Wedding host?

Often it’s viewed that the bride’s parents are host the reception, they make a welcome announcement and thank the guests for coming. Or are you thinking more of an MC to give the wedding party introduction and be over music or do you have a DJ? Either would speak up to announce any key things happening during the reception (cake cutting, bouquet toss, farewell send off). Could hire or just ask a friend to play this part?

So originally my husband’s best man was going to do this lol. Then the head of staff for the caterers said he usually hosts the reception so we were like great! Honestly he messed up SO much that he ruined parts of the reception for me. He (1) announced our first dance at the wrong time (2) asked us if we wanted to open up the dance floor, we said yes, then we turned around for 5 seconds to turn up the music and in that time, he disappeared with the microphone (so the music was on but we couldn’t ask people to come out to dance) (3) he kept butting in during our cake cutting and like insisting we needed his help (but I used to work in a bakery, I know how to cut a cake!)



Basically... I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have someone. But if you have a friend or relative who you trust who you think would have fun with it, maybe ask them if they’d like to do it (honestly I SO wish we had just had my husband’s best man so it!). And also if you do get one just make sure to communicate with them what you want and hope they’re dependable!

The bride and groom who invited the guests are the hosts. They/you are providing food/drink/entertainment (the latter via a band/dj). There really is nothing more to it than that. Guests mingle, dance, eat. The bride and groom do the same. A wedding is stressful enough without adding unnecessary details as that which no one will notice and you don't need to worry about either.

View Quoted Comment I'm not referring to a host as to who pays and provides things. I'm referring to one like an entertainer or someone who speaks and mentions things over a microphone.

View Quoted Comment Oh wow I'm so sorry that happened on your day! But thank you for the advice! I'll look into a friend or relative.

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That's an MC. Usually a service your dj/band provides at no extra cost. Some people choose to have them, others don't. It's not required if that's what you're asking.

View Quoted Comment Yeah absolutely. Of course you don’t want to assign it to someone as a chore or anything. But if you know someone who may actually get enjoyment out of doing it. Also someone who is not likely to get sloppy drunk or anything lol.

View Quoted Comment Yes, I think he's referring to more of a MC. He described it as someone who would mention our introduction, tell our story for the reception and be the one to initiate the toast and maybe even first dances. I guess I could look into getting a friend to do this, but now I'm confused on how this person differs from a day of coordinator.

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Generally a day-of-coordinator works with your vendors to make sure everything is on track, they arrived on time to work, setting up decorations as needed, etc

The MC is provided by the dj since they typically have the microphone anyway. They make the announcements of what is happening when.

View Quoted Comment Like Jana said, I see the day of coordinator as more of the behind the scenes person who makes sure everyone and everything is at the right place at the right time. This is a role done by the wedding planner if you have one. Or if you’re going my smaller less formal route this can be a friend or family member. Since I don’t have but the one vendor (photographer), I see my DoC more of making sure the groom gets down to the altar before I arrive and slip into the reception hall which is where I’ll be walking down from. I see her nodding to my music person to change to the right songs. She’ll help organize the family for photos after the ceremony.

View Quoted Comment This makes sense thank you!

View Quoted Comment Okay I understand now. One is more so ceremony and the other is announcements in reception. Thank you!

View Quoted Comment That’s at least the way I see them.

He's probably thinking of an emcee/MC. Many DJs and bands offer to do this, but that doesn't mean they're good at it. A bad one can ruin the flow of your event. If you go with a DJ, make sure they have experience in running events (entertainment) and not just in playing music.


Since your reception takes place in multiple areas, you may want someone to guide the guests from one thing to another. It's also nice to have someone introduce anyone who is going to speak, and nicer if this person is focused on the task. (Your coordinator may be working on something else at the time.)
Another thought is having an extroverted and responsible friend or family member play this role. It's common in Indian and Korean weddings to have a close friend/family member host the evening. It makes the event a lot of fun because of their personal connection to the couple and they really want to do a good job as a gift to you.

I didn’t have an mc but my dj did announce everything. I don’t feel an mc is absolutely needed but the ones I’ve been to it can be really lovely

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You're talking about an MC. Do you have a DJ? Many DJs do the MC service at no extra charge. It's nice to have, to keep the flow of the event going, and to announce certain things, like first dance, other dances, cake cutting, etc.

A lot depends on how large your wedding is too. If it's a small affair, it's not needed as much. But for an event with 100+ people, I would make sure to have an MC. Our DJ is doing that for us. We've seen him in action at other non-wedding events, and he is great!! Really keeps the party vibe going, and getting people on the dance floor, and also make announcements.

View Quoted Comment Thank you! Yes we do have a DJ , but I'm not sure if he MCs or if he's good at it haha. I'm thinking about getting a friend to do it. Our wedding will be under 100 people. Probably 50-60.

View Quoted Comment Thank you! I do actually have a very extroverted friend who I'm thinking we could ask to do it?

View Quoted Comment Sorry didn't mean to send the question mark!

View Quoted Comment Thank you very much!