So, I've been a wedding MC maybe two or three times, and I was utter crap at it. The problem is that I don't have a sense of humour. In particular, I have zero crowdwork skills. I didn't even know "crowdwork" was a word until I started watching a lot of Frenchy videos recently (it's kind of become a thing since 2010; comedians in the '80s and '90s never used the term).
So, crowdwork is desirable MC attribute no.1 in my opinion. Anyone -- even me -- can read off a list of names as the bridal party enters. But a good MC makes it interactive -- warms up the crowd -- lubricates the transitions with patter -- adds a bit of: "So hands up anyone here from overseas." "Hands up anyone who's been married for 10 years... 20 years... 50 years... 80 years...".
Attribute 2: timekeeping, communication. You won't even see this from your end, but the photographers and videographers see it from ours. The best MCs don't just announce what's going to happen, but they prepare for what's going to happen. I mean, if your camera team has gone to the toilet, or is outside flying a drone, or is eating dinner in a different room, don't start your first dance! A good MC makes sure everyone is in position.
Desirable attribute 3: being the life of the party, being on the dance floor, getting everyone else onto the dance floor, starting the conga line, doing the YMCA dance, the Macarena, the Nutbush City Limits dance or the chicken song dance.
And lastly... Well, a lot of MCs are "slashes". For instance, I've met an MC/celebrant before; MC/DJs are very common; and MC/family member is also extremely common. But -- attribute 4-- I think it can contribute a lot to your reception if your MC is "/entertainer" -- for example MC/magician or MC/singer. Your guests just have a better night if they're all laughing, singing along, participating.
