Small Group Weddings and Family Weddings: What to Do If You Don't Hire a Master of Ceremonies?

2019.01.13 published

Should You Hire a Master of Ceremonies for a Small Wedding?

At a wedding reception, there is a master of ceremonies who facilitates the proceedings.

In a "regular" wedding, this is expected, and the bride and groom probably think of the MC as a necessary part and make a request accordingly.

However, it is slightly different for small weddings.

In small family weddings, there may be times when a master of ceremonies is not requested.

The average amount paid to the master of ceremonies is about 100,000 yen.

If it’s a small wedding with about 20 people, the proportion of the cost for the master of ceremonies might become significant or seem somewhat extravagant,

so it’s understandable to think, "Maybe we should go without an MC."

However, completely going without a master of ceremonies can also cause worries like, "Will it become chaotic?" or "Will it feel too casual?"

In this article, we will share experiences of wedding ceremonies held "without a master of ceremonies."

Experience 1: Wedding Without a Master of Ceremonies

At a reception held in a hotel with only relatives present, we did not appoint a master of ceremonies.

Initially, the bride and groom planned to manage the proceedings themselves, but they learned that the hotel staff would handle some simple arrangements.

When the day arrived, the staff actually did quite a good job managing it.

During the presentation of gifts from the parents, they said something like, "It seems the bride and groom have gifts for everyone,"

and then the bride and groom introduced or proceeded from there.

In a reception where friends or work colleagues are invited and there’s a need to liven things up, a master of ceremonies might be necessary,

but for a small family wedding, guests often greet each other freely,

chatting together after a long time, so we felt that not much facilitation was needed.

It became a homey and memorable event ❤️

Experience 2: Wedding Without a Master of Ceremonies

I had a small wedding without a master of ceremonies. I heard that grooms often act as MCs during bridal fairs, but

ultimately the venue staff hosted the proceedings.

If there are no staff members available, I think it's a good idea to ask siblings or others for help.

Experience 3: Wedding Without a Master of Ceremonies

At my venue, if a microphone was not used, the captain would oversee the flow!

Since we didn’t use a microphone, it was a bit hard to hear, but

it was quite difficult to manage everything ourselves, so I was glad we requested their help ✨

Experience 4: Wedding Without a Master of Ceremonies

I also had a two-part ceremony, where we had a family meal first, followed by a wedding party just with friends.

We didn't hire an MC, but the venue's captain provided some basic facilitation.

If you have a guest house, some venues might offer this service!

We asked the planner for a relaxed schedule,

and on the day, they conducted the proceedings in a relaxed manner rather than formally!

The program included entry, toast, greetings, cutting the cake (parents' thank you bites, first bites),

an impromptu cake bite by nephews and nieces, messages one by one, a video, and gifts and letters presented.

Experience 5: Wedding Without a Master of Ceremonies

I used to work as a wedding planner! Now that I've married and had children, I’ve resigned ( >_<)

During my time as a wedding planner, I managed several small family weddings!

There were usually no special performances, and it felt more like a family meal.

However, the food was quite elaborate (^^)

Additionally, sometimes the groom managed the proceedings!

There were no openings and closings, and the bride and groom would welcome guests at the reception or entrance,

creating a very warm and inviting atmosphere. ♡

Many seemed to prioritize food and photography rather than spending on special performances!

Experience 6: Wedding Without a Master of Ceremonies

I had a small family wedding (22 people).

We did not hire an MC; the venue manager announced, "The bride and groom are entering."

They helped with initial things like, "Please give a toast."

We didn’t perform any intermissions, but they announced when it was time to play the profile movie and even shared congratulatory messages.

At the venue I had my wedding, the planner mentioned that they could manage simple arrangements like this.

Some venues might offer such services without additional charges, so it might be a good idea to ask the planner!

Experience 7: Wedding Without a Master of Ceremonies

Without any speeches, performances, intermissions, or an MC, we simply prepared the most delicious food and DJ,

and after the meal, we just danced together starting from the cake cut!

It was simple, and I thought it was enough.

Experience 8: Wedding Without a Master of Ceremonies

We did it without a master of ceremonies, but one person from the venue was assigned to stay in the room,

managing the time.

They did not act as a typical MC but would approach the person giving the speech when it was time,

remind us of the timing for the meal, and explain video screenings and that there were gifts.

It felt just right!

The groom did some light MC duties during the toasts and toasts.

Opinions of Those Who Hired a Master of Ceremonies for Small Weddings!

The day before, we had a wedding with only family 💒

At first, we considered not hiring an MC and asking relatives instead,

but since we wanted to do various features, we decided to hire a professional MC 😊

If you’re planning various performances, it might be better to have someone who can manage proceedings so it doesn’t get chaotic 🤗❤️

Wishing you a wonderful wedding! ♡

Conclusion＊

For small weddings where a master of ceremonies is not requested,

it seems that the captain often takes on the role of a simple facilitator.

The range of what you can ask varies from timekeeping to functions similar to a real master of ceremonies,

so it seems a good idea to consult and ask.

Costs may vary depending on the venue and number of guests.

However, in cases without a master of ceremonies, having someone among the bride and groom or their family to take the role can also be an attractive aspect of a family wedding.

Consider your ideal atmosphere and desired performances and discuss it among the bride, groom, and family! ♩