The first time you open the microphone up and introduce yourself to the guest. It marks the official beginning of the reception festivities. It is traditionally brief, informational, and warm. It includes a welcome, an introduction of you, possibly an introduction of parents (optional), an explanation of the next immediate event (grand march or bridal entrance) and when it occurs, a brief close, and a thank you.
Your “Welcome” is your first time on the microphone in front of the audience. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and it needs to be a good one!
Anatomy of a Welcome
- Salutation / Greeting
- Inform – Welcoming Statement
- Inform – Identification
- Inform – What’s Going to Happen
- Guide & Direct – What You Want Them To Do
- Close & Transition
At Pro Sound & Light Show, we strongly recommend that you come up with your own version of an introduction, but you can use these scripts as a starting point.
“Ladies and Gentlemen. [pause] Welcome to _____________ and ____________’s wedding reception! [pause for applause] My name is ______________ and I’ll be your Master of Ceremonies this evening. In a short while we will be welcoming the wedding party into the room for the Grand March through these doors over here [gesture] and we want to welcome them with as much energy as possible! So enjoy the cocktails and the company, and bring your enthusiasm when I come back to introduce our wedding party in just a few moments, Thank You!”
You can see video examples of the welcome in the next section: Wedding Party Introductions.