Things to consider when hiring wedding hosts and emcees in the Philippines

Availability & Fit

• Are you available on our date and location (ceremony and reception)?
• Do you specialize in weddings, or do you also host corporate/debut events?
• What wedding sizes are you most comfortable hosting (intimate, mid, grand)?
• Have you hosted at our venue before? Any house rules we should know?
• Are you comfortable hosting both ceremony and reception, or reception only?
• Do you work solo or with a co-host? If co-hosted, what’s the division of roles?
• What’s your typical hosting style (formal, fun, chill, high-energy)?
• Do you adapt your style to the couple’s vibe/theme (e.g., modern, classic, rustic)?
• Can you share a brief elevator pitch on how you’ll set the tone of our reception?
• Do you offer a quick chemistry call so we can gauge the fit?

Experience & Credibility

• How many weddings have you hosted in the Philippines in the last 12–24 months?
• What kinds of weddings have you done (church, civil, destination, outdoor)?
• Can you share recent full-length videos or reels of your hosting?
• Do you have recent references we can contact (couples, coordinators, venues)?
• Have you worked with our key suppliers (coordinator, DJ/band, lights & sounds)?
• What’s your experience handling multicultural or balikbayan guest lists?
• What’s your approach to keeping an event on time without feeling rushed?
• How do you balance being entertaining with being classy and respectful?
• What’s a memorable “save” you’ve done when plans went off-track?
• Are you comfortable with last-minute script changes?

Program Flow & Content

• Will you help us plan a reception flow that fits our priorities (short/long program)?
• What’s your recommended order for reception highlights (entrance, toasts, games, etc.)?
• How do you keep transitions smooth between segments?
• What’s your approach to opening remarks and housekeeping announcements?
• How do you introduce the entourage and key family members?
• How do you handle toasts: sequence, time limits, and keeping speeches engaging?
• Do you provide sample scripts, spiels, or templates for us to review?
• What program elements do you suggest skipping to avoid dragging the event?
• Can you propose alternatives to common activities we don’t want (e.g., garter toss)?
• How do you end the night on a high note and cue the send-off?

Language, Tone & Cultural Sensitivity

• Can you host in English, Tagalog, or Taglish? Any other Filipino dialects?
• How do you adjust tone for a conservative vs. playful crowd?
• Are you LGBTQIA+ inclusive and experienced with diverse family dynamics?
• Do you avoid off-color jokes, stereotypes, or politics?
• How do you pronounce Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, or foreign names correctly?
• Are you comfortable acknowledging faith traditions without proselytizing?
• How do you handle interfaith or multi-cultural protocols?
• Can you weave tasteful humor without putting guests on the spot?

Audience Engagement & Activities

• What interactive games/segments do you suggest for our crowd profile?
• Can you tailor games for intimate weddings (≤60 pax) vs. large receptions?
• Do you have “icebreaker” ideas for mixed-age or shy audiences?
• Are you comfortable ad-libbing with crowd reactions while staying respectful?
• How do you engage seated guests who are far from the stage?
• Can you handle bilingual quips/explanations so everyone follows?
• How do you discourage unsolicited open mics while keeping energy high?
• What’s your policy on “no-embarrassment” boundaries for games?

Personalization & Storytelling

• How do you collect couple backstory and fun facts (form/interview/rehearsal)?
• Can you help us craft tasteful anecdotes for intros and transitions?
• How do you incorporate special dedications (parents, sponsors, OFW family)?
• Will you coordinate with our video/AV team for surprise montages?
• Can you draft personalized spiels for our theme or meet-cute?
• Do you invite guests to share messages in a structured, time-bound way?
• How do you balance personalization with keeping the program tight?

Collaboration & Vendor Coordination

• How do you work with our day-of coordinator on final run-of-show?
• Do you lead time checks or follow the coordinator’s cues—or both?
• How do you sync with the DJ/band for music cues and mic handoffs?
• Will you coordinate with photo/video for entrances, toasts, and surprises?
• How do you align with the caterer on dinner service pacing?
• Who cues you for formalities (toasts, first dance, cake cutting)?
• Do you monitor the couple’s energy and adjust pacing accordingly?
• How do you relay real-time changes to all vendors without stressing the couple?

Technical & Setup

• What are your microphone preferences (wired/wireless/lapel)? Do you bring your own?
• Do you require a dedicated mic separate from the singers/DJ?
• What are your soundcheck requirements and ideal call time?
• Do you bring a backup mic or rely on the L&S/DJ vendor?
• How do you ensure audibility for all tables in a large ballroom?
• Are you comfortable using a teleprompter, cue cards, or iPad?
• What’s your plan if there’s a power or AV issue mid-program?
• Can you host while roaming (with a wireless mic) to engage back tables?

Timeline, Rehearsal & Prep

• Do you include a pre-event meeting to finalize flow and spiels?
• Will you attend the technical rehearsal or venue walkthrough if needed?
• What do you need from us one week out (final program, name list, pronunciation guide)?
• What’s your typical call time before guest ingress?
• How long do you usually host (in hours) and what’s your overtime policy?
• Who is your point person if the couple is busy (Maid/Man of Honor, coordinator)?
• How do you handle delays (late dinner, traffic, missing speakers)?

Contingencies & Professionalism

• Do you have a qualified backup host in case of illness or emergency?
• What’s your plan if you lose your voice on the week/day of?
• How do you handle intoxicated or disruptive guests kindly but firmly?
• What’s your approach if a VIP speech runs too long?
• Are you comfortable making sensitive announcements (medical, safety, lost item)?
• Do you carry professional liability coverage or equivalent safeguards?
• What is your cancellation/reschedule policy (client- or host-initiated)?
• How do you document changes to the program on the day?

Pricing, Contract & Payments

• What’s included in your base hosting package?
• Are pre-event meetings, rehearsal, and script drafting included?
• What are your overtime, out-of-town, and holiday rates?
• Do you require down payment/retainer? What are the payment modes and schedule?
• Are meals, parking, tolls, fuel, and lodging (if needed) covered by us or included?
• Do you issue a formal contract with scope, timeline, and deliverables?
• What are your refund, rebooking, and force majeure terms?
• Are there any hidden or conditional fees we should watch out for?
• Do you offer bundles with DJ/band or lights-and-sounds partners?
• Can you hold a soft pencil-booking, and for how long?

Travel, Venue & Out-of-Town

• Do you accept destination weddings (Tagaytay, Batangas, Baguio, Boracay, etc.)?
• What are your travel and accommodation requirements for out-of-town events?
• Are you comfortable with outdoor/beach setups and wind/noise considerations?
• How early will you arrive to account for provincial traffic or weather?
• Any venue-specific constraints we should anticipate (curfew, sound limits)?
• Do you coordinate load-in/load-out timings with our suppliers?

Attire, Stage Presence & Branding

• What do you typically wear, and can you align with our dress code/theme?
• Are outfit changes possible or advisable for program pacing?
• Do you brand the mic or bring personal signage? (We prefer low-key branding.)
• Are you comfortable staying mostly on stage vs. roaming emcee styles?
• How do you maintain presence without overshadowing the couple?

Social Media & Content Usage

• Will you post live Stories/Reels/TikToks during the event, or after?
• Do you require permission before tagging or posting couple/guest content?
• Can you share raw snippets of your spiels for our SDE/editor?
• Are you okay honoring a strict no-post policy until we approve?
• Do you need a couple questionnaire for captions and accurate credits?

Special Situations

• Can you facilitate games or segments for elder-friendly or kid-friendly crowds?
• Are you experienced with sober events or dry receptions?
• Can you handle bilingual segments for foreign guests (quick summaries/translations)?
• Are you comfortable hosting surprise performances or flash mobs?
• Can you coordinate tribute segments (memorials, special dedications) with tact?
• Are you okay with unconventional timelines (lunch receptions, brunch weddings)?

Decision-Making Aids (Ask for These)

• Can you share a sample program flow tailored to our priorities?
• May we see a short sample script with personalized spiels?
• Can you give two hosting style options (e.g., classic vs. playful) for us to compare?
• Will you provide a one-page summary of inclusions and final next steps?
• Can you share a contact sheet of key vendors you’ve worked well with?

Final Fit Check

• What does success look like for you as our host?
• If our top three goals are A, B, and C, how will you achieve them?
• What do you need from us to deliver your best hosting?
• After hearing our preferences, do you foresee any red flags or risks—and how will you address them?