These scripts are taken from chapter 15 of The Wedding MC Handbook. Change the words until they suit you and the couple.
Words in [square brackets] are for you to fill in. Lines in italics are stage directions, not things to say out loud.
The welcome and housekeeping
This is the most important two minutes of your night, so learn the first three sentences by heart.
Wait for the music to fade. Wait for the room to settle.
Evening, everyone, and welcome. For those who don’t know me, I’m [your name], and I’ve known [Name] since [we were eleven and equally bad at under-twelves soccer]. I’m your MC tonight, which means my job is to keep things moving, keep you fed and watered, and get you onto the dance floor as early as is respectable.
[Name] and [Name] are so happy you’re here. Some of you have come a long way tonight, and it means a lot to them.
A few quick bits of housekeeping before we bring them in. The toilets are [location]. The bar is [location], and it’s open. Smokers, you’re [location].
If you’ve got a dietary requirement, let the staff know when your plate arrives and they’ll look after you. And if you’ve got a food allergy and somehow forgot to put it on your RSVP, please tell them now, so the kitchen can look after you.
In a minute we’re going to bring in the bridal party and the newlyweds, so make sure your glass is full and your hands are free for clapping.
If the couple would like an Acknowledgement of Country, it goes near the start of the welcome:
Before we get started, I’d like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we’re gathered on tonight, the [name] people, and pay my respects to their Elders past and present.
The bridal party and the couple’s entrance
Introduce each pair as they reach the doorway, so the room is looking at them when you say their names. Keep each line light and kind, and run them past the couple first.
Nod to the DJ. Music up.
Righto, everyone, let’s hear it for the bridal party. First up, [who’s known Name since kindergarten and still hasn’t paid back the five dollars], it’s [Name]. And [who flew in from London this morning and is running entirely on adrenaline], [Name].
Continue for each pair, then:
Can everyone please get up on your feet. For the first time as a married couple, please welcome [Name] and [Name].
Ask the couple exactly how they want to be announced, and write it on your card.
The Wedding MC Handbook has the rest: word-for-word scripts for every part of the night, three full run sheets, every template, and seventeen chapters on doing it well, from someone who has done it hundreds of times.
Get the book for A$39Introducing the speeches
When you introduce someone, give the room the context first and the name at the very end, because the name is the room’s cue to clap.
Our first speaker has known [Name] longer than anyone in this room. [She taught her to ride a bike, to drive a car, and, as you’re about to find out, how to tell a story.] Please welcome [Name]’s mum, [Name].
Our next speaker has been [Name]’s best mate since [year 7]. He’s promised me this speech is under five minutes, and some of you have money riding on that. Please welcome the best man, [Name].
After each speech, keep your thank you short and move on. “Thank you, [Name]” is usually all you need.
Cake cutting and the first dance
Check the photographer is ready.
If you’d like a photo, now’s your chance. Come on up and gather round, because [Name] and [Name] are about to cut their wedding cake.
Nod to the DJ for the cake song, then:
Can everyone please gather round the dance floor and welcome [Name] and [Name] for their first dance as a married couple.
The farewell
Everyone, we’re coming to the end of a pretty wonderful night. If you could make your way [outside] and form two lines, we’re going to send off [Name] and [Name] in style.
Lines for when you need them
- When a joke dies: “That one went better in the car on the way here.”
- When the microphone cuts out: “Well, that’s the technical difficulty for the night out of the way.”
- When you fluff a name: “Sorry, [Name], the nerves got me.” Then move on.
- When the couple are running late: “Quick update, everyone. The couple are finishing their photos, and I’m told they look fantastic. Grab another drink and we’ll call you in shortly.”
The full book has scripts for every other part of the night, including remembering people who’ve died, reading a message from someone overseas, the dessert and transport announcements and closing the night, plus a classic version of each for more formal weddings.
Get the free starter kit. The welcome script word for word, a sample run sheet and the speaker briefing, by email.