Master of Ceremonies (mas'ter of cer'emonies)
a person who directs the entertainment at a party, dinner, nightclub, radio or television broadcast, or the like, acting as host and introducing the speakers or performers.

     A Master of Ceremonies is a great idea for your reception if you are worried at all about the timing and organization of the day, he will take all the problems on board leaving you free to enjoy the day, knowing that the reception is in capable hands.

     The function of the Master of Ceremonies is to ensure the orderly development of events at the reception. From the time of arrival of the first guests until the final statement following the departure of the bride and groom, the Master of Ceremonies should serve as an unobtrusive organizer. Some of the major duties of the Master of Ceremonies include:

• performing a final audio check and setting for any microphone being used, before the arrival of guests.

• Directing all guests to the refreshment area & directing any special guests to their reserved tables.

• Announcing the dinner seating after the receiving line has welcomed all guests.

• Welcoming the guests on behalf of the bride and groom and announcing the serving of dinner.

• Introducing the person who will say grace.
  following dinner, introducing the members of the head table to the guests.

• Introducing the person who will be giving the toast to the bride.

• Inviting any further toasts following the reply of the groom's father.

• Calling upon the best man to read any telegrams or messages.

• Relaying, on behalf of the bride and groom, any special words of thanks.

• The introduction of any out-of-town guests, or if there are many, an introduction of the special out-of town guests, with a general acknowledgement of all others.

• Announcing the cutting of the cake by the bride and groom.

• Announcing the availability of refreshments.

• Announcing the start of dancing and the bride and groom's first dance, with the invitation for others to join in after its completion.

• Announcing the tossing of the bouquet and/or garter.

• Announcing the departure of the bride and groom