A Step by Step Wedding Reception Program

Guide
for the Wedding Master of Ceremonies
A really superb wedding master of ceremonies
script is manna from heaven for any first timer given the task of emceeing a wedding, wouldn't
you think? After all, nobody's addicted to the struggle. Of course, we'd all prefer to have the
wedding reception program emceed by Billy Crystal with all the production values the Oscars
are renowned for (a wedding to remember in a good way), but reality usually does come with a
little more elbow grease and this is no exception.
Im also sure most of us have heard of, or been to weddings where the would-be wedding MC
has one too many shots of Dutch Courage and makes a meal of the job instead of the dinner
complete with off colour jokes about the bride or her mother.
Perhaps even worse, the wedding MC has been dragooned at the
last minute and resembles a deer caught in the headlights. It is
confidence destroying for the deer and agonizing for everyone
else. Of course, it doesnt have to be like that at all.

Click here to go straight to the

beginning of the Wedding MC Sample
script.

If you cant afford a professional emcee, a plethora of excellent master of ceremonies duties and
emcee tips, a well-prepared wedding reception order of events and above all, a decent sample
emcee script (below) can turn even old agoraphobic Uncle Bertie into a smooth and charming
wedding master of ceremony. Of course, this takes time and lots of practice. It is a big production
and the more time taken, the smoother it will be. Remember, if other people have done it, you
can do it too.
Above all, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. You should know weeks in advance about the venue, the
order of events, the speech-makers. It is advisable to give them a few pointers on what to speak
about.

Wedding Emcee Sample Script

Bear in mind, this sample emcee script template below is only a guide. I have followed the
general wedding reception order of events with thanks and acknowledgments to the wedding
party. It is neither mandatory, nor desirable for the Emcee to quote verbatim from the script

(unless both the MC and the script are brilliant). Some things look good in a script but sound stiff
and stilted when spoken. A guide is just there to ensure nothing is
overlooked or left to chance.
It is recommended the reception program and script is prepared
weeks in advance so the Emcee can familiarize himself with the
flow of events. There are basic instructions to give a broader view
on how to present each part.
There! Now you have some of the basics. Before you can develop
your emcee sample script, you will need your order of wedding
reception timeline. This is the framework around which you will
craft your master of ceremonies wedding reception script.
Here is a master ceremonies guide Ive put together to help spur
your imagination.

MC Script Starts Here

Master Of Ceremonies Welcome
'Good evening ladies and gentleman, friends and loved ones, welcome to Winona and Derek's
Nuptial Dinner Reception. My name is Robert, and I have been asked by our lovely bride, the
former Miss Walker, now Mrs Winona McGregor & her husband Derek, to be your Emcee
tonight and they would like to extend their thanks for attending their nuptial
celebrations tonight.'
'Dinner will commence very soon, so we ask that everyone make their way to
their seats and make your selves comfortable as we begin our celebration with a
wedding prayer.'

A WEDDING PRAYER
Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow,
for the health, the work, the food,
and the bright skies that make our lives delightful;

for our friends in all parts of the earth.

Amen
Robert Louis Stevenson

Introduction of the Wedding Party

Parents of the Bride

`Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen. Please be on your feet as we welcome the bridal party. Put
your hands together for our hosts, the mother and father of the bride. As you all know, the day
your little girl gets married is the happiest day of the century for every doting parent and dont
they look radiant? Thank you Brian & Lily Walker, we can see where the bride got her good
looks from. Im not saying which, you both look wonderful tonight. (wide applause)
Parents of the Groom

`And now, here come the parents of the groom, looking happy and proud. Please welcome
Michael & Maria McGregor. Dereks parents just got back from trekking in Nepal to be here for
their sons wedding. A big hand for Michael & Maria McGregor, Parents of the Groom.
Matron of Honor

`And now we come to the Matron of Honor, Meagan McGregor. Its been said that Meagan is
chosen for her ability to outthink, outrun and generally outwrestle anything with up to eight legs
that stands in the way of a smooth-running wedding. In Meagans case, shes also the Brides
Auntie. A tremendous grip on the woman as well! Lets hear it for Auntie Meagan. (wide
applause)
Best Man

`Now we come to our Best Man, Ladies and Gentlemen, Orlando Jones by name. The Best Man
isnt just there to pass the ring to the groom. Hes there to put his body on the line for his best
friend. Greater love hath no man, they say. He also assures us, he really is the best man. We cant
wait for his speech and wise counsel. Lets hear it for Orlando. (wide applause)
(The Bridesmaids and Groomsmen)

`Now we come to the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen. They are the understudies for the Bride and
Groom. If the Bride and Groom chickened out, itd be two of you tying the knot in their place!
Theres a sobering thought.
First Bridesmaid

`So without further ado and just a little nepotism, we have Winonas younger sister Emmeline
Walker our first bridesmaid. Gentlemen, Emmeline is single and taking a break from her career
as a ballerina to concentrate on bringing home a gold medal at the next Olympics for gymnastics.
Lets hear it for wee Emmeline! (wide applause)
Second Bridesmaid

`Our second bridesmaid, Mary Jo Zimakowski has known Winona since they were in high school
together and as usual, Mary Jo says she has Winonas back. Lets hear it for Mary Jo. (more
applause)
Third Bridesmaid

`Our last bridesmaid has watched `Twenty Seven Dresses five times. This is her twelfth time as
a bridesmaid and shes running out of wardrobe space. Lets hear it for Daniela Pavelic. Hope
you catch the bouquet Daniela. (wide applause)
First Groomsman

`Our first groomsman is Michael McGregor Junior. Michael, or Junior as big brother Derek calls
him, is seventeen. Hes single, six foot four and 250 pounds. His interests are rap music and
wrestling. Dont anyone let him near a microphone tonight, folks. Lets hear it for Junior. (wide
applause)
Second Groomsman

`Our next groomsman is Jim Mellor. Our Jimmys a hairdresser who specializes in some of the
more exotic punk rock styles you might see in the music industry. Imagine a cross between
Salvador Dali and Edward Scissorhands. Jimmy also did our brides hair tonight. Nice job, by the
way. A big hand for our second Groomsman! (applause)
Third Groomsman

`Our last groomsman, Alan Peterson has known our Groom, Derek ever since they got arrested
for brawling at a football match over ten years ago. Its amazing the things that bring people
together. Lets have a big hand for Alan our third groomsman.
Entrance of the Bride and Groom

`And now the big moment, Ladies and Gentleman, our bride and groom Winona and Derek!
Doesnt she look beautiful? Shes been practising her bouquet-throwing and hopes to give a good
account of herself when the moment comes. As for the groom, look at him! He scrubs well for a
guy who gets into football brawls, doesnt he? Ladies and Gentleman, a big hand for Winona and
Derek!. (wide applause)
Father of the Brides Speech and a Prayer of Grace

`Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats as we hear a few words a prayer of thanks for
Gods grace from our host, the Father of the Bride Brian Walker!
Dinner
(Dinner is served)
Cutting of the Wedding Cake
`Gentlemen and gentlewomen! Could we have your attention for a moment for the cutting of the
cake. For those unfortunate souls who are on a diet, tonights not your night. The cake was baked
by or Matron of Honor Meagan McGregor with her own fair and surprisingly strong hand and
shell be round your tables to make sure you all have your share.
Friends please be up and standing for the cutting of the cake.
Now all of those taking pictures, be sure youre ready for the
photo-opportunity. Derek make sure you have a firm hand on
the cake with your beloved bride. (the cake is cut)
`Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen.
Best Man's Toast to the Bride and the Groom
`Ladies and Gentlemen, a moments pause for the best man
Orlando Jones. As you all know, it is customary for the best man
to reveal rare insights into the make-up of the groom, to share with us, the inklings and foibles
that make our beloved groom Derek, the man he is. In other words, an expos! Ladies and
Gentlemen, the best man!
Bridal Waltz - First Dance
`Ladies and Gentlemen, we now come to that very special part of every
wedding party, steeped in symbolism. The Bridal Waltz. This is the
moment when the groom walks his bride to the dance floor and they
begin a dance that will last the rest of their lives. Put your hands together
for Winona and Derek as they begin their special waltz as husband and
wife.
Bouquet Throw
`Ok now its time for a little fun, because its time for the traditional throwing of the Bouquet.
For those of you whove seen the running of the bulls at Pamplona, its a little similar. Theres
always a little risk for the lasses determined to get the bouquet in their clutches. Its also the real
reason you see so many high heels shoes tonight. As you know, traditionally the young lady who
successfully catches the bouquet in mid-flight is a certainty to make her own way down the aisle.

Id like to request all the single ladies to step forward for the
bouquet throw. The married ladies whove sneaked on, dont be
greedy. This is for single women only. Our lovely and charming
bride Winona has been practising this throw all summer, so give
yourselves some elbow room.
(to the bride) `Winona, if youd be so kind..
(INSTRUCTIONS: Emcee bravely motions all the
single ladies forward)
`Ladies take your place behind the bride and be prepared to jump
high. Fortune favors the brave! At the count of three, the bride will
throw her bouquet. Ladies and gentlemen, lets all count together.
Are you ready Ladies? Would you just look at the concentration. Theres some determined
women out there. The countdown! One, Two, Three! What a throw, ladies and gentlemen.
(Bride throws the bouquet and it is caught)
We have a winner! Well have the Best Man cleaned and brought to your table later.
Garter Toss
Ladies and Gentlemen, heres where things get serious. Its time for the Garter toss. I understand
some of the guys jumping for the garter have been in training for months. Underneath those
tuxedos, were talking washboard abs, bulging biceps, nerves of steel. Weve got Olympic
gymnasts, high-jumpers, Morris dancers. These guys are ripped and ready to rumble! Remember
gentlemen this is serious business. The guy who catches the garter is
destined for the altar next!
Now while the groom retrieves the garter, dont let any of those garter
jumpers melt into the crowd.
We have the garter. Get ready gentlemen.
(Groom throws the garter and it is caught)
We have another winner! We have the next groom. I hope that preacher hasnt left the room.
Lets hear it for our winners. (wide applause)
Message of Thanks from the Newlyweds Groom
Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand by for a few words of thanks from our new Groom, Derek
McGregor.

Closing Remarks
Well I guess thats about everything ladies and gentlemen we have finally come to the end of our
program. It has been a great day and a wonderful evening with you all. Again thank you all for
your presence. God bless and Goodnight to each and everyone.

MC Script Ends Here