Have you ever sat through a wedding reception that felt like it was never going to end? Long, boring speeches, uncle telling inappropriate jokes, and weird pauses throughout the program can totally kill your wedding vibe! This is why we’re so excited to have Hawaii-based, professional MC, Nolan Hong, sharing his advice and tips on ways to make your wedding reception seamless and fun.
Question: What do you get when 3 wedding experts - a professional wedding planner, photographer and MC - get together and chat?
Answer: An episode packed with tips, advice, and semi-funny jokes (from Joe).
Brides, grooms, family and friends - this is a great episode for you!
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Introducing: Nolan Hong, Professional MC
- According to Nolan, a wedding MC is like an orchestra conductor, responsible for the flow of the program. Their job is to cater to the couple's vision, not to be a performer or comedian.
- Professional MC vs a friend/family member:
- Professionals - have a lot more experience, can adapt and troubleshoot, and match the vibe of the couple and the audience. If timing shifts, if someone says the wrong thing, pros can quickly adjust.
- Pros will also stall if dinner is running behind, the same day edit needs more time, or any other timing issues arise.
- Friend/family members - if they’re not experienced, they might not be able to read the vibe as well as a pro, and not be able to troubleshoot or react to situations that arise.
- Family members want to celebrate with the guests, and can often have inside jokes that others might not understand.
- PRO TIP: never let the audience know that anything’s wrong - it takes them out of the moment.
- PRO TIP: if you want everyone to feel included, the MC needs to also be included. Pay attention to the speeches and what’s going on so people feel like he’s there in the conversation.
- Work with your MC and vendors to create a timeline that works for everyone.
- A fun twist on tradition - whenever guests clink glasses, the couple draws another couple’s name to kiss, then the newlyweds copy the kiss.
- Shoelywed game pros and cons - Joe LOVES the game, Tessa HATES that you’re holding a stinky shoe, and you don’t get to see what your partner answers! Nolan engages the audience to ask their thoughts, get their reactions.
- Speeches - is there an ideal number? At least one from each side, Nolan’s ideal is 2 each, 5 min MAX. In general, it’s better to have a prepared speech unless you’re great at impromptu speaking.
- FUN FACT: Joe MC’ed a wedding! Tessa has not… Does anyone want Tessa to MC their wedding? Anyone?
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