Having a good master of ceremonies can make or break your program and reception. Most great receptions should not be without one, which is why it becomes part of planning a wedding reception. Usually, wedding consultants or coordinators will hire a host that is good at keeping the ball rolling, keeping the crowd well entertained and informed as to what is going to be happening next, and making sure the program stays on track. However, this is an extra expense, and if your wedding is on a budget, you may not be willing to spend for a master of ceremonies.

      Luckily, you can get a great master of ceremonies for free! It is almost 100% certain that either you or your future spouse has a funny friend that is good at entertaining the crowd. Maybe they're already a member of your entourage, maybe they aren't. But getting a friend who has a natural talent for hosting to be the master of ceremonies at your wedding is one great way to cut costs. Of course you will have to get them a small token, but it will probably cost much less than what you would have paid a professional.

      Getting a friend to be the master of ceremonies means that your wedding reception will be cozier or more comfortable for everyone, since the other guests are likely to know the person as well. This means the guests will be more responsive to the person, more willing to play the wedding games (if any), are more likely to pay attention to what's going on, plus more inside jokes about the bride and groom can be made. Really, having master of ceremonies you know can just lighten the mood, and lead to a great reception!

      If you decide to go this route, ask your friend well in advance, maybe a few months before the wedding. This gives the time to prepare themselves for it, and it also assures you that they will be available on that day. It would be terrible if you had been counting on someone to be your master of ceremonies, just to find out they can't even attend the wedding itself! So ask well in advance in order to make sure they can make it, and are willing to do it for you!

      Also, as in all details you look into when planning a wedding reception, make sure you have a back-up friend. If your first choice becomes ill or has a very pressing matter than needs attending to, you will be happy you have a back up. To make it look less like you have a first and second choice, ask them to be a team from the very beginning!

      Remember to brief your friend regarding the program and what needs to be done at what time. Also, be sure that if there's anything you want to be left unsaid, to remind them not to mention it. It may also be a good idea for this person not to drink too much that night, or at least not drink till after all the speeches, toasts, and traditional activities of the reception have been finished. That means you will have to choose someone who has a fairly responsible streak too!

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