EMCEE SAMPLE SCRIPT 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. 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 he 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, Morag McGregor. Its been said that a Morag 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 Morags case, shes also the Brides Auntie. A tremendous grip on the woman as well! Lets hear it for Auntie Morag. (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 put his body on the line for his 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 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 Morag 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.