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50-413: Some events, such as wedding receptions , are preceded by a cocktail hour. During the cocktail hour, guests socialize while drinking and eating appetizers . Organizers of these events use the cocktail hour to occupy guests between related events and to reduce the number of guests who arrive late. Although it has been said that the inventor of the cocktail party was Alec Waugh of London , an article in

100-421: A comedy club , the role of MC is traditionally filled by a "compère". In any comedy show, the compère is the host of the evening's events, but the precise role and responsibilities will vary depending on the country, venue, and style of event. The compère is usually a working comedian, and whilst they may incorporate elements of their regular set, the role broadly requires a greater level of improvisation – creating

150-591: A check is always the best gift. This tradition is the same in traditional Italian weddings. In addition to the check, in Chinese weddings some elder relatives might also give gold jewelry. The check should be in a red envelope or red pocket with the givers' names on it, and it is always given when signing in at the restaurant. In choosing the amount of money to give, givers scrupulously avoid unlucky numbers, such as 4 and favor combinations of lucky numbers, such as 8 and 9. Also, white envelopes are never used to wrap gifts for

200-401: A choreographed dance routine or other forms of dancing, like club, disco or hip hop. Top 40 chart hits becoming an increasingly popular option for the first dance – the most popular first dance song at UK weddings in 2020 is You Got Me Thinking , a soft rock ballad by Joshua Radin . Before the wedding, the newlyweds choose a DJ and agree on a playlist with them. As a rule, the performance of

250-585: A grand ball for a wealthy family, a luncheon for middle-class families, or an afternoon tea, featuring cake and lemonade, for working-class families. The choice depended primarily on the family's economic situation, and in some cases, mass weddings were favored as a way to share costs. At the beginning of the 20th century, dance halls became common, and were rented by those planning a celebration beyond what their homes could hold. Typical locations for wedding celebrations now include hotel ballrooms, banquet halls , wedding venues, community halls, social halls at

300-424: A nod to an ancient Roman wedding rite , may feed a bite to one another and perhaps sip a glass of wine or other drink with linked arms. Then the cake is served to the guests. Like being asked to pour tea at a formal tea party , being asked to serve the cake is generally considered an honor. In most Western countries, either before or after food is served, toasts are made by members of the wedding party, wishing

350-418: A sense of place and community, interacting with the audience, dealing with any hecklers , and encouraging them to focus on the other acts. The compère will normally do longer bits at the start of the show and after any interval, and shorter bits between acts. They may also be required to make announcements, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and bar promotions. In some circles, the title "Master of Ceremonies"

400-554: A wedding banquet menu. A whole fish, chicken, or pig means luck and completeness in Chinese wedding culture. Traditionally, after the fifth dish of the dinner, the groom and bride and their families will approach each table to toast the guests. Very often, the bride will change into a traditional Chinese red wedding dress (鳳褂, or qípáo ) at that time, if she has been wearing a different style of clothing before. The decorations vary by culture and budget. Master of ceremonies A master of ceremonies , abbreviated MC or emcee ,

450-452: A wedding or other joyful event, as the color white is associated with death. There are two times listed on the invitation: 恭候 (gōnghòu/greeting) and 入席 (rùxí/reception). Typically, they are at least two hours apart (some may be four hours). The first one is the time the groom and bride, along with their family, will be ready to receive guests and greet them; the second one is the time the reception/banquet will start. The gap between those hours

500-503: A wedding, including both the ceremony and reception, has generally outpaced the rate of inflation. In the United States, as of 2016, the average price is $ 35,329, steadily rising year over year, as it also has in the UK where the average cost was £25,090, rising roughly 7000 pounds from two years prior. In Australia, the cost is $ 36,200 (AUD). Approximately 50% of a couple's entire wedding budget

550-561: Is no requirement that any particular people dance at all, much less with any particular person, and no absolutely required order for the bridal couple, their families, or the bridal party to begin dancing in. Wedding receptions are often the time when couples want to ensure their family and guests will be entertained, and a variety of options such as disc jockeys, live bands, professional dancers such as ballroom dancers or belly dancers , magicians, fire artists, electric violinists, comedians and more unusual entertainers are brought in to heighten

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600-510: Is often a multi-tiered layer cake that is elaborately decorated with white frosting. Some couples have a smaller display cake, which is supplemented by sheet cake . The groom's cake is a tradition observed mainly in the southern United States. In the Colonial and Victorian eras, the white-iced bride's cake was considered "too light" for male tastes, and a second cake choice—usually a dark, liquor-soaked fruitcake—was also offered. Today, chocolate

650-748: Is outlined in the Ceremonial of Bishops, Nos. 34–36. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia , the most ancient ceremonials and rituals of the Catholic Church are the Ordines Romani . Names of Masters of Ceremonies are known since the late Middle Ages (15th century) and the Renaissance (16th century). However, copies of books prescribing the forms of rituals, rites and customs of pontifical ceremonies are known to have been given to Charles Martel in

700-410: Is popular, although the groom's cake may be in any flavor and is usually shaped or decorated as something significant to the groom, such as a favorite hobby or sport. If a full meal is served, the wedding cake is usually served after the meal. Otherwise, the cake may be served as soon as the family has received all of the guests. Commonly, the couple ceremonially cut the first piece of the cake, and in

750-435: Is prevalent in the culture of chivalric orders , as well as in more modern fraternal orders , such as Freemasons and Odd Fellows . Most large corporate and association conferences and conventions use an MC to keep the events running smoothly. This role is sometimes performed by someone inside the group but usually by an outside professional expert MC. Their role could include – introducing and thanking speakers, introducing

800-406: Is referred to as entertainment time. Very often, the restaurant will provide poker and mahjong (麻將) for gambling; the time can also be used to socialize with other guests and take photos with the bride/groom and their families. Nowadays, for Chinese couples' weddings in the U.S., you are less likely to see mahjong being played before the banquet; it is often replaced by a cocktail party. However, if

850-460: Is spent on the reception alone. This is primarily due to the cost of food and alcohol. The wedding industry is a huge industry grossing $ 161 billion annually, according to Rebecca Mead, author of One Perfect Day . Wedding traditions vary between countries, and between regions of the same country. Some shared traditions include: Unless the wedding couple has a wedding registry, it is best not to give gifts or gift certificates. For Chinese weddings,

900-528: Is the official host of a ceremony , staged event, conference, convention, or similar performance. The term is earliest documented in the Catholic Church since the 5th century, where the master of ceremonies is an official of the Papal Court responsible for the proper and smooth conduct of the elaborate rituals involving the pope and the sacred liturgy . The master of ceremonies sometimes also refers to

950-482: Is usually introduced by a master of ceremonies , toastmaster , disc jockey , or band leader. It may be done in the same manner as they walked down the aisle during the wedding ceremony. This is generally much faster than a receiving line and guests may be seated before the arrival of the wedding party. In addition, it can be an event in itself and be as entertaining as wished. Introductions may be accompanied by music and information about each person to introduce them to

1000-548: The St. Paul Pioneer Press in May 1917 credited its invention to Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri . Mrs. Walsh invited 50 guests to her house on a Sunday at high noon for a one-hour affair. "The party scored an instant hit," the newspaper declared, stating that within weeks cocktail parties had become "a St. Louis institution". Alec Waugh noted that the first cocktail party in England

1050-456: The DJs to the crowd and explained what was taking place during the event. Often these events were parties at locations including clubs or outdoor public spaces. The term is typically used as a term of distinction, referring to an artist with good performance skills. Many rappers have MC in their stage name, such as MC Hammer , MC Lyte , MC Ren , MC Shan , MC Eiht or MC Serch . In the context of

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1100-441: The protocol officer during an official state function, especially in monarchies . Today, the term is often used to connote a person who presents performers, speaks to the audience, entertains people, and generally keeps an event moving. This usage occurs in the entertainment industry , for example in reference to television game show hosts, as well as in contemporary hip hop and electronic dance music culture. In addition,

1150-505: The 8th century. The rules and rituals themselves are known to have been compiled or written by the pontifical masters of ceremonies, dating back to the time of Pope Gelasius I (492–496) with modifications and additions made by Pope Gregory the Great (590–604). It is reasonable to assume that the ceremonials themselves pre-date Gelasius. The duties of the Master of Ceremonies may have developed from

1200-524: The DJ takes place after the official traditional part. Traditionally, shortly after the dance begins, guests would promptly join in the dancing, in order of precedence , exactly like at any other ball . In very recent times, some families have told guests to not start dancing until after watching a sometimes lengthy sequence of "special" dances. For example, after the first dance, the newly married couple might dance with their parents and/or in-laws. However, there

1250-514: The Pope and the sacred liturgy . He may also be an official involved in the proper conduct of protocols and ceremonials involving the Roman Pontiff , the Papal Court , and other dignitaries and potentates. Examples of official liturgical books prescribing the rules and regulations of liturgical celebrations are Cæremoniale Romanum and Cæremoniale Episcoporum . The role of the master of ceremonies

1300-575: The apostolic constitution Pastor bonus of June 28, 1988, the organizing and conducting of liturgies and other religious ceremonies performed by the pope comes under the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff . It is headed by a "Master" appointed for a term of five years. Papal masters of ceremonies who assist him in sacred celebrations are likewise appointed to a term of

1350-559: The bride's. Then the best man and the maid of honor will direct ushers to escort guests to their seat. Typically, the banquet will include a speech from the parents, the best man, the maid of honor, and the guest speaker. There will be cake cutting, toasts, a tea ceremony , and dancing. The two tables at the center of the room are for the groom's and bride's families. A Chinese wedding reception typically has nine or ten courses. Expensive dishes such as shark fin , abalone, lobster, jumbo shrimp, squab, sea bass, or sea cucumber are common on

1400-456: The church or other sacred place where the wedding ceremony took place, and, particularly for smaller weddings, restaurants and garden parties at home. There are also many small businesses that specialize in providing places for wedding ceremonies and celebrations. In a receiving line, newly wedded couple, the hosts, and often their parents and any honour attendants, stand in order of precedence and greet every guest in turn. Each guest greets

1450-429: The cleaning staff. As the newlyweds are the guests of honor, the other guests are expected to remain at the reception until they leave them, and consequently, it is an imposition on the other guests for the newlyweds to stay unreasonably long at the party. On occasion, the newlyweds will stage an official leave-taking, so that guests feel free to leave, and then quietly return through another door. The median cost of

1500-516: The coordination of their event, including liaison with catering staff. In hip hop and electronic dance music , MCs are rap artists or performers who perform vocals for their own or other artists' original material. Genres of electronic dance music where MCs perform include house , drum and bass , UK garage and grime . In the late 1970s, the term emcee , MC or M.C. became used for rappers and for their role within hip hop music and culture. Initially, MCs were those who introduced

1550-597: The couple may opt for a luncheon, brunch, or even afternoon tea. Ultimately the married couple chooses the details and location of the reception. In some cultures, separate wedding celebrations are held for the bride 's and groom 's families. Before receptions – a social event that is structured around a receiving line, and usually held in the afternoon, with only light refreshments – became popular, weddings were more typically celebrated with wedding breakfasts (for those whose religious traditions encouraged morning weddings) and wedding balls (for those who were married in

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1600-460: The couple well. Commonly, toasts are proposed by the bride 's father, the groom , the best man , and/or the maid of honor , although there is no absolutely required list of people who must make toasts, or indeed any requirement to offer toasts at all. A new trend involves the addition of a DVD slideshow or photo montage video, featuring pictures of the new spouses growing up and meeting. These are created using home movies and photos taken over

1650-412: The couple's life, edited and set to music. The montage is shown either on a large TV or monitor or with an LCD projector . If there is dancing, the newly married couple typically open the dancing with their first dance . When waltzing was popular, it was sometimes called a "bridal waltz" to a love song, although other dance styles are more commonly used now. The bride and groom might decide to choose

1700-417: The evening). The popularity of receptions, rather than breakfasts, dinners, and balls, during the 20th century led to the name reception being applied to any social event after a wedding, whether it is brunch, tea, dinner, or a dance. Until after World War II, wedding celebrations were most commonly held in the bride's home, in whatever style of entertainment was within the means of the family. This might be

1750-564: The festivities and make the wedding stand out. Typically, including lavish entertainment at the wedding reception is a luxury. Wedding DJs have been increasing in popularity in modern cultures as has hiring a live band. A ceremony is often made of the newlyweds' departure. Rice or birdseed, signifying abundance, may be thrown at the departing couple, with birdseed preferred by facility managers, since it requires less clean up work than rice, and new, mess-free substitutes, such as blowing soap bubbles or ringing small bells being even more favored by

1800-442: The first (lowest precedence) person in the line and, if necessary, introduces him/herself. The first person then introduces the guest to the next person in the line, and turns to the next guest. As each guest properly speaks little more than his/her name (if necessary) and conventional greetings or congratulations to each person in turn, the line progresses steadily without unnecessary delays. Western etiquette requires at least one of

1850-402: The guests. However, unlike a reception line, it does not give the guests an opportunity to speak to any of the people being presented. The food served at a wedding reception is determined by the time of the wedding and local customs. Food may range from a non-alcoholic drink with wedding cake to elaborate, multi-course dinners. The type of food is chosen entirely at the discretion and budget of

1900-442: The hosts and the newly married couple, as the guests of honor, to welcome and greet the guests, but the other members of the wedding party, parents who are not hosting the party, siblings, etc., are not required to stand in the receiving line. It is increasingly common to feature only the couple, since more modern couples host and pay for their own weddings rather than their parents. After formally receiving each guest in this fashion,

1950-533: The hosts as costs for catering weddings have soared. Some receptions, especially if the wedding party's culture or religious faith prohibits alcohol or dancing, focus on dessert. Hosts may also choose to honor regional or local customs, such as by serving a culturally important cake like croquembouche in France, or featuring a cookie table as is celebrated in Pittsburgh and some surrounding areas. The wedding cake

2000-587: The liturgies are long and complex, the Master of Ceremonies plays a vital role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly. The current papal Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations is Monsignor Diego Giovanni Ravelli , who succeeded Bishop Guido Marini . Historically certain European royal courts maintained senior offices known as Masters of Ceremonies (or some variant thereof), responsible for conducting stately ceremonies such as coronations and receptions of foreign ambassadors. Examples included: The function

2050-426: The name reception: the couple receive society, in the form of family and friends, for the first time as a married couple. Hosts provide their choice of food and drink, although a wedding cake is popular. Entertaining guests after a wedding ceremony is traditional in most societies, and can last anywhere from half an hour to many hours or even days. Most wedding receptions are made in the evening for dinner; however,

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2100-462: The papal court. The accumulation of elaborations and complications since the Renaissance and Baroque eras continued well into the 20th century, until some of the ceremonies (i.e. the court, the rituals and norms) were simplified or eliminated by Pope Paul VI in the 1970s after Vatican II ; much of the Renaissance pomp and ceremony has been completely abandoned by the popes of the modern era. Since

2150-409: The physical security of the place of worship during the liturgy, and be familiar with appropriate procedures in case of a medical emergency. The Master of Ceremonies coordinates with any concelebrating priests, deacons, altar servers and sometimes the lectors and music ministers to ensure each knows when and how to perform their liturgical functions. At major festivities such as Christmas and Easter, when

2200-481: The receiving line is finished and the people who had been duty-bound to stand in it can mingle with guests, eat, and enjoy more extended conversations. Another option, especially popular on the East and West Coast of the United States, is having a grand entrance instead of a receiving line. The grand entrance might involve presenting some or all of the wedding party, the parents, and/or the bride and groom. The wedding party

2250-540: The same length. According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal , "It is desirable, at least in cathedrals and in larger churches, to have some competent minister or master of ceremonies, to see to the appropriate arrangement of sacred actions and to their being carried out by the sacred ministers and lay faithful with decorum, order, and devotion." The Master of Ceremonies may also have responsibility for

2300-467: The term also exists in various chivalric orders and fraternal orders . Alternative names include compère (for men), commère (for women), host, presenter, announcer, and microphone controller. The office of the Master of Ceremonies itself is very old. The Master of Ceremonies is an official of the Papal household responsible for the proper and smooth conduct of the elegant and elaborate rituals involving

2350-486: The theme of the conference, facilitating a panel discussion and interviewing guests. During the wedding reception , the multifaceted responsibility of the Master of Ceremony (MC) is to keep the agenda flowing smoothly by: The role of the wedding master of ceremonies incorporates a wide range of skills, and those who serve in this capacity have frequently undergone extensive training in the following areas: Masters of ceremonies at weddings and private events also ensure

2400-571: The time Emperor Constantine the Great gave the Lateran Palace to the popes (324) or from the time Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire (380), and were no doubt influenced by imperial practices, customs and norms. However, documentary evidence from the late Roman period is scarce or lost. The ceremonies and practices of the Byzantine emperors are also known to have influenced

2450-428: The wedding reception takes place in southern China, Hong Kong, Macau, and even parts of Canada (where there is a large Cantonese population), mahjong might still be played before the dinner. Two people will be at the sign-in tables (one from the bride's family and one from the groom's) to register guests and receive gifts/red envelopes. Often, they will have two separate guest lists, one from the groom's side and one from

2500-403: Was hosted in 1924 by war artist Christopher Nevinson . German author Walter Leonhardt advised readers to observe "three fundamental rules" of cocktail parties, in a 1962 book on culture and customs of England: Wedding reception A wedding reception is a party usually held after the completion of a marriage ceremony as hospitality for those who have attended the wedding , hence

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