Because "Ladies and Gentlemen" Doesn't Quite Cut It Anymore
Once upon a time, wedding announcements were stiff, shouty affairs. Think red-jacketed toastmasters barking "UPSTANDING!" like they're calling troops to attention.
These days? Thankfully, we've moved on.
The modern Wedding Host blends warmth, timing, and a dash of charm to guide the day — not dominate it. Done well, announcements aren't interruptions. They're seamless moments that keep the celebration flowing and everyone in the loop.
Let's pull back the curtain on how that actually works.
A New Breed of Wedding Host
You know that awkward silence when no one's sure what's happening next? Or the confused shuffle when half the room hears the call for dinner and the other half misses it?
That's where I come in.
The Wedding Host role is all about connection — not just communication. Unlike a traditional toastmaster (all formality and form), a Host is more relaxed. Think:
- Personalised intros instead of cookie-cutter titles
- Warmth over pomp
- Seamless flow, not rigid scripts
I'm not there to steal the limelight. I'm there to make sure you shine — and your guests feel part of something joyful, not just watching it unfold.
Training, Timing, and Knowing When to Shut Up
A good Wedding Host makes it all look easy. But behind the scenes? There's a fair bit going on.
I've trained in:
- Public speaking (because no one wants mumbling or shouting)
- Comedy and improv (for when things don't go to plan — which is often)
- Crowd reading (yes, that's a thing — and no, your uncle doesn't want a mic in his face before pudding)
The goal isn't to be the star of the show. It's to bring just enough personality to guide the day with confidence, without becoming a running commentary.
Beyond the Mic: It's Not Just Announcements
A proper Wedding Host doesn't just tell people where to go. We:
- Work with suppliers to keep things running smoothly
- Spot issues before they happen
- Handle late guests, delayed speeches, or nervous grooms discreetly
- Create continuity from ceremony to dancing — without chaos or confusion
At one wedding, a couple of evening guests turned up five hours early. Rather than cause a scene, I quietly coordinated with the caterers and got them sorted without anyone even noticing. No drama. No fuss. That's the job.
Personalised Moments That Actually Mean Something
One of my favourite things to do? Introduce the wedding party with a bit of character.
Not just "Here's Sarah, the maid of honour," but something like:
"This is Sarah. She's the reason the bride made it to the hen party on time, fully dressed, and with both eyebrows intact."
It gets people laughing, loosens up the room, and instantly makes the wedding feel more intimate.
These intros set the tone for the whole celebration. They help guests feel like they know the key players — even if they've only just met.
The Magic Is in the Delivery
You can have the best script in the world, but if it's read like a school assembly notice, it falls flat.
Timing is everything.
Knowing when to be funny — and when to shut up. When to speak up — and when to step back. When to rescue a flat moment — and when to let it breathe.
The best compliments I get aren't about the mic work itself. They're things like:
"We didn't even realise how smoothly it all flowed — it just felt right."
That's when I know I've done it properly.
Final Thought: The Voice That Sets the Tone
Your wedding day doesn't need a ringmaster. It needs a steady hand — someone to guide it all with clarity, calm, and just enough cheek.
That's what I do.
From grand entrances to last dances — announcements shouldn't feel like announcements. They should feel like a natural part of a celebration that's totally, wonderfully you.