[ Reception Index ]

   You're the funniest and most charismatic member of the family and now your niece has just asked you to emcee her wedding. The joke about the priest and the rabbi gets lots of chuckles at the family reunion but it just won't do in front of 300 wedding reception guests. The following are a few pointers and suggestions on how to make an entertaining wedding reception.

Know the Order of Events

It is imperative that you know beforehand all the important events which will take place during the wedding reception and when each one will occur.

Be Knowledgeable

Make it a point to know every member of the wedding entourage, by name. Especially if there is to be a receiving line, familiarizing yourself with each member of the party becomes extremely important.

Be Engaging

Get the audience involved in the entertainment. Have a few guests offer a toast to the bride and groom.

Be Enthusiastic

You don't have to be deliriously funny or charismatic but a huge smile and a hearty laugh goes a long way.

Be Observant

Take note as to how well the guests receive your joke or story. If, after you've told your best joke, you can hear a pin drop - you'll know it's time to move on.

Know Your Limits

Even though you are the master or mistress of ceremonies, it does not mean you have to announce every single aspect throughout the course of the wedding reception. While you should announce that the bride and groom are now going to cut the cake, you should not have to point out that Uncle Darrell has just gone up to the buffet table for the third time.