Questions to Ask Your MC Before Booking

Meeting a prospective MC for your event is a bit like a job interview — except you're the one doing the hiring. The right questions will quickly reveal whether you're talking to a professional or an enthusiastic amateur. Here's the checklist.

Experience Questions

• How many events like mine have you hosted?
• Can you give me a specific example of a wedding (or corporate event) you've hosted recently — venue, challenges, how the night went?
• Have you worked at my venue before?
• What's the most challenging event you've managed and how did you handle it?

Process Questions

• Walk me through your preparation process from booking to event day.
• Do you use a generic script or write one specifically for each event?
• How do you approach a pre-event briefing?
• How do you handle the run sheet — do you work with the venue coordinator, or separately?
• How do you coordinate with the DJ/band and photographer?

On-Night Scenarios

• What do you do if a speech runs significantly over time?
• How do you handle AV failures during an important moment?
• What happens if the program falls 30 minutes behind schedule?
• Have you ever had to manage a difficult or emotional moment on the microphone? How did you approach it?

Logistics and Contract Questions

• What happens if you're ill or unavailable on the day — do you have a backup?
• What's included in your fee and what costs extra?
• How do travel costs work if the venue is outside Perth metro?
• What do you need from me between booking and the event?
• When do you arrive at the venue relative to guest arrival?

The Most Revealing Question

Ask them: "What questions do you have for me about my event?"

A professional MC will have a list. They'll want to understand the couple's story, the audience demographic, any sensitive family dynamics, the venue's layout, the program structure, and what the event should feel like by the end of the night. An average MC will nod along and tell you they can handle anything.

Curiosity about your specific event is the clearest sign of a prepared professional. Treat it as a green flag.