want the audience to Think or Act after the event?” This can be immediately after or when they get back to work etc.

Are they trying to motivate the audience to do something or get them to meet lots of new people. Are they making them more confident about their jobs or are they wanting them to sign up to buy something? Are they gearing up the audience for some hard times ahead?

Theme of the Event!

Is there an actual Theme or Slogan for the Event? We have written about this before but this will give you big clues about what to say and possibly what to wear for the event.

Part 2 –   Details of the Opening Speech

Once you have some of this Big Picture stuff sorted, it’s time to get onto the nitty gritty. Now, sometimes these finer details won’t be known at the time of the briefing, but at least they have been flagged as something you need to know.

Time Available

You obviously need to have a firm idea about the length of time that you are aiming for in an Master of Ceremonies opening speech.

Pro Tip – It’s always good to try and get a longer time allocation than you need or that you will write for. This allows some immediate flex time. If the event starts a little late, and it inevitably will, those extra couple of minutes you asked for may put you back on track.

Are there any official protocols that must be included?

In some countries and with some cultural groups, a Prayer is included at the start of formal proceedings. The National Anthem might also be sung.

Here in Australia many groups have an Acknowledgement of Country at the start of the event, a short few lines recognising the Traditional Owners of the Land.

I use this term to incorporate other things that also must be mentioned in your opening. The more formal an event the more specific you will be.

VIP Guests, Dignitaries etc will probably be mentioned by name in a specific order.

Depending on the type of event, Sponsors my also get a mention here.

Once you know what your client wants or expects, you can then start crafting the opening.

House Keeping

“Housekeeping” is a widely used term that covers all the small bits and pieces of information that may also need to be conveyed to an audience.

Examples are – Where are the Toilets, what is the Wifi Code, what time does the bus leave, etc. I also include in this group – “Please turn your Phones to Silent.”

Now, depending on the type of event it is, you may not need to go through all the House Keeping in your opening speech. I prefer to do it a bit later as I find it dilutes the impact of the opening a bit. In that situation, just mention the Phones before you introduce the first speaker and come back to the Housekeeping after them.

What happens next?

As an MC you should always keep in mind what happens next. So when you are putting together your opening speech you need to be aware of what happens immediately after you finish so you can make the appropriate link. But more importantly, know the appropriate “energy levels.”

For example you might be launching into a facilitated Teambuilding or Networking session, in which case you will be building the energy and fun. Alternatively, you might be introducing someone speaking on a sombre or serious topic that needs focus and respect.

Part 3 – Putting the Opening Speech Together

Now we have the vital information – what we are trying to achieve and what must be included. It’s time for the third part of the formula, putting it all together.

A structure I have found incredibly useful is this …

Closer  /   Link …

This works just as well if you have only 3 minutes or if you have 15. Let’s look at it in more detail.

The Grabber

Getting peoples attention and interest right from the start is vital.

You need to confident and assured in your dress and demeanour and your words need to match.

It’s not a time for chit chat or repartee. Bang, get straight into it!

I’ve attended a couple of sessions with the Patricia Fripp, the British born, now American based speaker coach. (And sister of legendary guitarist Robert Fripp.)

Her advice for speakers is to start with something bold, a phrase or sentence that grabs attention and interest. I think the advice works just as well for MC’s as it does for speakers.

For several events business events I’ve started with …

“Princeton University, 1955.  Professor Albert Einstein is handing out exam papers to his final year students …”

Did that get your attention? Did you want to know what happens next? Of course you do!

That works so much better than “Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen, my names Timothy Hyde and I will be your MC for the event..”

After the quick story, (that relates totally to the WHY they are having the meeting,) you can then move into the welcome and greeting.

Remember also the Voice of God introduction. This will also grab peoples attention and let them know your name! It also enables you to move into something more meaty at the start.

Pro Tip – The full “Einstein Opener” mentioned above is found on page 33 of your copy of The Expert MC Toolkit & Resource Manual .  The theme of Rapid Change, Innovation, Creative Solutions is perfect for many business type functions.)

Other great Opening Grabbers include

• “What if ………?”
• A statistic or fact.
• “Imagine that ……?”
• A bold statement.
• A Question.

Once you have got the attention of the audience,  you can do an official type welcome and include any Protocol type things you need to cover. VIP’s, Sponsors etc

You now move onto the Big Picture.

This will emphasis the Theme of the Event and Why are you all here.

This sets the context for everything to follow. You may mention a couple of highlights of the program coming up, the Who and the What.

I then like to move from Big Picture to the Personal.

So what I’m saying relates directly to each and every attendee.

Now, what is included here depends once again on what the client wants for the outcome of the event.

Are you motivating and enthusing them?

Are you planting seeds that they will get lots of information?

Do you need to reinforce the benefits of being here?

Are they here to – Network, Set Goals or Relax?

Pro Tip – Plant a seed of Co-operation!

In my Opening speech I always like to plant a seed of co-operation. This is a message that we need to work together to keep the event running on time. That running on time will enable all the Speakers to do their full presentations and if they do, YOU will gain maximum benefit from being here. You are busy people, it’s a packed agenda, we want you to gain a lot from being here and we want to finish on time etc.

I also reinforce this at certain times during the event by thanking them for their help.

Closer /  Link to next activity

Depending on what’s happening next, this is a good moment to either slip in any urgent Housekeeping or close up your opening and introduce the first activity or speaker.

I often would use an appropriate quote or a mention of the Theme again, taking it back to Big Picture.

This 3 Part Process will give you a good basis to start writing stronger Openings.

Part 1 gives you the WHY, the reason for the event and the outcomes you are aiming for.

Part 2 adds the details that must be incorporated.

Part 3 gives you a structure for the opening.

Timothy Hyde

Widely acknowledged as one of Australia's busiest & best MC's and a global authority on the MC Industry, Timothy Hyde shares his expertise and insights into this fascinating Professional Speaking niche via this site and a dynamic YouTube channel. His best selling book The ExpertMC Toolkit and Resource Manual has helped thousands of people worldwide improve their Emcee skills and in many cases, start earning a living by taking on the role.

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Be a Wedding DJ

How to Start a Wedding DJ Business

How to MC a Wedding Like a Pro

by Chris Brower Last Updated: January 2, 2024

Being a wedding DJ isn’t just about playing music. Wedding DJs are typically asked to also MC the wedding.

The MC (also called the “emcee”) makes any important announcements throughout the night, such as events about to happen, instructions for the guests, and anything that directs the flow of the night.

If you dislike public speaking, this may fill you with dread .

What should I say? And what if I say the wrong thing? Do I have to do a lot of speaking and really “whoop” up the crowd?

The good news is good MCs don’t say all that much!

They make any necessary announcements throughout the night but don’t blab on and on. They don’t make endless jokes or embarrass the couple or demand the attention be on them.

So let’s look at what makes a good wedding MC. A complete wedding MC script is included later in this post.

Good Wedding MCs

Here are some common traits of good wedding MCs.

• They make guests and the couple feel welcome. They’re friendly and speak enthusiastically on the microphone without being over the top or disingenuous.
• They speak sporadically and only when necessary. They’re not frequently interrupting the music unless it’s absolutely essential.
• They keep people informed of things about to happen, such as the first dance, cake cutting, last call, etc.
• They speak clearly into the microphone. They don’t rush. And they repeat important announcements, as it often takes some repetition for things to click with a crowd.

Luckily, it’s not that hard to MC a wedding. You don’t have to be an amazing public speaker or a dynamic entertainer. You simply have to say a few announcements throughout the night. We’ll get into those in a bit.

The Wedding MC Is Not the Wedding Officiant

Remember, the wedding MC is not the same as the wedding officiant . The wedding officiant is the person who leads the ceremony and marries the couple. During the ceremony, the officiant may offer their advice on love and marriage. They may speak to each spouse individually or call on them to fulfill certain behaviors in their marriage.

This is not the wedding MC.

You are not the one marrying the couple. You’re there to lead the party and the reception portion of the night. You don’t need to share your advice on love. I don’t think couples even want that. That’s simply not the wedding MC’s role.

However, I know some MCs who do like to share the couple’s story during the reception – how they met, how they got engaged, etc. This can make for a nice moment. I’d recommend keeping this story brief – just a few minutes maximum. And make sure it’s something the couple actually wants.

Something like this – the couple’s story – might better be delivered by a wedding party member during the toasts/speeches part of the night. This is because the groomsman or bridesmaid likely knows some of the story firsthand because of being there/knowing the couple for years.

However, you as the MC are likely an even better speaker – you’re a professional after all – so you may do it better.

If this is something you’d like to do when you MC a wedding, be sure to check with the couple ahead of time. For one, you’ll need to actually learn their story. Ask them some simple questions and then put it together into a cohesive story:

• How’d you meet?
• When did you know you loved the other person?
• What happened at the engagement?
• What things do you love best about each other?

Some of these questions are good to ask each person individually, without the other partner witnessing it. This can make for a nice moment during the reception.

Do People Even Like Wedding MCs?

When booking wedding DJ jobs , always ask your potential clients what they’re looking for. But make your question even better: Ask what they have liked or disliked about weddings they’ve been to.

I’m continually amazed – though actually not amazed at all – that the #1 thing I’ve heard people say is they can’t STAND wedding MCs who talk on the microphone too much .

Yet many wedding DJs still haven’t gotten the memo .

They insist that people love their emceeing and continue to dominate weddings with their banter.

They try to get people to dance by constantly bugging them with annoying attempts at whooping up the crowd or calling out people, rather than just playing awesome music.

They demand too much of the focus on themselves instead of keeping it on the couple – the whole reason they’re there in the first place.

Now, it’s not that couples don’t want MCs at all. No, they just want an MC who’s not going to be, well, bad .

Bad Wedding MCs

Let’s dig into some examples of bad wedding MC behavior.

• Frequently interrupting the music, trying to whoop up the crowd.
• Joking around too much, particularly outdated/sexist jokes (“Whoa, who’s wearing the pants now!”) and other cringeworthy comments.
• Promoting their company during announcements (beyond simply sharing their company name). This can include asking, “All the engaged girls to raise their hands,” and then handing out business cards. (I’ve heard of this happening.)
• Talking for too long. Announcements should be brief and to the point.
• Mumbling announcements or not making them clear enough so people are lost what’s happening.
• Embarrassing people. “Come on, Kyle, I know you’re gonna dance to this, buddy! Get out on the floor, man! We’re waiting!”
• Treating the night as a one-person show or some sort of standup routine. MCs can make jokes, sure, but remember why you’re there.

No wedding guest has ever left a wedding and thought, “Gee, I wish that DJ had talked more.” No. Doesn’t happen.

The only exception would be if important events weren’t announced, so people were lost what was happening.

Remember, people are there to celebrate their friends and family and party. They’re not there to hear some random person’s thoughts on love or bad attempt at being Jerry Seinfeld.

But again, it’s not that wedding MCs should never talk or that you should be robotic and humorless. No, no, no. But keep your emceeing professional and good and don’t interfere with people having a great time.

And some couples actually do want the wedding MC to talk a lot and really whoop up the crowd. Learn this in your initial meeting . If so, well, okay, go for it!

Basic Microphone Etiquette

If you’ve ever seen someone give a toast at a wedding, you know that most people, for some reason, don’t know how to hold a microphone and speak into it correctly.

They hold it a foot away or gesticulate wildly with their arm. They clear their throat into the microphone. They cup the top of the microphone as if they’re in a rap battle.

So here are some basic microphone reminders:

• Hold the microphone close to your mouth. Very close! Like an inch or two away. Don’t gesticulate with that arm.
• If you do need to shout into the microphone – maybe the couple asked you to do a pump up, sports-style wedding party introduction – then it does make sense to pull the microphone a little farther away from your mouth. You don’t want to overwhelm the microphone and cause it to distort or sound muddy.
• Still speak up. While, yes, your voice is now amplified, it’s important you speak up and do it clearly. This makes it much easier to get a clean sound.
• Don’t speak on a mic standing in front of a speaker. It’ll feedback and create an annoying screeching sound, and people will shriek in horror.
• If you need to cough or sneeze or any sort of mouth/nose noise, lower the microphone far away and turn your head. Hearing people harumph or sniff on a microphone is not a pleasant sound.
• Make sure the microphone is off when you’re not talking into it. Sounds obvious, but you don’t want to set it down and then it picks up random sounds on your table or you talking with other people. All wireless microphones come with an on/off button. Wired microphones not as much, but some do. I use the Shure SM58 * wired microphone, which comes with an on/off switch. Your other option is to simply mute that channel on the mixer or turn it all the way down when not in use.

Where Should the Wedding MC Stand?

There’s debate among wedding DJs: Where should you stand when you MC a wedding?

Should you stand in the center of the floor or at your DJ table?

Should you walk around some while speaking, as in, working the room a little more?

There’s no one right answer. However, I prefer generally standing at the DJ table so I can make any microphone adjustments right then and there .

I always soundcheck before the wedding, but maybe now that the room is packed, the microphone volume is too low or too high. Maybe it’s feedbacking a little. Being at the DJ table lets me makes adjustments right there.

I have multiple microphones – and you should too! This enables me to speak at a microphone at my DJ table and introduce someone who is standing far away holding a separate, wireless microphone. This comes in handy when people are giving wedding toasts. That way I’m right at the table and can adjust their microphone levels based on how they talk into the microphone.  

Ready for the complete guide to becoming a wedding DJ? Here you go .

Wedding mc script.

Okay, let’s get into more what to say.

Each wedding has its quirks, but many follow a similar time frame and have similar announcements you can expect to make.

Here are common announcements arranged in a typical chronological order.

If you’re new to wedding DJing and emceeing and you don’t know what events typically happen, I recommend first reading the aptly titled What Happens at a Wedding Ceremony and Reception?

Note: If you’re wondering why I say “we” rather than “I” in the announcements, it’s because weddings should be a communal event. Ultimately, say whichever makes the most sense to you (“they” or “the couple” could work in some instances, such as “The couple invites you to get your picture taken at the photo booth.”).

Typically, though, you should avoid “I,” as in, “I invite Lola and Jackie to do their first dance,” because it just sounds odd (this day isn’t about “I”), even though, yes, “I” is the one doing the inviting at this moment!

Wedding Party Grand Entrance

Generally, the first thing you’ll be asked to announce is the wedding party’s grand entrance into the reception.

As this is the very first thing you’re saying on the microphone, I like to start with, “We’d like to thank everyone for joining us today.”

And then you may need to corral people to their seats: “It’s about time to welcome in the wedding party, so we invite you to take your seats at this time.”

And then, well, you might need to say that a couple times!

Sometimes people take a long time to finally find their seats. If so, it’s okay to repeat the instruction.

Once it’s time to start the introduction, “And now it’s time to invite in our wedding party!”

Introduce the members of the wedding party in whatever manner the couple wants. Usually it’s by pairs. If so, your announcement could look like this:

“Starting with Gabby Hughes and Ramit Mehta!”

Keep this up for any future people. “Up next, Melissa Frasier and Devon Johnston.”

When you get to the newlyweds, put even more pizazz into it: “And finally, the reason we are all here today . . . may I introduce to you, the new Mr. and Mrs. Rodriquez!”

Once all the applause has died down, it’s not a bad idea to reiterate. “So once again, we want to thank everyone for joining us today.” You can add another line or two (“We know some of you came a long distance, so thanks!”) but keep it brief.

Some couples may want a different sort of introduction. I recently did a wedding where they wanted a sports-style grand entrance. For each person, I read off some “stats” and spoke with a lot of energy, as if I were a sports announcer. “And now, coming all the way from Ann Arbor, Michigan – he’s the head football coach at a high school and enjoys cooking . . . Ryan Smith!”

Often, dinner begins next.

If there’s a blessing/prayer beforehand (usually done by someone else), simply set it up, “And now the father of the bride is going to lead us in a prayer before dinner.”

Once the blessing is done, make any important dinner announcements. This is something you’ll need to work out with the couple ahead of time – what kind of dinner is it (buffet vs. plated)? And if it is a buffet, how do they want you to excuse tables?

Commonly, it goes like this:

If it’s a buffet…

• If guests can go any time after the wedding party: “Dinner is now ready. It is a buffet. We’d like to invite our wedding party and their families to get in line first. After that, everyone else is free to get in line at any time.”
• If you’ve been asked to excuse by table: “Dinner is now ready. It is a buffet. We ask that you please wait to get in line until your table has been excused. I’ll be announcing table numbers for when your table may get in line, so please sit tight until then. At this time, we’d like to invite the wedding party and their families to get in line for dinner.” And then once the line has gotten short enough, “Tables 1 and 2, you may now get in line.” And so on.

Once everyone has been through the buffet line, I sometimes add, “If you’d like to get seconds, feel free to get in line now.”

If it’s plated…

This one’s easy. You can just say, “At this time, we’d like to welcome everyone to dinner. You can just sit back and relax, because the food will be brought to you.”

Toasts/Speeches

Typically, once dinner is over, members of the bridal party/the couple’s family may give toasts (speeches). After you’ve gotten everyone ready to give their speech, I announce to the crowd, “At this time, we’d like to do a few toasts, starting off with our best man Justin.”

You can then introduce each speaker before they give a toast or merely let them pass the mic and do it themselves.

Cake Cutting

If the couple is cutting the cake: “And now we’d like to invite Vince and Rochelle to cut the cake.”

When cake/dessert becomes available for other guests, you can say, “Cupcakes are now available at the cake table, so help yourself!”

This announcement may come right after the couple finishes cutting the cake or a little later (whenever it becomes available).

First Dance

When it’s time to do their first dance: “And now we’d like to invite Patty and Leslie to do their first dance.”

I’ve seen some wedding MCs who talk during the first dance. “Oh, how great are they!? Let’s make some noise!”

Let them have their moment without interrupting!

Once the dance is over, I often say something like, “Congratulations” or “Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”

When the dance is over, it’s okay to speak again. But during the dance, stay quiet.

Dances With Parents

Similarly, for any dances with parents (Bride and Father, Groom and Mother, etc.), I simply say, “And now we’d like to invite the father of the bride to dance with Mia.”

So, their title – father of the bride, mother of the groom, uncle of the bride, step-mother of the groom, etc. – and with whom they’re dancing (using the bride or groom’s name).

Anniversary Dance

First, invite all the married couples to the dance floor. “Now we’d like to invite all the married couples to the floor so we can find out who’s been married the longest.”

Start the song. Let maybe a minute go by without saying anything. Then excuse the first couple from the floor, which will be the married couple. If you want an easy joke that always gets a laugh, say something like, “Any couples who have been married less than, oh, let’s say, four hours, please leave the floor.” (Obviously, make sure the ceremony was in fact within the last four hours. If not, adjust the time.)

Let another 20 seconds or so go by, then up the number: “If you’ve been married less than two years, please leave the floor.” Keep going, increasing it by five or so years, depending on how many couples remain. You want your remaining announcements to span the rest of the song (with 15 or 20 second gaps in between until things get near the end, where it’s okay to speed up your announcements).

Once you get into 30 or 40 years, the dance floor will usually have thinned out considerably. Particularly when there are just two or three couples left, you can reduce the increments between your announcements and the years: “Okay, how about 41 years? . . . 42 years? . . . 43 years?” Because it’s a bummer when there are two couples left and you say, “45 years” and both couples leave the dance floor. Reducing the last few announcements to one year at a time lowers this chance.

Once it’s the last couple, you can ask them how many years they’ve been married and then announce that: “47 years, let’s hear it for them!”

Let them dance another few seconds and then fade out the song.

Open Dancing

For the period where it’s open dancing – anyone can dance – simply announce, “And now we’d like to invite anyone and everyone to the dance floor” or something similar.

If there are any important announcements, go for it:

• “Glow sticks are out on the table by the dance floor. Help yourself.”
• “Let me know any song requests you’d like to hear.”
• “Be sure to check out the photo booth.”

With all announcements, keep them brief. No one loves a long interruption where the wedding MC gives a rambling speech. People are ready to party, not listen to you talk.

If there are any further activities throughout the night, you’ll announce those. Then you can bring it back to open dancing with something like, “And now we’d like to again welcome anyone and everyone back to the dance floor.”

Bouquet Toss/Garter Toss

For either the bouquet toss or garter toss, you can make a similar announcement:

• “It’s time now for the bouquet toss, so we’d like to invite all the unmarried girls to the floor.”
• “It’s time now for the garter toss, so we’d like to invite all the unmarried guys to the floor.”

Often, people need a little coaxing to come to the floor, especially the males for the garter toss (who often couldn’t look less enthusiastic…). So it’s okay to add in a little more: “Okay now, don’t be shy. Come on…”

With either of the tosses, it’s fine to be a little more humorous. “Okay now, no shoving…” But avoid any sexist or creepy jokes. That goes for the whole night, of course, but the garter toss is usually the most risqué part of the night. Just keep your comments to yourself.

As people line up, announce, “We’ll do a count of three.” You want to get everyone ready, plus make sure the bride or groom doesn’t toss it too soon.

Once enough people have come to the floor, “Okay, are we ready? One . . . two . . . three!”

After someone has caught it, I usually throw in a “We have a winner!”

Shoe Game/Newlywed Game

Some couples do an activity where they exchange one of their shoes, sit in chairs back-to-back, and then lift the shoe (theirs or their spouse’s) to indicate who they think is the answer to the question. This is known as the shoe game (sometimes called the newlywed game).

For example, say the question is, “Who’s the smarter one?” If the bride thinks it’s her, she’ll raise up her shoe. If she thinks it’s her husband, she’ll raise up his. And the groom will do the same.

When they disagree (i.e., hold up a different shoe than their spouse), it can make guests laugh.

I introduce this with, “And now it’s time for the shoe game so we can learn how well the couple knows each other. Jasmin and Marcus have now exchanged shoes. I’m going to ask a series of questions. If they think the answer is Jasmin, they should hold up one of her shoes. If they think it’s Marcus, they should hold up one of his. So let’s see how well they know each other.”

Here’s a list of basic questions. Feel free to adjust them for the couple. It’s not a bad idea to ask ahead of time for the couple’s individual interests and quirks and what they do for work. You can then create questions specific to them.

• Who made the first move?
• Who was the first to declare their love?
• Who’s more romantic?
• Who’s the best driver?
• Who’s a pickier eater?
• Who’s more likely to steal all the covers on a cold night?
• Who spends more time staring at their phone?
• Who’s more likely to start an argument?
• Who’s more likely to finish an argument?
• Who’s more likely to fall asleep during a movie?
• Who’s funnier?
• Who’s messier?
• Who’s smarter?
• Who’s more likely to scream at the sight of a spider?
• Who’s more likely to cry during a sad movie?
• Who’s more likely to lose their keys/wallet?
• Who’s better at keeping secrets?
• Who would last longer on a deserted island?
• Lastly, who do you love the most in all the world?

It’s generally good to end with “Lastly, who do you love the most in all the world” to end on a sweet note. Of course, some couples will still give differing answers, which can make for a funny ending too.

The shoe game/newlywed game is a chance to add some funny comments, if it makes sense to do so. If the couple are often giving differing answers, you could say, “Uh-oh. Hmm, okay…” or “Ouch!” and so on.

Dollar Dance

Like the shoe game/newlywed game, it’s good to give an explanation of what the dollar dance is so people understand what’s happening.

“And now we’d like to do the dollar dance. How this works is for a donation of your choosing—$1, $5, etc.—you can dance with the bride or groom for a little bit, and the idea is the money will be used for their honeymoon. We also invite the maid of honor and best man [or whomever] to the dance floor at this time. If you’d like to dance with the bride, please get in line by the maid of honor, and she will collect your money. If you’d like to dance with the groom, please get in line by our best man, and he will collect your money.”

The dollar dance typically takes a few songs. Play as many as the couple wants.

It’s a good idea to decide with the couple ahead of time (such as days before the wedding) about how many songs they want:

• As many songs as necessary to get through everyone in line, or
• A set number and then the dollar dance ends.

If it is a set number and then the dollar dance ends, but people are still in line, you can say something like, “That’s going to do it for the dollar dance. Apologies that we didn’t get to everyone in line, but you’ll still have other chances to dance with the bride and groom the rest of the night.”

If everyone in line has now danced with the bride or groom, and there are no more left, you can simply announce the next event of the night. “And now we’d like to welcome everyone back to the floor to dance.” Or whatever’s happening next.

Before you play the last dance of the night, say something like, “Now it’s time for the last dance of the night. We want to thank you again for joining us and sticking around to the end.”

When that song is over: “That’s going to do it. Thanks again for joining us tonight.”

Other Announcements Throughout the Night

Each wedding has its random announcements that may come up.

Common ones include:

• Last Call – Like a bar, weddings often have a last call—when the venue’s bar will stop serving alcohol. It’s a good idea to check in with the bar to determine when this is and if they want you to make an announcement. “Last call for the bar. I repeat, last call for the bar.”
• After Party – Occasionally, the couple has arranged for an after-party, often at a nearby bar, so you should announce any instructions: “After the wedding, we invite everyone to join Kyle and Kim at our after party at Tanner’s, which is just one block away . . .”
• Send-off – Following the last dance, you might be asked to announce instructions for the guests to “send off” the couple. This usually means telling guests to head to the front entrance and grab a sparkler or confetti or whatever is being done. “It’s time now to send off the couple, so we invite everyone to head to the front doors and then outside. Be sure and grab a sparkler.” I often make this announcement before the last dance (“After this song, we invite you to…”) and then repeat it after the song ends (“And now we invite you to…”).
• Shuttles – For weddings that have hotel shuttles, keep guests informed. “The next hotel shuttle will be here in 15 minutes, so if you’d like to take that, please head outside at that time. We’ll also have another shuttle at 11:30.”
• Lost Things – People love losing things at weddings. A guest may bring it up to the table. In between songs, announce, “We found a red cell phone in the women’s room. If you’re missing it, we have it here at the DJ table.”

Wedding MC Reminders

Whoa, it sounds like a lot, right?

It’s true there are several announcements you may need to make throughout the night. But luckily, each can be very short.

Remember to:

• Speak clearly and slowly into the microphone.
• Use humor only when appropriate.
• Keep the focus on the couple, not you or your wedding DJ business.
• Repeat important announcements. People need to hear things multiple times, such as dinner announcements and instructions for the send-off. “It is a buffet, and I’ll excuse by tables, so I ask that you please sit tight until I call your table number. Again, just sit tight until you hear your table number called.”

Get 25% off the complete guide, plus tips, new articles, and more.

Good MCing is an important part of being a wedding DJ. It can take some practice to get good at it. And if you're nervous about public speaking, it can seem like a scary prospect. Luckily, a lot of the announcements are simple and to the point. Print out a script and read from it until you feel more comfortable.

And if you have a good grasp on how to MC a wedding and are ready to improve your skills, I recommend reading Easy Ways to Improve Your Wedding MC Abilities Right Now .

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Emceeing A Wedding Reception: A Guide

Table of Contents:

A master of ceremonies or wedding emcee makes sure everything goes according to plan and sets the right mood. A good emcee balances the formalities, introduces each segment of the wedding, and injects humor with relatable jokes and stories in between. For their wedding, some couples might decide to hire a qualified and skilled emcee. However, they may also pick a close relative or relative to act in place of one.

Remember to get in touch with Just Married Films for your wedding photography and articlegraphy needs on your big day.

It may be stressful to be given such responsibilities, but with the help of this guide, you’ll be able to ace your role and give the couple and all of the guests a memorable evening if you’re asked to be the couple’s wedding emcee.

What line should you use to introduce yourself at a wedding reception?

Welcome to the most significant day in the lives of (NAME) and (NAME). Promises have taken on a life of their own today, and friends have turned into family. “Today is a holiday, and (NAME) and (NAME) and I are here to celebrate. “We appreciate you being here with us on this special day.”.

Our wedding speech introduction examples will help you get started if you have to give a speech but are unsure of where to start.

To assist you in navigating and enjoying life’s most important moments, we have included products from third parties. Links on this page may lead to purchases for which we receive a commission.

Standing up and speaking at a wedding, whether it’s the groom’s speech, the father of the bride speech, or the eagerly anticipated best man speech, can be quite nerve-wracking. We provide examples of wedding speech introductions as well as instructions on how to start your speech so you can feel confident and get off to a strong start.

When MC-ing a wedding, what should they say?

The function. Declare the arrival of the married couple. Identify the speakers. Tell everyone when the cake will be cut. Declare the wedding waltz. When it’s time for the bridal couple to depart, let the guests know.

A Master of Ceremonies (MC) is crucial in tying everything together and ensuring that your celebration goes off without a hitch. If you’re fortunate, one of your friends or members of your family will know someone who is suitable. The stage is set for a very private reception with an MC who is familiar to you and your guests. It’s possible to share the MC role. It’s a great idea to have a friend and a family member host the event together because it gives everyone in your circle someone to relate to. You should be aware of their responsibilities before selecting your master of ceremonies.

The reception will go smoothly if the master of ceremonies can tie everything together. The emcee will do the following:

In order to ensure that everyone is ready for the next activity—for instance, that the champagne has been poured before the toasts—the Master of Ceremonies, or MC, as it is commonly abbreviated, must communicate with the function coordinator and the reception venue.

What should the wedding emcee say first?

Know and comprehend the wedding couple. Here are nine tips on how to be a memorable wedding emcee. Be aware of the wedding’s schedule. Go over the wedding emcee script again. dot. Do some research on famous names. Work with the wedding vendors to plan and dot. Before the event, try out the microphone(s). adding a unique touch to the speakers’ introduction.

Update: Recently, I’ve been inundated with emails from people asking for suggestions on how to emcee wedding events. After sharing with so many people, I’ve decided to put my ten years of emcee experience into an ebook. You can learn more about it here.

If you’re looking for an experienced wedding emcee in Singapore, you can get in touch with me.

So, a friend or a member of your family has asked you to emcee their wedding. You feel honored that they would approach you, and you begin to question your suitability for the job. Emceeing a wedding for a close friend or relative is a great honor and should not be taken lightly.

What would a typical wedding MC script look like?

“Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the (venue name). My name is ____, and I will serve as your emcee for the reception for the couple will serve as your emcee for the reception for the couple. It would be great if you could please take your seats in the interim while the wedding party arrives, as I’ve been informed. Within a few minutes, I will reply to you.”.

What would be the ideal emcee introduction?

The introduction should immediately engage the audience and pique their interest in your topic by outlining your credentials as a speaker on the subject. less than 150 words, keep it concise and to the point. The presentation shouldn’t go beyond a minute.

Before you take the stage in many speaking situations, your client or a Master of Ceremonies (MC, also written emcee) will give you an introduction. The introduction by the emcee is important because it frames your opening remarks. When handled well, it can serve as the springboard for a fantastic presentation; when handled poorly, it acts as an anchor, pulling you down and requiring you to spend valuable time fixing the emcee’s mistakes. Of course, you’ll want to keep tight reins on your introduction.

The following advice will help you increase the likelihood of success—for both of you—despite the fact that you cannot stop a determined or incompetent introducer from performing poorly.

1. A good introducer should never wing it. Your introduction must make a strong, favorable first impression. Therefore, don’t let the person introduce you unless they are a close friend who is very familiar with your work. A few careless words or improvised stories are all it takes to make you lose enthusiasm. Give a complete scripted introduction and ask that it be read verbatim. Don’t just give the emcee an outline to fill out; otherwise, she might stretch it out so much that it consumes some of your speaking time.

What do you say first as the MC?

Give a brief twenty-second introduction of yourself. Name, hometown, any family you may have, and some sort of affiliation with the crowd are some ideas I have. Tell the audience a similarity you discovered if you met someone in the crowd before the event.

The lights in the audience dim, the audience falls silent, the music slows down, and the first words spoken from the stage by the emcee are _______?

Although each emcee may approach it slightly differently, the introduction will be similar in most cases. It’s crucial to be direct, hospitable, and authentically you.

Because it is, it makes sense. Welcome. Amidst all the other things you could say, this one simple phrase might get lost. When you go to a friend’s house, imagine knocking on the door and being greeted by a friendly face who says, “Welcome.” Welcoming the guests into a story and an environment created for them to hear something and experience something is what every emcee tries to do, whether they realize it or not.

How do I begin a script for an emcee?

Give a brief (20-second) introduction of who you are. My recommendations are name, hometown, any family you may have, and some sort of affiliation with the crowd. Tell the audience something you had in common with the person you met in the crowd before the event.

Although each emcee may approach it slightly differently, the introduction will be similar in most cases. It’s crucial to be straightforward, hospitable, and authentically you.

It is intuitive because it seems to be. Welcome. Despite being so straightforward, it might get lost in the sea of other things you could say. When you go to a friend’s house, imagine knocking on the door and being greeted by a friendly face who says, “Welcome.” Welcoming the guests into a story and an environment created for them to hear something and experience something is what every emcee tries to do, whether they realize it or not.

What does the emcee do at the reception?

The master of ceremonies at a wedding is known as an MC or emcee. This person is in charge of interacting with your guests during the reception, introducing speakers, and generally managing the flow of the occasion.

The master of ceremonies is an emcee or wedding MC. This person is in charge of addressing your guests throughout the reception, introducing speakers, and generally keeping the event on schedule. They are frequently the first person guests hear from after they have settled down at their tables, which plays a big part in establishing the mood for the reception.

This may seem like a difficult task, but the right person can find enjoyment and fun in it. Additionally, if you’re working with a wedding planner or coordinator, you’ll have assistance from them on the big day.

A wedding reception MC can be a great asset.

What are some good wedding speech examples?

All of you are invited to join in on this significant occasion in the lives of the bride and the groom. I implore you to join me in recognizing and celebrating this day and the vows they will be making. Their love and dedication to one another are witnessed and validated by your presence.

The wedding ceremony’s opening words and introduction set the mood for the celebration. It makes a declaration about the event, its significance to the world, and the engaged couple.

We are honored to have you here on this special day, friends and family of the bride and groom.

We are here to marry the bride and groom in order to celebrate their incredibly special love.

How do you craft a cordial welcome speech?

Good morning to everyone! Express your gratitude to the guests for coming by saying something like, “It’s wonderful to see you all here on this sunny day. More casual language might be appropriate for a gathering of close friends and family.

If you have to deliver a welcome speech at a program or event, don’t worry; with the right structure and tone, it’s very simple to write and deliver a welcome speech for just about any occasion. Everything you need to know has been outlined, from your opening remarks to setting the right tone and mastering your closing remarks. This is in your hands!

Use formal language to greet the audience, as this is a formal event. Choose an appropriate salutation, such as “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Then, say something like, “It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to our lovely venue tonight.” (1).

Use jovial language to greet visitors informally. Good morning to everyone! Express your gratitude to the guests for coming by saying something like, “It’s wonderful to see you all here on this sunny day.” (2).

What does the MC at a wedding say?

The MC gives brief opening remarks before introducing all of the main wedding participants. According to Coombs, “a good wedding MC is organized, accountable, and can take instructions well. It’s not about the MC getting their fifteen minutes of fame; it’s about the bride and groom.”.

In their role as the wedding’s host and emcee, the Master of Ceremonies (MC or emcee) is responsible for making sure that everyone is having fun. An effective wedding MC is more than just a person with strong public speaking skills or a joke or two. They should ensure that everything goes as planned, introduce everyone speaking, and highlight significant moments. We asked Michael Coombs of Michael Coombs Entertainment in Toronto for five things that every wedding MC should be aware of.

1. Be prepared. Have everything written down beforehand, and prepare your speech in advance. Make sure you have a thorough timeline and the right names and information. The MC makes brief opening remarks before introducing each important wedding participant. A good wedding MC is prepared, accountable, and capable of following directions, according to Coombs. It’s not about the MC getting their fifteen minutes of fame; it’s about the bride and groom.”.

2. Working with the vendors to ensure that everyone is aware of what is happening is one of the wedding MC’s key responsibilities. Knowing how the evening will proceed and making sure everyone is prepared for their cues are crucial, he adds. “The MC’s job is to guide the audience and let them know what will happen next. They should make sure that everything is on schedule and that the DJ, photographer, and vendors are given cues to capture important moments.

How do you, as an MC, greet visitors?

“We are happy to extend the warmest welcome possible.” Dear visitors, take a look around you; you have a friendly welcome full of friendship.” dot is honored to be here. I am in awe of the collective knowledge present here as I look around the stage. dot. many thanks. hugely appreciated. dot. jubilant welcome.

The challenge of a welcome speech is to come up with alternative ways to convey your sincerity without using a string of meaningless “same-old, same-old” words and phrases to welcome your guests.

There is also a further query regarding that. Your language choices will depend on whether the event is formal or informal.

How do you write a wedding emcee script?

Welcome to (name) and (name)’s wedding dinner. It’s an honor to serve as your emcee tonight. My name is (the emcee’s name). I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you on behalf of the couple and their parents for coming to share in this happy occasion as we celebrate the union of (name) and (name). ‘ Cached.

Your wedding will go off without a hitch and with the proper mood and tone set by a master of ceremonies or wedding emcee. A good emcee not only introduces the various parts of the wedding but also balances the formalities and injects humor with relatable jokes and stories. Some couples may opt to hire a skilled and qualified emcee for their wedding. They may, however, elect to substitute a close relative or relative in their place.

Don’t forget to get in touch with Just Married Films if you need wedding photography or articlegraphy for your big day.

How can I perform at a wedding reception as the best MC possible?

Have a plan. 7 suggestions for making your wedding memorable It’s not “Open Mic Night” here. dot. Limit your alcohol intake. A party is taking place; that much is true. dot. Get to know the vendors. dot. Test the microphone. dot. Get out of the way and make a strong opening. dot. Use caution when using humor. dot. Consider Who Your Audience Is.

It is an enormous honor to be asked to officiate at a friend’s or relative’s wedding as master of ceremonies. However, the job also carries a great deal of pressure. Contrary to popular belief, you are not up there to be the center of attention or the designated wedding comedian. As the event’s host, it is your responsibility to ensure that everyone is having a good time and that the proceedings proceed according to schedule. My sister got married last weekend, and I had the honor of being the MC. In the past 20 years, I’ve served as MC four times, and each time I’ve taken on this crucial responsibility, I’ve learned a few important lessons. Here are some suggestions I hope will be useful if you have been asked to be the MC for an upcoming wedding. This is merely one guy’s firsthand knowledge of what works and what doesn’t; it is by no means a comprehensive manual.

‘Open Mic Night’ is not what this is. Keep your improv class for the ad-libs. Before the big day, you should have a very clear idea of the evening’s structure and flow, the correct way to pronounce key terms, and, to a large extent, everything you intend to say that evening. It doesn’t follow that you have to follow the script exactly. There will be those brief, unplanned opportunities where you can add a pertinent comment, a dash of humor, or a hint of emotion. Since you’re good in front of a crowd and probably have some interesting stories to share, the bride and groom chose you to be their MC. However, a wedding is a time-sensitive, emotionally charged event, so you need to have a plan.

If you can, have a conversation about the couple’s preferences and wishes a few days or weeks prior to the wedding. Keep your questions focused because they’re probably distracted by a gazillion other details.

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Wedding Speeches Secrets

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• Wedding Speeches and Wedding Toasts

How To Be A FUN Wedding MC

• Bride’s Guide To A FUN Reception

MC Speeches

Every MC at a wedding wants to know what to say in the MC Speeches .

This is frequently not the case though. In most speeches, the speaker – who could be a father of the bride or mother of the bride or best man, for example, gives a tribute to the bride and groom. (The exception, of course, could be when the best man is also the MC.)

In most cases the Master of Ceremonies plays a different role at the reception because he or she assumes the role of facilitator and co-ordinator.

And because of that role, MC speeches are entirely different.

Usually, they are not one short speech and toast.

Instead, they consist of announcements, introductions of guests, and transitions of events.

The First MC Speech At The Reception

The Master of Ceremonies opens the reception with a Welcome speech.

If you’re the Master of Ceremonies, this is the time when you introduce yourself, outline the events that will take place during the agenda, make any announcements – including where facilities, guest book, and gift table are located – and get the guests prepped for a celebration of the marriage they have just witnessed.

Your Welcome to the guests is the ice breaker – for them to warm up to you and get to know you. After all, you’ll be addressing them throughout the reception.

Your Welcome should be upbeat and humorous if it suits your personality.

The Welcome speech isn’t the only time the MC will address the guests.

The wedding speeches and toasts event is where the Master of Ceremonies will introduce the speakers to the guests.

These introductions are determined by the Order of Wedding Speeches and Toasts.

Each speaker is introduced with a short preamble before he or she begins his or her own tribute.

Creative and fun MC’s don’t just say “The next speaker is…”

Instead, they have done their homework.

They have a concise biography of each speaker so they can make the introduction fun, interesting, and entertaining.

MC Speeches carry over to announcements. The Master of Ceremonies is the “guide” throughout the reception and announces important events including grace, meal time, entertainment, wedding games, the bouquet toss, the garter toss, cake cutting, special events during or after the reception, and the final farewell.

Wedding Speeches Table of Contents MC A Wedding | Order of Wedding Speeches and Toasts

Exceptions To Traditional Speeches

Two exceptions where the Master of Ceremonies would give the traditional wedding speech and toast are the absence of a speaker or by special request from the bride and groom.

Sometimes a speaker is unable to attend the reception in which case the newlyweds will ask the MC to stand in and make either a speech or a toast.

Occasionally, both the bride and groom don’t wish to make a formal speech. In this case, they will ask the MC to thank the guests on their behalf.

Standalone Toasts

As well, there may be occasions when you will be asked to make a stand alone toast instead of the traditional tribute.

The toast to absent friends and family is one you may be asked to give.

Usually this is to honor those who are deceased but were close to either the bride or groom or both of them.

Other toasts could include one to acknowledge someone who has made a major contribution to the planning of the wedding – such as the Mother of the Bride – or a toast to the Queen.

In most cases, your toast begins with a brief preamble that leads straight into the toast.

As you can see, your preparation for MC Speeches is entirely different from preparing a traditional tribute to the newlyweds.

Your focus is on introducing speakers and events. This will require preparing background information on speakers and dignitaries as well as knowing the sequence of events from the agenda.

Your MC Speeches should enhance the reception and make it fun.

In effect, your speeches are transitions – from one speaker to the next or from one event to the next.

When you do the transitions well the reception events flow smoothly.

Conversely, poor transitions interrupt the flow of events and activities and slow down the rhythm and tempo of the reception.

The success or failure of a reception often hinges on the Master of Ceremonies.

And when the bride and groom – or their families – have spent thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours preparing for this special event, it’s essential that the Master of Ceremonies be chosen with care.

Qualities of a Wedding MC

Most receptions that have an MC have someone who is known to the bride and groom rather than a professional Master of Ceremonies.

In some cases this is a budget consideration. In other cases, the bride and groom don’t feel it’s necessary – which generally is true if your MC has the right guidance.

However, it should be remembered that the success or failure of the newlywed’s special day rests primarily with how well the MC organizes the reception and its events.

That’s why it’s important to pick the right person for the job.

Here are several qualities that a Master of Ceremonies should have:

1. Outgoing personality 2. Good organizer 3. Confident 4. Cool under pressure – someone who doesn’t get flustered easily

Factors To Consider When Choosing An MC For A Wedding

1. The size and complexity of the reception

A short, afternoon reception with few events is unlikely to need a separate Master of Ceremonies. In this case, the best man might also play the dual role of MC.

A longer reception with entertainment, games, and traditional events, on the other hand, requires a Master of Ceremonies to ensure things run smoothly. The MC in this case may or may not be the best man.

2. The Length of the Reception

Shorter receptions – or those that are more intimate with fewer guests – won’t require a Master of Ceremonies.

Large receptions with hundreds of guests and that span a number of hours will require an MC.

3. The size of the Bridal Party and the number of Speakers

A wedding with a large bridal party and several speakers will usually require an MC – someone to make introductions and help transition speakers and events.

The Master of Ceremonies will not only help with introducing speakers but can also help in ensuring events move along steadily and take place on time.

4. Whether you want a Master of Ceremonies to introduce your speakers

If you have dignitaries or a large number of speakers – usually more than three – then it’s generally a good idea to have an MC to do the introductions.

Are You A Novice Wedding MC And Don’t Know How To MC A Wedding?

Being asked to MC a wedding reception is a HUGE honor.

But with that honor comes a lot of responsibility.

And if you’ve never been an MC at a wedding before, then you probably don’t know what is involved in preparing for the event.

For example:

1. How to create an agenda and timeline.

2. What to say in your MC Scripts.

3. What types of activities and entertainment to have at the reception.

4. What types of contingencies to plan for in case things go wrong.

5. How to make fun introductions at the Wedding Speeches and Toasts event.

And that’s just the beginning. There’s a lot more you need to know about your duties and responsibilities.

Fortunately, there’s a complete Guide to being a Wedding MC…

Find Out More: Click The Following Link For How To Be A FUN Wedding MC

Click Here To Create A FUN and Memorable Reception For The Bride and Groom Even If You’re A Novice MC!

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Wedding Welcome Speech: Tips for Expressing Gratitude and Joy

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Being mandated with the duty to give wedding welcoming speeches is an honor. It means you share a stronger bond with the couple than many others present. But the anxiety and subtle confusion that comes with giving a welcome speech almost take out the fun.

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To help calm your nerves and slay to perfection in this important event of your life, we’ve brought tips. In this post, you’ll find guides on how to start and give speeches to inspire you.

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Wedding Welcome Speeches Examples

There are different kinds of wedding ceremony speech samples. This is because although the bride’s father is traditionally the host, things are changing. The maid of honor, the best man, the groom himself, very close buddies, and anyone, can give the introduction to wedding welcoming speeches. And you’ll find beautifully crafted speech samples online.

“Hi, I’m (name) and it’s time for me to do this speech I scribbled down about an hour before the ceremony started.”

“My name is (name) and it’s an honour to be here today as (groom)’s best man.”

“Thank you for joining us today on such a wonderful occasion.”

“Welcome to _____ & _____ wedding reception! I am (name). Please take your seats so we can officially welcome our guests of honor.”

“Friends and Family of the _____ and _____, welcome and thank you for being here on this important day. We are gathered together to celebrate the very special love between _____ and _____, by joining them in marriage.”

“Good evening, welcome to this most important moment in the lives of this couple. We invite you to leave behind the worries and concerns of every day life and join us in the celebration of their marriage.”

“Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it for forever.”

“We have been invited here today to witness and celebrate the uniting in marriage of _____ and _____. They are taking the first step of their new beginning; their new life together.”

“Hello and welcome! May your hearts be glad and your spirits be light. For every thing there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven. Now is the time for a wedding.”

“Hello everyone and welcome. Thank you for joining us on this day of gladness and good fortune. _____ and _____ are coming together to publicly proclaim their undying love through the celebration of their marriage. So we are all here to learn about loving and being loved, and to watch the miracle of love exchanged enriches every one of us.”

“Hi! My name is _____. We have come together – families and friends – to witness _____ and _____ as they exchange their vows of marriage. “We share with them their delight in finding love with each other, and support their decision to be together from now until the end of time.

Done! You’ve got the best wedding welcome speech! But wait, there’s more!

Wedding Reception Welcome Speech

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us on this magical day. Your presence makes this celebration truly special. Here’s to love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Let the festivities begin! Cheers!

Friends and family, your smiles light up the room. Thank you for sharing in our joy. Today is a celebration of love, laughter, and cherished moments. Let’s make memories that last a lifetime. Cheers to all of you!

To our dear guests, your presence fills our hearts with happiness. Thank you for being part of our love story. As we gather for this reception, let’s savor the joy, create memories, and dance the night away. Cheers to love and togetherness!

Wedding Welcome Speech Tips

Wedding introduction speeches can make even the boldest person nervous. So nervous that you either forget your lines or don’t know how to start. Below are a few tips to help you start great wedding welcoming speeches.

• Introduce yourself

Don’t step on stage with the false pride that everyone knows you. Because there are lots of guests who need a fresh reminder of who you are. Always introduce yourself and keep it short. Don’t go on and on, it could get boring. You may also start with witty one-liners. They are ice breakers.

Crafting warm and inviting opening lines to engage the audience. Importance of expressing gratitude and acknowledging the guests’ presence.

As we gather on this joyous occasion, let the warmth of our shared smiles illuminate the room. In the embrace of love, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you, dear guests, for gracing us with your presence today. Your smiles are the most beautiful decorations, and your presence adds a unique melody to this celebration of love. Let us embark on this journey of joy and togetherness, united by the bonds of love and friendship. Welcome, and thank you for being a part of this extraordinary moment.

• Make eye contact

Making eye contact signifies confidence. Don’t look to the ground when giving a welcome speech. Look in the audience instead as it helps you comment. Roam around with your eyes and keep contact with specific persons for a few seconds. It makes everyone feel included.

• Go with notes or cue cards

At the time of giving the speech, you may be quite stressed out or have your mind on other things. While it’s beautiful to say your speech off heart, the brains could play a trick on you. So always have a paper on hand. If you don’t want to write it out flat, then go with cue cards that act as reminders for your next line or paragraph.

• Skip drinks

If possible, skip the drinks until after the welcome speech is over. You have enough time to celebrate. In other cases, it could be some Dutch courage you’re seeking. Still, skip the drink and use a mock audience backstage instead. Filling your head with drinks just before a speech will mess everything up for you. From incoherence to uncoordinated acts and possible misbehavior.

You could say all the funny jokes and witty one-liners. But if you’re not genuine, there’s no way of hiding it. Put some heart in your speech. Don’t give the welcome speech like an obligation. Do it as something you’re delighted at doing for someone who means the world to you.

• Keep it short

Remember you’re giving the first speech out of many. There are still other activities on the program which must fly. So keep it short, straight the point and informative. It should last 10 minutes at the maximum. This sums up to about 1,000 words when written.

• Mention the spouse

Don’t focus only on your half of the couple. Mention their spouse and praise them.

• Closing Remark

Encouraging other speakers to follow with their toasts or speeches.Emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

As we conclude this welcome speech, let us extend a warm invitation to other speakers to share their toasts and speeches. Each word spoken contributes to the tapestry of this celebration. Remember, the key is to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, where every expression of love and joy finds a place. Let us build on the warmth and camaraderie, making this wedding a truly memorable and inclusive experience for all. Cheers to love, laughter, and beautiful moments ahead!

Crafting the Perfect Wedding Welcome Speech Guide

Welcome to our guide on crafting an exceptional wedding welcome speech! In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of a welcome speech, who traditionally delivers it, and the ideal moment to present this warm introduction.

Is a Wedding Welcome Speech Necessary?

A wedding welcome speech is more than just a formality—it sets the tone for the entire celebration. It expresses gratitude to guests, creating a warm atmosphere and enhancing the overall experience. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes everyone feel valued.

Who Does the Wedding Welcome Speech?

Typically, the honor of delivering the welcome speech falls to a key figure such as the bride’s or groom’s parents, the master of ceremonies, or a close friend or family member. Whoever takes the stage should be someone who can convey warmth, gratitude, and excitement.

When Should You Give a Wedding Welcome Speech?

The wedding welcome speech is ideally delivered at the beginning of the reception, just before the festivities kick off. It ensures that everyone feels welcomed and sets a positive vibe for the rest of the celebration. This opportune moment allows guests to settle in, creating a seamless transition into the joyous occasion.

How To Deliver A Wedding Welcome Speech?

There’s really no ‘one size fits all’ to delivering welcome wedding speeches. But there are some “holy grails” that must never be quite neglected. Follow these tips and you’d deliver a welcome wedding speech no one will forget.

• Start with something funny

The truth is weddings are solemn and the guests may not be over the ceremony yet. It might take an effort for them to listen to you. Their ears were not made for you after all. So if you want to get them interested, start with something funny.

• Harvest the good memories

Do you have some personal experience with the couple? Then narrate it. If you’re closer to one of them, share sweet memories. The guests will be well delighted to know a little more about the couple they’ve come to celebrate.

• Give well wishes and advice

The good memories are in the past and they’re about building a future together. So why not give them some bricks in the form of advice? Also, encourage and cheer them up.

• Say thank you

Best Welcome Speech for Wedding

“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, welcome to this beautiful celebration of love. Your presence here makes this day even more special, and we’re thrilled to share these joyous moments with you.”

What to Say to Welcome at a Wedding

“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone! On behalf of [Couple’s Names], I extend a warm welcome to each of you. Thank you for gracing us with your presence on this joyous occasion.”

Best Opening Line for a Wedding Speech

“As we gather here today to celebrate the union of two incredible souls, let us embark on a journey of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Welcome, and let the festivities begin!”

Wedding speeches are as interesting as you make them. These are wedding welcoming speeches that could make guests howl with laughter or shed a tear. Regardless of who gives the wedding welcome speeches, there are guides to help you pull it off. Thus, we’ve rounded off tips and samples to keep you inspired as you prepare your wedding welcome speech .

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• Wedding Speeches and Toasts

MC At A Wedding

• FUN MC Guide
• How To Be A FUN Wedding MC
• Bride’s Guide To A FUN Reception
• Free Speech Guides

Table of Contents

Introduction – MC At A Wedding Guide

If you’re a first-time or novice MC then chances are don’t know how to be an MC at a wedding . And you probably don’t understand your duties, role, or responsibilities at the reception.

That’s perfectly understandable and nothing to be worried about when you have the right information…

Here’s a short guide for you if you’re the wedding Master of Ceremonies and you want to know how to conduct a reception.

We’ll explain several key events throughout the function and give you advice as well as a number of tips that will help you fulfill your duties and responsibilities in a professional manner.

Qualities Of A Successful Wedding MC

There are several qualities that make an effective Wedding MC including:

1. Professional demeanor

2. Public speaking experience

3. Discreet and tactful

4. Fun personality

Keep in mind that the bride and groom selected you to be their MC because they trusted you and considered you to be the most qualified to help them celebrate one of the most important days of their life.

In turn, you should honor the bride and groom by making their celebration a happy memory that they can fondly look back on in years to come.

Wedding MC – Duties

A popular misconception is that the Wedding Emcee is nothing more than an announcer.

While it’s true that you’ll make announcements and you should be comfortable speaking in front of large groups, the role of the Master of Ceremonies at a reception is much more than being an announcer.

Your role also includes everything that goes on behind the scenes of the reception and involves a huge amount of careful preparation and planning to make this event one that will be remembered.

After all, a wedding reception is an EVENT.

It has profound significance.

It’s a time of great happiness for the bride and groom and their families.

A time of cherished memories…that will last a lifetime.

As you can see, the reception goes beyond mere duties and responsibilities – even though they are part of your planning.

If you want an event of this magnitude to be a complete success, you have to be creative – and thorough – with your planning.

While this MC At A Wedding Guide you’re reading right now is a good primer to show you what’s involved in planning a reception, you can find a comprehensive guide used by hundreds of Wedding MC’s worldwide that takes you through all of the steps to planning a FUN reception from start to finish in How To Be A FUN Wedding MC .

And that’s the key – creating a FUN reception that thrills the bride and groom and their guests with a celebration they’ll remember for years to come.

You see, planning a reception is more than carrying out your “duties.”

It requires creativity and thought to make the reception not only meaningful but also memorable.

That’s why How To Be A FUN Wedding MC shows you how to create a party atmosphere that’s a celebration of the newlywed’s big day.

Wedding Master of Ceremonies Responsibilities

In many ways, your role could be considered to be that of a host. You welcome the guests and you ensure they have an enjoyable and fun time at the reception.

More importantly, though, in addition to being a leader, communicator, and entertainer, you’re a coordinator,  – the key person who orchestrates what goes on before and during the reception.

You’ll direct the guests and Bridal party throughout the reception to ensure things run smoothly.

And even though the Bride and Groom and the wedding planners have spent many months planning this big day, the responsibility rests primarily with you to make it a memorable and fun time.

Don’t forget – the Bride and Groom and their families have also spent many thousands of dollars to make the reception an event of a lifetime. So there’s a lot riding on your doing an exceptional job as Master of Ceremonies.

It’s your prime responsibility to have a thorough understanding of the agenda and to co-ordinate the events from start to finish.

In some cases, you may also have an assistant who can help you with scheduling and arranging the events on the agenda.

It’s critical, too, that you keep all key players informed throughout the reception to ensure things are properly coordinated and run smoothly.

Wedding MC Jokes – 4 Top Tips

A few well-chosen and appropriate wedding jokes during the reception can go a long way to making the event even more fun.

1. Select wedding jokes that are appropriate and don’t embarrass the Bride and Groom or the guests.

This includes off-color jokes and well as suggestions of infidelity, cheating, and womanizing on the part of the groom.

Even comments – no matter how funny they might seem at the time – about a divorce or the number of previous marriages either the bride or groom has had are inappropriate.

Remember, this is a new start for both the bride and groom and their marriage celebrates their new beginning as husband and wife. There shouldn’t be anything said (or done) that takes away from their happy day.

2. Practice your jokes beforehand out loud to get your rhythm and timing right.

A wedding joke – like all effective jokes – requires proper timing.

Get the timing right and you’ll have a better chance of success and getting the laughs you’re looking for.

3. Make a note of where during the reception agenda you’ll include a particular joke.

Your agenda is your guide throughout the reception. So use it to full advantage and note down where you’ll make your Wedding MC Jokes.

4. Stagger your jokes throughout the reception agenda.

Keep in mind, you’re not a stand up comedian and you’re not expected to be one.

But a few well-chosen MC Jokes can go a long way to breaking the ice and increasing the fun factor at the reception.

Wedding Agenda – Scheduling

Like any important function, the wedding reception runs on a schedule from one event to another.

This is especially important if the reception venue is reserved for a specific amount of time and heavy surcharges will be assessed if the event runs long.

As Master of Ceremonies, it’s your responsibility to ensure that events follow the agenda you’ve helped develop in consultation with the Bride and Groom and the wedding planners.

That means coordinating events with all participants and key players – from caterers to entertainers to music providers – and ensuring they are on time.

The most effective way of coordinating events is to notify participants and key players at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled event. In that way, there’s less likelihood of delays in proceeding with an event.

The reception agenda has a specific timeline that must be adhered to otherwise events will need to be eliminated or shortened to fit within the total time allotted.

How To Be A FUN Wedding MC shows you how to quickly and easily prepare a reception timeline and agenda. Plus, you’ll find sample agendas or run sheets that show you how to organize your final agenda, whether it’s a short afternoon reception or a long function that lasts into the early hours of the morning.

Wedding MC – Tips and Tricks

Even if you’re an experienced public speaker, there are several key elements to running a wedding reception.

Reception Venue – Microphone

The microphone is critical to ensuring events run smoothly during the function.

From announcements to speeches and toasts you must ensure the microphone is working and set at the proper volume to avoid unwanted “feedback.”

Whether the microphone is mobile or fixed, ensure you are familiar with its operation before the function begins.

As well, be prepared to show those who will be making speeches and toasts or other announcements how to operate the microphone.

Wedding MC Scripts

What you say during the events should sound natural and unrehearsed – even if you have scripts.

Standing in front of 100 or more strangers is not the time to “wing it” or make remarks that are off the top of your head.

That’s why it’s essential to have your Wedding MC Scripts prepared well in advance.

Your scripts are more than a notation on the agenda that you have to say something.

They’re word-for-word scripts that lead you into the next event on the agenda.

Write out your scripts and be familiar with what you’re going to say.

Major events to prepare scripts for include: Grand Entrance, First Dance/Bridal Waltz, Announcements, Speeches and Toasts, Cake Cutting, Bouquet Toss, Garter Toss, and the Final Farewell.

To ensure your announcements go smoothly, it’s recommended that you practice your scripts beforehand – well before you set foot in the  venue.

Practice in front of a friend or family member to learn the pace and rhythm of your delivery. Take note of any “ahs,” “ums,” and other “fillers” that detract from an authoritative presentation or announcement.

If you’ve never practiced in front of anyone before you may feel self-conscious and even uncomfortable at first.

That’s entirely natural. But it’s better to feel uncomfortable in familiar surroundings with people you know than to begin the reception “cold” in front of 100 or more strangers who are expecting you to handle everything with professionalism.

Wedding Agenda or Run Sheet

The Wedding Agenda outlines all of the events during the reception.

Here is a brief list of key events and duties you should prepare for:

1. Reception Venue Orientation

All of the  venue information should have been gathered several weeks prior to the bride and groom’s big day..

This includes checking the venue premises, knowing who the venue personnel are, and knowing where restrooms, smoking areas, and the bar are located.

You definitely do not want to familiarize yourself with the venue for the first time on the “day of” – it must be done well before the function takes place.

2. Arrival Time At The Venue

We recommend getting to the venue at least 90 minutes before it starts to ensure everything is in order prior to the starting time.

You will want to do “last minute” checks on directional signage, lighting, and microphone(s) and meet with key players, including your assistant if you have one.

After all, there is nothing more stressful and embarrassing than finding the room locked as wedding guests start arriving for the big celebration.

That’s why it’s important to leave enough time to sort out minor problems before the event begins. It also helps you calm down and get grounded before beginning your duties.

3. Key Players

One of your first Wedding MC Duties when you arrive at the venue will be to introduce yourself to the key players – vendors, venue personnel, and wedding planners.

Some of these key players you’ll have already met as you were planning the reception but as a matter of courtesy and practicality, it’s a good idea to introduce yourself to them again – especially if you have to review anything with them before the events begin.

Other key players will include the Bridal Party, members of the bride and groom’s families, and, of course, the bride and groom – who you will already know.

If you have an assistant or translator, then this will be the time to meet with them and go over your outline of events.

4. Bridal Party or Wedding Party

When the Bridal party arrives be sure to introduce yourself and let members of the Bridal party know what will be expected of them as they prepare for the Grand Entrance.

Organize the Bridal party in order of introductions. Also double check pronunciations of names of members of the Bridal party as you are organizing their entrance.

Ensure the route the Bridal party will be taking to the head table is unobstructed since you want the Grand Entrance to go smoothly and without a hitch.

5. Wedding Speeches and Toasts

Speeches and toasts are a traditional event at almost every reception. If it’s a short one, speeches and toasts might be dispensed with but usually there’s at least one or two speeches and toasts that offer good wishes to the bride and groom.

There is no traditional place during the reception when speeches and toasts are held.

Since speeches and toasts can take up a considerable amount of time you should ensure they start and end on time.

That means you must organize the speakers beforehand to ensure they’re available when called upon to give their speech or toast. As a matter of courtesy, it’s suggested you let the speakers know when they can be expected to give their speech or toast.

Another common misconception is that the MC always gives a formal speech.

Occasionally, the Wedding MC will be called upon to make a speech or toast.

Normally, however, you will give only your Opening Speech. Any other speeches or toasts by you will be a result of a special request by the Bride and Groom.

You should check with the Bride and Groom to see whether giving a Wedding MC Speech will be one of your duties.

Wedding MC Tip

Don’t amend the agenda unless it’s approved by the Bride and Groom and/or the wedding planners.

Of course, there might be minor changes as the reception proceeds – the caterer is late serving the meal, for example, or one of the entertainers takes longer to set up than anticipated.

Even though the agenda is flexible, all of your planning should be done in consultation with the Bride and Groom and planners well before the day of the wedding.

Last minute changes may occur but they should be minimal and you should keep in mind the budget guidelines since some venues will surcharge heavily for extra time outside the allotted time.

As well, other key players have to be advised of any changes and may charge extra for last minute changes.

As a final reminder when you’re the MC at a wedding: It should go without saying that you should make sure the Bride and Groom have safe transportation to their destination after the reception – whether it’s a hotel or airport or home.

That’s a concise outline of How To Be An MC At A Wedding.

Of course, you’ll need a comprehensive guide that takes you from start to finish in planning a FUN reception and creating an event that will thrill the bride and groom as they begin their new life together.

So be sure to check out How To Be A FUN Wedding MC for a much more detailed breakdown of your duties and responsibilities – with checklists, preparation forms, games and entertainment ideas, and more – when you’ve been chosen as MC at a wedding .

Speech Tips: Reception

1. Introduce speakers and invite them to the microphone to give their speech.

2. Discourage “open” speeches where guests are invited to give an impromptu speech or toast. It can lead to embarrassing or inappropriate jokes and comments and embarrass – even humiliate – the newlyweds and their guests.

3. Keep the speakers and toasters to a strict time limit – maximum is 5 minutes unless the speech is particularly poignant or funny (which is usually the Best Man’s speech).

Wedding Games

Wedding games and entertainment are two highlights that can add fun to the wedding reception.

Not every reception has games or entertainment but they can be a wonderful way to increase the fun factor at the function.

How To Be A FUN Wedding MC has a select collection of more than 50 FUN wedding games, activities, and entertainment ideas that kick the events into high gear.

Wedding Cake Cutting

Cake cutting is a traditional event and depending upon the agenda it may follow the speeches and toasts.

Again, there is no traditional time when the cake cutting takes place but it is customary for it to take place later on in the reception.

Announce the cake cutting ceremony to the guests after first alerting the Bride and Groom and having them gather at the cake table.

Traditionally (and symbolically) the Groom places his hand over the Bride’s hand when cutting the cake.

Cutting the cake together symbolizes the first activity the newlyweds perform together as husband and wife.

Usually guests will take photographs at the cake cutting ceremony. It’s therefore wise to ask guests to refrain from taking their photos until the official ones are taken – especially since camera flashes can spoil an official photo.

If there is an official photographer and/or videographer, ensure they get their photographs/video first with an unobstructed view of the couple during this traditional ceremony.

In some cases, it’s a good idea to cordon off an area near the cake table and reserve it for the photographer or videographer.

One event during the cake cutting is the traditional feeding of the cake to each other. In recent years, smashing cake into the groom’s and/or bride’s face has become popular.

As MC you should be aware from the outset of the bride and groom’s intentions about the cake feeding since some couples prefer a refined and formal reception and don’t want their clothing stained or ruined.

Tip: Suggest to the Bride and Groom that they feed the cake to each other with forks (to avoid any temptation to smash it in each other’s face.)

First Dance (Also known as the Bridal Waltz)

The First Dance is significant in that the couple share one of their first romantic moments together as husband and wife.

The First Dance requires a formal announcement and co-ordination with the DJ or band to ensure the appropriate First Dance music is played.

Special Dances

After the First Dance, there are other Special Dances you can include such as the Bridal Party dance, Father/Daughter dance, Mother/Son dance.

Other Special Dances could include dancing with the bride and/or groom’s grandmother and/or grandfather or other close relative like a step father or step mother.

If the Bride and Groom have children, the children might also be included in a family dance.

Open Dancing

After the Special Dances, it’s time to open the dance floor to all of the guests. Allow the DJ or band to take over and encourage guests to dance.

Most DJ’s and bands have a special list of games and songs to get guests in the mood and liven up the dance floor.

Some receptions don’t have dancing at all. If there is no dancing, there’s no reason why it can’t still be a fun and memorable time since you don’t need dancing to make the function a special time for the newlyweds.

Wedding Agenda: Final Events

Most receptions finish with traditional events including the bouquet toss, the garter toss, and the final farewell.

Again, these are entirely optional depending on the wishes of the Bride and Groom.

Keep in mind that these events take a little bit of organizing since guests will usually be moving around – either from dancing, mixing with other guests, using the restrooms, having a smoke, or getting drinks from the bar.

Here is a typical sequence of events that bring a reception to the end:

1. Bouquet Toss

The Bouquet Toss will usually begin 20 – 30 minutes before the end of the reception – but that’s totally dependent on the agenda.

Advise the Bride and Groom at least 10 minutes beforehand.

Also advise the DJ/Band leader (so appropriate music is ready) and photographer/videographer.

Announce the Bouquet Toss a couple of times so that the single women are gathered for the event.

Tips For The Bouquet Toss:

1. Some guests – whether female or male – may not consider themselves “single” if they’re living together or if they have a partner or if they’re dating.

Naturally, they won’t – or may not – consider themselves eligible for the Bouquet Toss because of this.

A good rule of thumb is if they’re not wearing an engagement or wedding ring, they’re considered “single” and, in the case of women, they’re eligible for the Bouquet Toss.

Be sure to announce this “requirement” when preparing for the Bouquet Toss.

2. You may wish to do a countdown (3-2-1) when the bride is ready to toss her bouquet – it heightens the anticipation and gets everyone ready for the mad scramble for the bouquet. And watch out – there’s likely to be a mad scramble!

2. Garter Toss

The Garter Toss traditionally follows the Bouquet Toss.

Some newlyweds dispense with the Garter toss.

Others make it quite a production with music and encouragement from the guests.

As coordinator of the event, you should make sure the Garter Toss is tasteful and not crude or raunchy.

3. Farewell Circle

The Farewell Circle is particularly popular in Australia but is a wonderfully intimate send off for the Bride and Groom and can be easily adopted and adapted for any celebration.

The Farewell Circle is the final event of the reception.

If you’re not familiar with the Farewell Circle, guests are asked to form a large circle.

The Bride and Groom make their way around the circle in opposite directions, expressing their thanks and saying goodbye to each person in the circle.

Halfway through the circle, the Bride and Groom crossover until they come to the end of the circle – where the newlyweds’ parents can be strategically positioned to say their farewell to their children.

Sometimes the Farewell Circle is concluded with a poignant song sung by the guests or three cheers are given as the Bride and Groom leave the room.

How To Make The Wedding Reception A FUN and Memorable Event

I realize it sounds “easy” to be a Wedding MC.

But it’s one thing to tell you what to do and another thing to SHOW you what to do.

The fact of the matter is, there is a huge amount of planning that takes place behind the scenes to pull off a fun and memorable reception.

In fact, many people who are chosen to MC a wedding don’t know where to start or what to say.

And that’s totally understandable since a wedding reception is not an everyday occurrence for most people.

Just as importantly, most Wedding Emcees don’t know the key elements that are needed to make the function a resounding success.

That’s why How To Be A FUN Wedding MC was created.

If you’re a novice Master of Ceremonies at a wedding reception, then be sure to check out How To Be A FUN Wedding MC.

Let me tell you a little about this comprehensive Wedding MC Guide…

It contains numerous checklists – including those for the Reception Venue, Bridal Party, Dancing, Bride and Groom, Introductions, Wedding Speeches and Toasts – as well as MC Scripts, Wedding Games, Sample Agendas (Run Sheets), Contingency Planning, and much more.

It’s intended for a wide range of receptions and covers the Order of Events, the Order of Wedding Speeches and Toasts, How to Make FUN Introductions during the Grand Entrance, and How to Introduce Speakers during the speeches and toasts event.

This is a hands-on guide the emcee can put to use immediately and has been designed for ease of use. It’s specifically written for the Wedding MC who will be conducting a reception in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United States, South Africa, United Kingdom, the Caribbean, and English speaking countries in Europe.

How To Be A FUN Wedding MC isn’t used just by the Master of Ceremonies.

The bride-to-be and the mother-of-the-bride, in particular, see this as a valuable planning resource as they create a fun celebration for their guests.

Whether you’re an MC, bride-to-be, or mother-of-the-bride you’re invited to go to How To Be A FUN Wedding MC to download your copy of this comprehensive Wedding MC Guide.

Click on the image below to find out more about How To Be A FUN Wedding MC …

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the Mother of the Bride, the Father of the Groom, the Father of the Bride, the Groom, and the Bride.

Wedding MC? Wedding Toastmaster? Check out How To Be A FUN Wedding MC and create a FUN and Memorable Reception!

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Wedding MC Script to Making the Day Perfect: A Guide and Tips

Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by Project Party

Picture this: You’re the wedding MC. It’s your day to shine, and you’re determined to make it perfect. But where do you start? What should you include in your wedding MC script? Fear not, for we have all the answers! In this blog post, we will provide a wedding MC guide that is both comprehensive and easy to follow. Plus, we’ll give you some tips on how to make the day even more special for everyone involved. So read on, and get ready to take on the role of master of ceremonies with confidence!

When it comes to being a wedding MC, there are certain expectations that come with the role. Above all else, you are responsible for ensuring that the day runs smoothly and according to plan. In order to do this, you will need to have a strong understanding of the schedule for the day, as well as any special instructions that have been given by the bride and groom. Additionally, it is your job to keep the guests entertained throughout the day – no easy feat!

One of the best ways to ensure that you are prepared for your role as wedding MC is to create a script. This will serve as a guide for you on the day of and will help to keep you on track. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Check out our comprehensive wedding MC script below.

What to Include in Your Wedding MC Script

As the wedding MC, it’s your job to keep the evening running smoothly. To do this, you’ll need a wedding MC script that covers all the essential elements. With these elements in your script, you’ll be ready to keep the evening flowing seamlessly. So put on your best suit, brush up on your jokes, and get ready to take centre stage! Here’s what to include:

1. A Welcome

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere for wedding guests, the role of the wedding MC is vital in setting the tone for the event. The beginning of your wedding MC script should reflect the overall tone of the ceremony. Whether the wedding is formal or more casual, tailor your welcome to fit the tone of the occasion. In the case of a formal wedding, a warm and polished welcome is appropriate, while for a more casual wedding, a playful and light-hearted approach may be better suited. No matter the tone, it’s important to properly introduce yourself and give gratitude to the guests for their attendance. It might also be wise to acknowledge any special individuals who have travelled from out of town to attend the nuptials.

2. Overview of the Venue and Wedding Requirements (Directions are Wedding MC Sript 101)

As a wedding MC, being well-prepared and organized is crucial in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable event for everyone involved. One of the ways you can demonstrate your preparation skills is by providing the guests with some basic information about the wedding venue. Imagine hosting a wedding at a venue that is new to most of the guests. While the venue may be breathtaking, the unfamiliar surroundings can make guests feel awkward and uncomfortable. Providing a quick orientation can help alleviate their anxiety. This could include a brief history of the building or some fun facts about its features. By doing so, you can give guests a sense of the venue’s significance and help them appreciate its beauty.

Moreover, it’s helpful to provide directions to the facilities like the restroom if they are not immediate to the main hall. Most guests will need to use the restroom facilities at some point in the night, so it’s vital to let them know where these are located. Providing clear and concise directions to the restrooms can help prevent guests from getting lost and missing essential moments of the celebration. Remember that guests who feel lost or disoriented will not enjoy the wedding as much as guests who can navigate themselves with ease.

Finally, you may also want to mention any particular requirements or formats for the evening that are unique to the couple. Perhaps they have specific traditions or activities planned that guests need to be aware of. By giving them a heads-up, guests can participate fully and feel more involved in the celebration. Overall, including a quick orientation in your wedding MC script is a thoughtful gesture that can help guests feel more comfortable and at ease.

It’s a surefire way to demonstrate your well-preparedness and organization skills, which can contribute to the successful outcome of the event. Remember, as the wedding MC, you are like the conductor of an orchestra, guiding the proceedings and keeping everything on track. Providing guests with a brief orientation is just one example of the many small things you can do to help make the event a memorable and enjoyable one.

3. Wedding Party Entrance

One of the most exciting moments of a wedding reception is the grand entrance of the bride and groom. As the wedding MC, it’s your important responsibility to make this announcement and gracefully introduce the couple to their guests.

If the bride and groom are entering together, announcing their names may be enough. But if they are entering separately, introducing them individually as they walk down the aisle can create a more dramatic and memorable moment. For instance, you could say, “Please welcome the lovely bride, Jane Doe,” followed by, “And now, the dashing groom, John Smith!”

Following the couple’s entrance, it’s time for the bridal party to make their way into the room. Similar to the couple’s announcement, you can introduce them together or individually, depending on your preference. For instance, you could say, “Please welcome the bridesmaids, Jane Doe, Jill Smith, and Sarah Johnson,” or introduce each one separately as they walk down the aisle.

Remember, as the wedding MC, it’s essential to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere right from the start. By delivering clear and confident announcements during the grand entrance, you will help set the tone for the rest of the evening, and ensure that the focus remains on the newlyweds and their loved ones.

5. A Rundown of the Day’s Events

Once the wedding party has been announced, it’s your responsibility as the wedding MC to give the guests an overview of the day’s events. This is an excellent opportunity to create excitement and give your guests a glimpse of what to expect throughout the evening. Depending on your preference, you can opt for a quick rundown or go into more detail, highlighting each activity that will take place. Be sure to include any special events such as the first dance, bouquet toss or cake cutting ceremony. Consider inserting some humour or personal anecdotes to make the announcement more memorable as well.

This moment in your wedding MC script is crucial because it sets the tone of the evening and keeps the energy high. Providing guests with a clear overview of the schedule helps them stay engaged, prevents them from feeling lost or disoriented and, most importantly, ensures that they are present and enjoying every moment of the celebrations.

By delivering a polished and energetic introduction to the day’s events, you will capture the guests’ attention and ensure that they are excited and invested in the proceedings for the rest of the evening and create a memorable event for the newlyweds and their guests.

6. Announcements Throughout the Evening

Your role throughout the night will be to announce and direct guests to certain activities such as the first dance, cutting the cake, or the bouquet toss. You will also be responsible for introducing any speakers or entertainment for the evening.

To keep things running smoothly, it is helpful to make announcements throughout the evening. This way, guests will know what is happening and when. Additionally, announcements give you an opportunity to inject a little bit of personality into the evening. So have fun with it!

Typically, MCs will take over the mic to make announcements throughout the evening like:

• “It’s now time for the first dance!”
• “Please welcome our special guests, John and Jane Doe!”
• “And now, let’s cut the cake!”

Of course, you can adapt these announcements to fit your own style. Just be sure that they are clear and concise and make sure you know upfront any important information from the special couple so you have a plan.

7. Farewell

As the wedding celebration draws to a close, one of the final duties of the wedding MC is to bid the guests farewell. This moment is just as crucial to the success of the event as the grand entrance or the day’s events overview. In your wedding MC script, be prepared to thank the guests for attending and adding to the joy of the wedding day. You can add a personal touch by mentioning the newlyweds’ happiness and how it will make their day complete.

Additionally, it’s crucial to let guests know of any plans for the following day, such as the post-wedding brunch or any other event that the couple has planned. By reminding them of this, you can maintain their engagement and participation, which can help extend the celebration and create more happy memories.

Finally, wishing your guests a safe journey home is another essential element. This gesture conveys your appreciation for their attendance and ensures that they leave the event with fond memories.

In conclusion, saying goodbye to guests might seem like a minor detail, but it’s an important opportunity to bring the event to a respectful and graceful conclusion. With thoughtful planning and the right tone in your wedding MC script, you can ensure that your guests leave with a smile, happy memories of the day, and warm wishes for the newlyweds.

How to Deliver a Stellar Performance: Tips for a Memorable Wedding MC Script

Ok, that’s the essentials but of course, you’ll need to make these words yours and you have likely been chosen for this role because of your personality. What are our tips to help you with your wedding MC script?

Here are our tips to keep guests entertained:

• use humour (but don’t overdo it, stay professional and only do what feels comfortable)
• be genuine and sincere
• speak slowly and clearly
• make eye contact with your audience
• use props or visual aids (if appropriate), and
• take your time – don’t rush!

And here are our top tips for keeping things running smoothly:

• arrive early to the venue to set up
• make sure you have a copy of the schedule and stick to it
• have a backup plan in case of any hiccups
• be prepared to make announcements throughout the evening, and
• thank guests as they leave

By following these simple tips, you will be well on your way to becoming a master wedding MC! So go out there and have some fun! Do you have any other tips for wedding MCs? Share them in the comments below!

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How to MC a Wedding

Last Updated: April 20, 2024 Fact Checked

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 29 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 721,640 times. Learn more...

One of the most important roles you can play at another person's wedding is the Master of Ceremonies (MC). The MC's job is to make sure the evening goes as smoothly as possible, taking the pressure off the happy couple and allowing them to forget about the practical concerns of the event and focus on having a good time. It can be a little intimidating to try to get organized, but you can learn the role and nail the tone to make their wedding a great success. See Step 1 for more information.

Learning the Role

• The bride, groom, and other members of the wedding party will typically have something called a "run sheet" which will be a detailed itinerary of the various events. Get your schedule ahead of time and keep it on you during the day. Be the militant one.

• Distinguish between things you'll need to announce into the microphone and things that might be ok to say to everyone as they come in the door, or by going around table-to-table and talking to everyone. If you label the presents table, for instance, you won't need to make a big to-do of announcing it every five minutes when people come in.

• Be willing to run last-minute errands and do extra housekeeping tasks on the night of the reception. If the groom forgot his groomsmen's presents back at the house, don't make him drive and go get it. Volunteer for the little things and you can make a big difference.
• Don't be afraid to delegate tasks. If there's a mess to be cleaned up, enlist some lazy cousins and challenge them to a can-crushing contest. Don't be pushy, but don't try to take it on all yourself either. [4] X Research source

• Make things as simple as possible. A wedding MC can make the night smooth sailing, or can tax everyone's fun by being too in-your-face about the little rules. try to keep an eye on the big picture and focus on making things simpler, rather than more complicated.

Running the Show

• If the ceremony itself takes place elsewhere, try to sit close to the back so you can jet out as soon as its over and head over to the reception hall.

• Practice holding it at the correct distance so you'll be loud enough for everyone to hear and you won't have to go through an awkward sound-check with all the family and friends present.

• Typically, the biggest announcement you'll have to make is when the bridal party enters. You'll need to introduce them, "The new Mr. and Mrs. _____!" When the bride is seated, let everyone know they can sit down and visit for a while.

• Don't give preliminary speeches for each speech. You don't need to tell long-winded jokes about each person (again, you're not the entertainment). Simple is good: "Next up, let's all welcome the maid-of-honor!"
• try to wait until the dinner phase of the reception has wound down enough to get ready for the speeches. If there's a set time limit, try to stick to it as close as possible, but don't rush people who're still waiting to be served so you can jump to the speeches. Let things move in a calm and orderly fashion.

• Again, simple is good. Walk around to the tables and let everyone know briefly and politely: "Hey everybody! Hope you're all having a good time! I think they're about to do the garter toss on the dance floor in about five minutes if you want to make your way over there."

Nailing the Tone

• You'll have an opportunity to talk for a while, usually at the very beginning of the reception, before the bride and groom enter, which is when you can introduce yourself and set the tone of the evening. The room will probably be buzzing and unsettled, anyway, so don't think about launching into that crude story about your spring break trip to Cancun with the groom.

• Write down what you're going to say, and keep your script handy on a mobile device or a notepad. Write it like you'll want to read it, word-for-word, so you won't have to fill in the gaps at the last minute.

• Even if the speech-givers want to surprise the party with their speeches, try to find out what's in them and let the bride and groom know. It can be somewhat embarrassing to have to listen to a crude attempt at jokes from someone at a wedding, so it's good to do a little screening. It's not your job to tell them not to give the speech as written, just let the couple know so they'll be prepared and won't be (overly) embarrassed on their night.

Expert Q&A

• Be prepared with activities to keep people entertained while they wait for the bride and groom to appear after their photo session Thanks Helpful 78 Not Helpful 21
• Work with the photographer(s) to ensure they get the best photographs for the bride and groom's keepsake wedding album. Thanks Helpful 40 Not Helpful 34

• Avoid alcohol when you're the MC. You need a clear head as you perform your duties. Thanks Helpful 41 Not Helpful 50

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HSiVVyH750
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGp-cCgGFnA
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFzZZSerGO0
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqHeJdgC1go

About This Article

To MC a wedding, start by obtaining an official schedule, since one of your main duties is to keep the reception running smoothly and on time. If you've never used a microphone before, consider practicing a few announcements before the reception begins. Each reception varies, but you'll probably need to announce the newly weds at the beginning of the reception, introduce speakers, and announce events like garter tosses and bouquet tosses. For tips on using the right tone during your announcements, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Wedding Party Introductions: How-To Guide With 25 Examples

• by Marisa Jenkins
• November 1, 2023

One of the most exciting parts of a wedding is the reception that follows. Although cultures worldwide vary in how they carry out the wedding reception, one aspect remains universal — it is a night filled with dancing and entertainment. The typical reception begins with the introduction of the wedding party.

As its name suggests, a wedding party introduction is the beginning of a reception wherein each member of the wedding party is presented to the guests. Their names, relationship with the couple, and other important details are summarized and shared in short segments so that the guests can get to know them better.

Wedding party introductions are discussed in detail below, immediately followed by examples of introductions for every member of the wedding party. Ideas to make the introductions more exciting are also listed. Lastly, some tips to keep in mind regarding wedding party introductions are given.

A Guide to Wedding Party Introductions

What are Wedding Party Introductions?

Wedding party introductions occur at the beginning of a wedding reception. As the name of the tradition denotes, every member of the wedding party is given time to shine. Introducing them to the guests is a memorable and effective way of honoring them at your wedding.

Once the wedding ceremony is over, guests would proceed to the reception venue. The bridal party will most likely stay at the ceremony venue to take formal portraits; if that is the case, they might arrive 30 to 60 minutes later than the guests. Before their arrival, the wedding DJ or emcee would have been entertaining the guests with music.

Once the bridal party arrives, the host will be informed. They will line up by the entrance of the venue as the host calls the attention of everyone in the room. Traditionally, they will enter in the same order as they walked down the aisle to minimize confusion among the guests:

• Parents of the groom
• Parents of the bride
• Any children in the wedding party (junior bridesmaids, flower girls, ring bearer, etc.)
• Bridesmaids and groomsmen
• Maid of honor and best man
• Bride and groom

Although this is the recommended order, couples have the freedom to edit it according to their preferences. It may not be a good idea to include children in the grand entrance if the reception is too late, as the children may be too tired. Likewise, they may feel like their parents’ entrance should come just before theirs. They can also add their grandparents, other relatives, ushers, and escorts if necessary.

Organizing Your Wedding Party Introductions

Couples must closely collaborate with the wedding DJ or emcee, as they will be doing the introductions. Give them detailed instructions, such as the order of the entrance, exact pronunciations of every person’s name, the vibe you are going for, and which songs you want to be played as people enter.

The introductions themselves could be as simple as saying the name of the person, their relationship with the couple, and their role in the wedding party. You can include additional details such as a short description of the person, their history with the couple, and so on. Regardless of which you choose, make sure to be consistent — what you do for a groomsman must be the same for a bridesmaid.

If you are unsure of what the best way to introduce your wedding party is, ask them for their input. They may want a very simple introduction, they may want to include a joke that they have thought of, or they may have a specific song in mind for their entrance.

Examples of Wedding Party Introductions

There is no right or wrong way to introduce your wedding party at your reception; simple and straightforward introductions are just as valid as fun and humorous introductions. With that said, here are examples of wedding party introductions with varying lengths, humor, and formality.

For the Parents of the Bride and Groom

• Ladies and gentlemen, let’s put our hands together for the parents of the groom! Mr. August Hugo and Mrs. Samantha Hugo have been married for 30 years and have raised four wonderful children together. They are Larry’s biggest supporters and cannot be prouder of their “Lar-bear.”
• Everyone, let’s welcome the parents of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. McNamara!
• Let us give a warm round of applause to Sherry Lee and Robert Lee, the parents of our lovely bride! Looking absolutely gorgeous in their matching navy-blue ensemble.
• Please welcome our bride’s parents, Manny Suarez and Gina Suarez!
• Coming in next is the groom’s parents, John and Jennifer Forsyth! Everyone, please give Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth a round of applause — it is their love and commitment to each other that gave us this dashing and charming groom here today.
• Next, let’s welcome to the party Mr. Reid, the ever handsome and ever-loving father of Melissa. Melissa says that she would not be who and where she is today if it wasn’t for her father’s dedication and hard work. Let’s hear it for Mr. Reid!
• Mrs. Elsa Miller, the mother of the groom, and Mr. Kyle Miller, the father of the groom.

For the Children in the Wedding Party

• Here comes our adorable flower girl and ring bearer, Julia and Mickey!
• Everyone, let’s give a warm round of applause for our diligent flower girls, Bobbie and Pippa, and ring bearer, Charlie! Without a doubt, they had the hardest role to play today, and they deserve all the cake and sweets we have.
• Let’s welcome June, Clara, and Paul, our lovely flower girls and ring bearers.

For the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

• Miss Jordyn Singh, cousin of the bride, and Mister Malcolm Dowell, brother of the groom.
• Put your hands together for Karina Lyman and Tom Spiel! They have been friends with the newlyweds since they were in high school.
• Let’s give a warm welcome to Trina Nguyen, one of the lovely bridesmaids who helped make this event possible! Her organizational skills have, according to the bride herself, “saved her life multiple times.”
• Make some noise for Spencer Diaz! One of the groom’s closest buddies, they met during recess time in kindergarten. They have been terrorizing each other’s lives ever since.
• Jimmy Kleinman, friend and amateur repairman of the couple, and Anna Feinstein, sister and full-time cool aunt of the family.

For the Maid of Honor and Best Man

• Let’s put our hands together for Leah Rose Robinson! She is the most amazing and most gorgeous maid of honor to walk the reception venue. Her planning skills made this very event possible. Give it up for Leah!
• Let’s welcome to the party, Max Castillo! He has been the groom’s best friend since diapers and has seen him at his best and worst. Let’s give a warm round of applause for Max!
• The best brother Ivan could have ever asked for and his favorite person to tease and annoy, Leo Karimov. Part-time mom blogger and full-time awesome best friend to Hanna, Alisa Orlova.
• Please welcome Casey Bellevue, Naomi’s maid of honor and ride-or-die, and Mark Anthony Trinidad, Melvin’s best man and biggest hype man.

For the Couple

• It is with immense joy and pride that I introduce to you, Mr. Jonathan Rodriguez and Mrs. Trinity Rodriguez, the newlyweds! Let’s give them a warm round of applause!
• Taking their first steps as newlyweds, please give a round of applause to Roberta and Dianne Wiley! Everyone, raise your glasses in a toast to their love, patience, and strength. To Roberta and Dianne!
• It is an honor to get to introduce the most stunning, fun, and amazing newlyweds I’ve had the pleasure to DJ for, Mr. Noel and Mr. Jonah Hamilton-Ray! A toast to the grooms!
• Ladies, gentlemen, and nonbinary guests, let us all put our hands together and cheer for our newlyweds, Trisha and Kylie!
• Taking their very first entrance as husband and wife, let us all welcome into this beautiful banquet, Angelina and Benedict! Give them your warmest, most genuine applause!
• Their adventure of a lifetime starts here and now. Let’s give it up for Sammy and Cora Fletcher-Carlson!

Make Your Wedding Party Introductions More Exciting

In a traditional grand entrance, the wedding party walks individually or by pair to their seats after being introduced. While this is ideal for formal receptions, you may want something more fun and entertaining for yours. Here are some themes or ideas you can incorporate into your reception.

Have a Themed Wedding Party Introduction

• NBA-Themed Entrance . If you or your partner is a fan of basketball, you may want to introduce your wedding party similar to how lineups are announced.
• Sports-Themed Entrance . Any sport wherein teams are put in a lineup and introduced to the crowd can work well with your wedding party introduction. This includes football, volleyball, gymnastics, and so on.
• Movie-Themed Entrance . Take an element of a well-known or well-loved film and emulate it in your wedding party introduction. Give some props to your bridal party and choose the perfect music to set the tone.
• School Spirit . If you and your partner met in high school or university, you can integrate that into your wedding party introduction. Hand out flags, pom poms, and other props in your school colors. If you have the budget, hire your school mascot as well to enliven the audience even more.

Dance, Dance, Dance

Just Let Them Do Their Thing

Outfit Switch

Have each bridesmaid and groomsmen switch attires with each other. During the wedding party introduction, the bridesmaids would enter wearing suits and tuxedos, while the groomsmen would enter wearing cocktail dresses.

Another version of this idea is to have the bridal party change their entire outfits. They can go casual, business attire, and even wear a onesie or pair of pajamas. The logistics of these ideas may prove to be challenging, but their entertainment value may make the effort worth it.

However, keep in mind that not everyone will be receptive to this idea. This is especially true if you have conservative guests that view outfits as strictly gendered or may find other outfits unsuitable for a formal event.

Piggyback Rides

Opposite to the one above, this idea is more time-consuming. However, it will allow each member of your wedding party to have the moment and attention they deserve. You can do this simply by having them walk individually instead of pairing them up, or you can literally use a spotlight that follows the person as they walk.

• Ride-on Vehicles . Get a small car for every pair of bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as for the children who are part of your wedding party. You can buy them in toy stores or online shops and then resell them after your wedding.
• Big Head Masks . These are cardboard cutouts of their faces, though you can also opt to give them cutouts of your and your partner’s faces. They also work well for other pre-wedding parties , such as bachelor parties and bridal showers.
• Smoke or Snow Machines . These machines can elevate the ambiance of your venue and make the wedding party introduction more unforgettable. However, check with your venue if you are allowed to use such machines.
• Money Gun . Make it rain fake dollar bills with money guns. This idea works best if the grand entrance is choreographed or is a dance-off.
• Musical Instruments . Buy small and fake musical instruments and distribute them to your wedding party. They can imitate playing them as they enter the venue.

Tips to Keep in Mind for Wedding Party Introductions

Heavily Coordinate with Your Wedding Photographer and Videographer

To get breathtaking pictures from your event, your documentation team will set up equipment, such as lighting, multiple cameras, and so on. As a result, there will be areas in the room that will be better captured. With that said, coordinate with the photographers and videographers as to where the bridal party must go before they do what they want to do.

Not having detailed instructions for the wedding party will result in pictures and videos that could be a lot better. The flash might be disorienting, or the angle might be unflattering. This is why you must keep in mind the photographer’s and videographer’s directions.

Music to Play for the Wedding Party Introduction

Typically, the parents’ entrance and the couples’ entrance will be different. Songs used for those entrances are frequently emotional or sentimental. With that said, here are a few general suggestions that you can consider for your wedding reception playlist.

• “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled ft. Ludacris, Rick Ross, T-Pain, Snoop Dogg
• “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor
• “Feel This Moment” by Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera
• “Fire Burning” by Sean Kingston
• “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
• “The Final Countdown” by Europe
• “Where Them Girls At” by David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj, Flo Rida
• “Who Let The Dogs Out” by Baha Men

Whatever songs you choose to include, compile them in a playlist and give them to your wedding DJ before the reception. To be safe, you may also create a list of songs the DJ must not play for the entirety of your reception.

Final Thoughts

Not only do wedding party introductions mark the start of a night-long celebration, but they also allow your guests to become familiar with the important people in your lives. This is a testament to the statement that marriage is not only between two people but two families and an entire community.

Marisa Jenkins

Marisa Jenkins is a wedding planner and event coordinator. Her main goal for WeddingFrontier.com is to simplify the wedding planning process by sharing her years of expertise in the industry.

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Giddy Up for Miranda Lambert and Husband Brendan McLoughlin's Matching 2024 ACM Awards Looks

Miranda lambert and her husband brendan mcloughlin turned the 2024 acm awards into a date night, cozying up on the red carpet outside the ford center at the star in frisco, texas on may 16..

Even mama's broken heart is melting over  Miranda Lambert  and  Brendan McLoughlin  at  2024 ACM Awards .

The "It All Comes Out in the Wash" singer and her husband were practically inseparable as they arrived to the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas May 16. Turning country music's party of the year into their personal date night, the couple—who  married in 2019  after meeting during Miranda's Good Morning America appearance the year prior—looked all loved up as they posed on the red carpet. ( Click here to see all the celeb arrivals .)

For the occasion, the 40-year-old wore a stunning black dress featuring a plunging keyhole and a silver collar. She paired the gown with a metal belt and statement earrings, both of which was adorned with turquoise gemstones. Meanwhile, Brendan, 32, donned a sleek black suit that coordinated with his wife's look.

Though Miranda isn't nominated at this year's ceremony, she is slated to burn up the stage nonetheless as one of the show's performers. Other singers on the star-studded lineup include host Reba McEntire , Kelsea Ballerini , Blake Shelton , Gwen Stefani , Post Malone , Avril Lavigne ,  Thomas Rhett ,  Kane Brown , Jelly Roll , Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson .

And like a bluebird, the annual award show is one that's close to Miranda heart. After all, the Pistol Annies member and Brendan made their red carpet debut as a married couple at the 2019 ceremony. 

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Plus, Miranda is one of the few artists to hold the ACM Awards' Triple Crown, having previously won in the Entertainer of the Year, New Female Artist of the Year and Female Artist of the Year categories.

"I always said my goal is to have a long career," Miranda told the audience in 2022 after she was bestowed the honor . "I want to be able to sing and write songs for as long as I physically can, and this was just affirmation that I'm on the right path."

She added, "I hope that we can continue that for years to come because this stage is what it was all built on."

To see more stars at the 2024 ACM Awards, keep reading.

Rex Linn & Reba McEntire

Thomas Rhett

Miranda Lambert

Avril Lavigne

Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton

Jason Aldean & Brittany Aldean

Chris Stapleton & Morgane Stapleton

Tyler Cameron

Brothers Osborne's TJ Osborne & John Osborne

Jelly Roll & Bunnie XO

Dan + Shay's Dan Smyers & Shay Mooney

Lainey Wilson

Little Big Town's Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, Karen Fairchild & Jimi Westbrook

Scotty McCreery & Gabi Dugal McCreery

Reyna Roberts

Ashley McBryde

Hallie Ray Light McCollum & Parker McCollum 

Maddie & Tae's Maddie Font & Tae Kerr

The War and Treaty's Michael Trotter Jr. & Tanya Trotter 

Bobby Bones & Caitlin Parker

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