How to Prepare Your MC Before Your Wedding

Apr 4

Your wedding day is quickly approaching, and while that’s extremely exciting, there are still so many details that need to be sorted. One of those is preparing your Master of Ceremonies. Yes, this may seem like an unnecessary to-do item, but prepping your MC before the big day is crucial to ensure a smooth and memorable event. Trust me.

We’re talking about discussing your wedding day timeline, deciding on what announcements are necessary, etc. And if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to getting on the same page with your MC, here’s my ultimate guide for prepping your MC for your wedding day.

What is the Master of Ceremony?

If you’re wondering exactly what the role of an MC entails, I’ve got you covered. The Master of Ceremony (or the MC) is essentially the voice of the hosts. While the couple is always considered the hosts, the MC has been given the gift of being the voice for the day. This trusted vendor is responsible for keeping the event moving along. They announce grand entrances, present those giving speeches, and generally ensure the event is sticking to the timeline provided.

What Announcements Do MCs Typically Make?

During your initial meeting with your MC, you’ll work together to determine what announcements will need to be made. And because every wedding is different, this will heavily be determined by your finalized wedding day timeline. To give you a starting idea, here are some of the most common announcements the MC is typically in charge of:

Welcoming guests into the reception area
Introducing the couple during their grand entrance
Welcome Speech (2-3 minutes) letting guests know who they are and maybe something light and funny Housekeeping Notes - including parking, bathrooms, smoking areas, order of events, rules of the night, etc.
Introductions of the Wedding Party
Announcing dinner, table numbers, or being the host of a game to see who eats, etc.
Introduces the person saying prayer or blessing if this applies to your wedding, as well as going up for seconds if buffet
Announcing the cake cutting
Speech Warning - usually gives a 10-minute warning to get desserts, etc., and allows the planner to make sure all those giving speeches are present
Speeches - Announces who is speaking and thanks them afterward
First Dances, as a couple and parent dances
Announces dance floor is open
Final song announcement
Grand exit (optional)

Tips for Prepping Your MC Before the Big Day

Now that you know exactly what the Master of Ceremony role entails and what announcements they typically are in charge of making, let’s get them prepped for your big day. As a wedding planner and experienced MC, here are the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to get your MC ready prior to your wedding.

1. Schedule a Meeting

Set aside time to meet with your MC before the wedding day. This is your chance to discuss your expectations, talk through your wedding timeline, and ask any specific questions you may have. Getting on the same page is crucial, and meeting face-to-face will eliminate any confusion or miscommunication you’d otherwise have over email.

2. Provide a Detailed Timeline

Though you’ll discuss your wedding timeline during your initial meeting, providing your MC with a physical and digital copy is always a must-do. This helps them prepare material in advance and allows them to have multiple copies with them on your wedding day. Keep in mind this should be your finalized timeline that includes specific times of all events, key moments that should be recognized, transitions, etc. Not only does this help them prepare ahead of time, but it also allows them to stay organized the day of.

3. Review the “No’s” and “Yes’s”

Remember your MC is acting as the voice for you on your big day. With that in mind, there are some things they should and should not do. Make sure to come prepared to your meeting with those written down to talk through with your MC.

The “no’s” to review with your MC:

No open mics
No dead air - try to keep the flow going and avoid awkward silences
No bringing up stuff the couple doesn't want guests to know, always make them look good!
Don't use jokes that haven't been approved by the couple

The “yes’s” to review with your MC:

Don't think too much - this should be fun! You are the energy of the night but not the spotlight
Check the grand entrance lineup to make sure names and order are correct
Have a plan beforehand
Meet with the planner during the cocktail reception to make sure you are both on the same page with timing and for any last-minute announcements
Wait for the planner before any announcements as they will make sure important guests are present, food is ready, etc.
Dress the part - make sure to look up and project voice

4. Review Announcements Scripted by Your MC

After taking the time to talk through your wedding day timeline, it’s typical for many MCs to prepare material ahead of time. After they create scripted announcements, review them together before the big day. You can offer any guidance regarding specific announcements you want to be included.

This is also your chance to provide a pronunciation guide. If there are any challenging or unfamiliar names included in your wedding party, create a pronunciation guide for your MC. This will help them avoid any mispronunciations during introductions or announcements.

5. Share Important Contact Information with Your MC

Prior to your wedding day, you (the couple) will be the primary contact for the MC. On your wedding day, this won’t be the case. That’s why you’ll want to provide your MC with all the information for your wedding planner, along with any other key vendors like the DJ, band, or even wedding party members. This way, they can easily coordinate with them if needed without bothering you.

5. Do A Venue Walk Through with Your MC

Prior to your big day, it’s important to familiarize your MC with your wedding space—especially if this is their first time working in your chosen venue. If possible, arrange a physical visit to the wedding venue with your MC for a walk-through of the ceremony and reception areas. This will allow them to plan out the positioning of their equipment and make sure they have all the right equipment/technology needed.

6. Have a Wedding Rehearsal

There is one wedding planning detail that can make or break your big day—that’s having a wedding rehearsal. This is your chance to get everyone on the same page including key vendors (like your wedding planner and MC) and loved ones that will be playing an important role on your big day. That’s why I’m on team rehearsal. Practicing big moments will ensure everyone is comfortable and everything runs smoothly.

By taking these steps to prepare your MC before your wedding day, you'll help them feel confident and well-prepared to fulfill their role. To ensure every vendor and key player in your wedding feels just as confident, I always recommend having a wedding rehearsal. And if you’re still on the fence about whether or not you should have one, read through this wedding rehearsal breakdown that’ll have you team-rehearsal.