A friend who knows you well can bring a personal touch to your wedding reception. Before you hand them the microphone, check that they want the role and understand the preparation involved.
These five points draw on tips from Sydney celebrant and wedding MC Marry Us Gary, credited below.
For a script and preparation workbook, see Marry Us Gary’s wedding MC resources for friends. Check the provider’s website for current details.
Ask someone who is comfortable speaking to a group and happy to take the role. They’ll need to get guests’ attention, introduce speakers and deliver clear announcements.
A rehearsal with the microphone and a written run sheet can help. Give your friend the chance to decline without pressure.
Your MC doesn’t need to have witnessed every stage of your relationship. What matters is that they know you both, understand the tone you want and can welcome your families and friends.
Agree on the stories and jokes you’re comfortable sharing. Avoid private anecdotes or in-jokes that leave most of the room out.
Share the reception run sheet, speaker names, pronunciation notes and venue contact details in advance. Agree who will cue speeches, entrances, the first dance and other formalities.
Check that your friend can set aside time to prepare and stay available during those moments, while still enjoying the wedding.
Clear, warm announcements matter more than a comedy routine. Keep introductions brief, check names and give each speaker or moment room to land.
Agree on boundaries for humour and personal stories before the day.
If timings change, your MC should check with the venue coordinator before announcing the next moment. They should also speak to the band or DJ before cueing an entrance or dance.
Give them a current run sheet and one clear point of contact, so they know who to ask.
Thanks to Marry Us Gary for the tips behind this article.
Share your run sheet with your musicians or DJ and agree who will cue each entrance, speech and dance.
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