Photographers as Masters of Ceremony...

Every wedding profession has its own right to exist, and has its own masters within. Still, this year it sort of seemd to be a trend that couples thought, thy don't need to hire a Master of Ceremony, since the guests will all know what to do. That is a huge mistake! Guests do not know how you imagined your day, or what you want at certain parts of the day. This year we were at many weddings where we missed (really missed) a great MC, and since we felt sorry for the couple and did not want their day to completely fall apart, we took on the job of the Master of Ceremony. At weddings like this, we go out of our way and work really hard, as we announce all the events, explain what to do to the wedding party, many times in two languages and while doing so, we are still trying to figure out what would be the best visually... And of course, doing all this with a smile, while holding our gear, just because we love our couples and want the best photos possible. I am gonna be honest, this is not an ideal situation. And there aren't many photograpphers who are willing to help you out like that. No matter how hard I try, I won't be as good, as a great MC would have been. Not to mention, that after a double-task (or triple if we do cinematography as well) wedding day, zombies are full of life creatures compared to us...
If your wedding day is still ahead, please do not make the same mistake. Do not trust the job of an MC to the photographer (or to anyone else). Obviously you do not expect the chef to pop in and sing throughout the whole night... right? :)