Being asked to be a wedding MC (Master of Ceremonies) is a once-in-a-lifetime honor for the average person. The wedding MC is traditionally unpaid and often a close friend. There is no question that this person has one of the most essential roles in a successful and enjoyable wedding celebration.

The wedding MC by tradition is the person responsible for the reception activities. This is the person in charge of making sure all reception events and activities happen in an orderly fashion, and on time.

It's the MC's responsibility to insure the reception flows smoothly, the guests are enjoying themselves, and the bride and groom are the centers of attention at the reception.

Here are a few helpful tips to remember in your role of wedding MC.

Get to know the key family members of both bride and groom. One of your roles will be introducing the bride and groom, and their families, to the wedding guests. You'll also be introducing anyone who plans on speaking. It's very important you be familiar with both Father of The Bride and Mother of The Bride and the Grooms family.

Spend time with key family members so you will feel comfortable and at ease in making introductions. Know exactly what the bride and groom expect of you. When talking with family members, carry a clipboard, take plenty of notes, and listen carefully. In this early pre-planning stage, ask questions, get your questions answered, and make sure you clear up any confusion on what your role will be, and what is expected of you.

Prepare a detailed checklist for the wedding reception. This checklist and agenda will act as your blueprint to insure a smooth flow of events for the wedding reception. Have your checklist and agenda approved by the bride's key family members (or who will be paying for the reception). In planning the reception, get everything approved early on.

Know exactly, EXACTLY, how to pronounce the names of everyone you'll be introducing. Don't be shy, ask someone how to pronounce their name if you're unsure. Ask for their first and last names. Ask exactly how they want to be introduced.

When introducing a speaker, keep your introductions short. A good rule is to keep your introductions to sixty seconds or less.

Being the wedding Master of Ceremonies is an honor and a sincere compliment if you're asked. A wedding reception is a time of celebration, and if well-planned, the reception is an opportunity for the wedding party and guests to enjoy the celebration of a lifetime.

Being asked to be a wedding MC is an honor. And if asked, the MC should plan carefully down to the last detail. The wedding MC responsibilities should not be taken lightly. And for the wedding planner, choosing the right MC is critical to the success of the wedding celebration. The wedding MC and the wedding planner should work closely to insure the success of this happy event.

Discover how to be a sensational, charming, and unforgettable wedding MC at