The wedding MC sets the tone for your wedding reception. Put some thought into who gets the nod for the task. Here are a few things to think about, courtesy of GroomGroove.com

Let’s face it: wedding MCs can be really good, or really bad. There isn’t much room in between, which may be why so many guys hit the Web looking for good advice on how to choose a wedding MC. After all, the last thing you want is for your wedding MC to show up and promptly begin berating the crowd for their lackluster participation in the Electric Slide or making off color jokes about your prowess (or lack, thereof) in bed.

A good wedding MC does precisely what you want, meaning you want to look for versatility, above all else. There are some MCs whose chief skill is staying out of the way, while others like to inject themselves into every tender moment. Much of the choice comes down to a matter of personal preference for the groom and bride, so be sure and consider what kind of tone and effort you want throughout the night. Think about the full range of styles out there from wallflower to Chris Rock, then make a choice and tailor your search accordingly.

If you’ve got a friend who’s a born public speaker (or a politician!), that’s a start. However, public speaking skill doesn’t always translate into MC perfection. A wedding MC must also keep the crowd entertained, manage the order of wedding toasts and co-ordinate with the caterers to ensure that food gets served on time. If you don’t know any friends or family members that are up for the task, there are wedding MCs for hire in most cities, although that is less personal.

The surest way to avoid rude surprises is to ask around. Your friends and co-workers will inevitably come with warnings and recommendations, and often these can lead to good referrals from the contacts themselves. Check with your local Toastmaster’s club. If you have been to a wedding where you especially liked the emcee’s style, get his contact info and see if he knows anyone in your area. You will always do better with friends of friends than you will with a blind search on the internet or in the yellow pages.

Once you have a shortlist put together, it’s time to go to the tale of the tape. Avoid any MC who does not have a sample reel – that way lies madness. Sit down with your bride and check out video of past events to determine who strikes your fancy and who strikes out. Once you have a name, be sure and negotiate price early on and get it in writing. The more certain everyone is about precisely what is expected, the more time you’ll get to chat up the in-laws – and rock that Electric Slide.