So you fancy yourself the public speaker do you? Now is your chance to impress all of your friends, and their families, as to how well-endowed with the gift of gab you really are. No real need to be nervous here, these are only your peers, it’s not like they were strangers you would never have to see again if you really screwed up. These people probably wouldn’t be so cruel as to remind you of this episode every time they saw you, and for the rest of your life. Besides, how long can that really be?
Emceeing at a wedding can be as laden with words as you want to make it. The reception, as you have read, can be everything from a simple affair, where people want to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family, to a formal event. People want to spend time in the presence of the couple they have admired all day long. These people are usually pretty easy to entertain. They are not going to tum into an angry mob if you do not adequately entertain them. But it is still important to prepare yourself for the task.
To emcee at a reception is no different than what a celebrity does to host a beauty pageant on television, or a comedian at the Academy Awards presentations. Of course, you probably won’t have millions of people watching you, your career depending on your performance, unless it is an extremely large family or you are the best man for a Prince. Mind you, it will probably feel like having millions of eyes watching your every move, hanging on your every word, especially if you are unaccustomed to duties of this nature.
Having participated in several public speaking engagements, as well as teaching for several years and performing the exact same task you are about to undertake, I can empathize with your situation. It is really an overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be. The key to success is practice.
Listed on the following pages are things that you will need to organize or be aware of if you are going to be the emcee at the wedding. Several of these responsibilities may not be piled onto your tray, but I have listed as many as possible so that you can get a full spectrum of exactly what it is you may be doing. Good luck.
- Spend some cash: Pay somebody to be the emcee for you, hiring a professional to do the job, if the bridal couple are willing. There are a lot of things that require your attention, and you may better enjoy yourself leaving these duties to somebody else. If you are adamant that you will perform these duties yourself, there are several excellent resources available at the library or your local bookstore that will go into far greater detail on the subject.
- Preparation: This is your most important tool and you should use it on everything that you do. There are several things that need to be done beforehand, and good organization and proper preparation will go a long way in assuring a successful reception.
- Reception Parameters: Before you begin, talk with those who are responsible for organizing the wedding so that you know what is expected of you. This is also a good source of insight and information about the guests attending the ceremony, as well as all those involved.
- Research: Try to get as much information as possible on all of the important people at the ceremony. You may have to talk about several of these people, and/ or introduce them, and/ or work closely over the next several days with them, and it helps if you have some personal working knowledge of them.
- Organizers: Learn who they are, from those organizing the wedding itself, to those in charge of minor details, like renting and decorating the car. Then discuss all of the details of everybody’s schedule so that there are no hidden surprises.
- Attend all Pre-Wedding Functions: Make sure that you attend the stag party, bridal shower (or have someone take notes if they refuse to admit you), all organizational meetings and the wedding rehearsal. This way you are sure to know what is going on at all times, as well as becoming familiar with everybody partaking in these events.
- Confirm: Make sure that you confirm and reconfirm all reception details, no matter how small, or how many times other people have confirmed them. General things that are often overlooked are at the reception hall. Things like the air conditioning, heating, sound system, location of bathrooms, telephones, emergency exits and lighting should all be checked. Check the menu details, service staff, supplies of tables and chairs, and backups, etc.
- Guests: Make sure that you know the number of guests arriving. That way you’ll know exactly what is required to feed them, offer drinks, late-night snacks, numbers of tables and chairs and back-ups for everything. Also ensure that there are ample facilities to accommodate everyone, parking, coat room, washrooms, handicapped facilities, etc. This also lets you adequately time things based on the number of people.
- Microphone Check: Very important, because you will be using this device throughout the evening. Take a spare, and make sure that there is an ample power supply.
- The D.J. (or band): Make sure that everything gets set up, and that you are aware of his contract (how late he/she will stay etc.). Help him to check the equipment, and have a back-up plan in case problems arise.
- The Photographer: Let him/her know what is expected, and the organization and timing of key events throughout the evening.
- Food: Know the menu, the timing, coffee service, etc.
That way you’ll know how to time your speeches and the general flow of the evening.
- Plan Your Speeches, and Who is Going to Speak: Know what you are going to say and when you are going to say it. Also know who else will be speaking during the reception, and when they will be speaking so that you can arrange the schedule and introduce them.
- Guest Interaction: Meet as many people as possible; that way when you talk, it is a more personal affair. It also helps if you are introducing some of these people later on in the reception.
- Telegrams and Out-of-town Guests: Acknowledge them. 1& The Head Table: Get to know them, you’ll be introducing them, and since they are the most important people at the reception, you will want to have established a personal rapport with them.
- Timing: Always keep an eye on that clock to ensure that you are running on schedule. Otherwise you may not have time for something important at the end because you were running late.
- Appearance: Make sure that you are dressed appropriately, and that your appearance is professional.
- Try not to be nervous.
- Relax and have fun.
