Some people think a wedding master of ceremonies should be an entertainer, and preferably a comedian, to keep everybody thoroughly entertained during the reception. They are looking for a star performer. Others believe the master of ceremonies should remain in the background acting as the host and coordinating each stage of the reception, with attention firmly focused on each speaker and contributor, and especially on the newlyweds.

The traditional role of the wedding master of ceremonies is to oversee the formalities of the wedding reception. A good wedding MC creates an atmosphere of happy celebration. A sound knowledge of wedding etiquette is required, an understanding of the wishes of the couple getting married, and the ability to speak well and with good humor to set the mood and gain everyone's cooperation.

A successful wedding MC knows when to step in and take the lead, and when to keep in the background so that he does not dominate the floor. A traditional wedding MC is more like a chairman of proceedings than a star performer for the wedding reception.

Mostly the wedding MC is a volunteer, often the father of the bride, or a family member or friend with the appropriate personality and experience. Sometimes the best man is also the wedding MC. To expect a volunteer to be the main entertainment will usually be asking too much, but you can mostly count on there being someone in the couple's circle of family and friends who can play the MC's chairmanship role successfully.

Somebody with the personality and sense of humor to make sure everybody enjoys themselves at the wedding reception will usually be chosen. Fortunate wedding couples may be able to call on an exceptionally entertaining and outgoing person who can put on something of a performance as the wedding MC. However the priority should be on finding somebody who is a good organizer and chairman.

The best man's speech is often the highlight of the wedding reception, because it is usually quite funny. There may be some entertainment included as an item during the reception, such as a song by a musically talented family member or friend. Others in the wedding party, especially flower girls and pagers, should receive their due attention. A wedding MC who sees his role mainly as an entertainer may overpower the other less professional contributors to the reception and monopolize attention. It is important for the wedding couple to carefully brief their wedding MC about the approach they would like him to take.

An option is to hire a professional wedding MC. That is often an expensive option, and favored mostly for celebrity or society weddings. The ironical thing is that a professional MC is usually expected by the guests to provide an entertaining act, while professional MCs often see their role mainly from the traditional chairman or coordinator perspective.

How well the wedding reception's master of ceremonies does his job greatly influences how the event will be remembered many years later by the couple and their guests. It's vital that the wedding MC is very well briefed as to the wishes of the newlyweds, and that he focus on making sure the reception flows smoothly through the speeches and other formalities. He can have a big impact on maintaining an atmosphere of joy and celebration, but should not dominate the event. It is his responsibility to make the bride and groom the stars of the reception, not his own role as the wedding MC.