EMCEE SAMPLE SCRIPT –

A Step by Step Wedding Reception Program Guidefor 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.

I’m 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 doesn’t have to be like that at all.

If you can’t 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 ScriptBear 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 I’ve 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 don’t

they look radiant? Thank you Brian & Lily Walker, we can see where the bride got her good looks

from. I’m 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. Derek’s parents just got back from trekking in Nepal to be here for

their son’s 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. It’s 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 Morag’s case, she’s also the Bride’s

Auntie. A tremendous grip on the woman as well!  Let’s 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

isn’t just there to pass the ring to the groom. He’s 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 can’t wait

for his speech and wise counsel. Let’s 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, it’d be two of you tying the knot in their place!

There’s a sobering thought.’

First Bridesmaid

`So without further ado and just a little nepotism, we have Winona’s 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.

Let’s 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 Winona’s back. Let’s 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 she’s running out of wardrobe space. Let’s 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. He’s single, six foot four and 250 pounds. His interests are rap music and

wrestling. Don’t anyone let him near a microphone tonight, folks. Let’s hear it for Junior. ‘ (wide

applause)

Second Groomsman

`Our next groomsman is Jim Mellor. Our Jimmy’s 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 bride’s 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. It’s amazing the things that bring people

together. Let’s 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!

Doesn’t she look beautiful? She’s 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, doesn’t he? Ladies and Gentleman, a big hand for Winona and

Derek!’. (wide applause)

Father of the Bride’s Speech and a Prayer of Grace`Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats as we hear a few words a prayer of thanks for

God’s 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, tonight’s not your night. The cake was baked

by or Matron of Honor Morag McGregor with her own fair and

surprisingly strong hand and she’ll 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 you’re 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 moment’s 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 exposè! 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 it’s time for a little fun, because it’s time for the traditional

throwing of the Bouquet.  For those of you who’ve seen the running

of the bulls at Pamplona, it’s a little similar. There’s always a little

risk for the lasses determined to get the bouquet in their clutches.

It’s 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.

I’d like to request all the single ladies to step forward for the

bouquet throw. The married ladies who’ve sneaked on, don’t 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 you’d 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, let’s all count

together.

Are you ready Ladies? Would you just look at the concentration. There’s 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! We’ll have the Best Man cleaned and brought to your table later.

Garter TossLadies and Gentlemen, here’s where things get serious. It’s time for

the Garter toss. I understand some of the guys jumping for the garter

have been in training for months. Underneath those tuxedos, we’re

talking washboard abs, bulging biceps, nerves of steel. We’ve 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, don’t 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 hasn’t left the room.

Let’s hear it for our winners. (wide applause)

Message of Thanks from the Newlyweds – GroomLadies and Gentlemen, please stand by for a few words of thanks from our new Groom, Derek

McGregor.

Closing RemarksWell I guess that’s 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.