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From guide to storyteller
Today, weddings are no longer simply a formal ceremony, but have become an "emotional stage" for couples to tell their unique love story. In this context, the role of the master of ceremonies, especially a bilingual MC, has become more important than ever. They are not only a bridge between cultures, but also the ones who "rewrite the script of love," realizing the deepest desires of the bride and groom in each ritual.
Today, weddings are not simply a formal ceremony, but have become an "emotional stage" for couples to tell their unique love story.
In the world of high-end wedding planners and international weddings in Vietnam, Nguyen Dang Xuan Binh (1992) has become a familiar name. She began her career as a bilingual MC more than 10 years ago, when international weddings were still rare in Vietnam. At that time, a few couples with a foreign spouse sought someone to officiate their beach wedding. The concept of a "celebrant" – a modern-day master of ceremonies – was still unfamiliar, and Xuan Binh learned through books, videos, and her own experiences with the first couples who entrusted her with their special day. From there, she developed her own unique hosting style: approachable, emotionally rich, and always respectful of the individuality of each couple.
It was from that foundation that Xuan Binh decided to pursue formal training to obtain an international wedding officiant certificate, as a step towards professionalizing her chosen path. Having a professional certificate not only reassures international clients (because in some countries, wedding officiants are required to have a degree to practice), but it also provides her with an opportunity to learn from experience, enhance her professional thinking, select ideas, and apply them to Vietnam. In 2023, Xuan Binh became the first Vietnamese person to receive an international wedding officiant certificate from the Academy of Modern Celebrancy (UK) – a significant milestone in her career. More than just a bilingual MC, she is also a pioneer in bringing the image of international wedding officiants closer to the Vietnamese wedding industry.
MC Nguyen Dang Xuan Binh – the host who brings moments full of emotion.
“Couples today are very creative. They want a personalized ceremony unlike anyone else's, where every word, ritual, music, or light reflects their personality and love journey. I love that spirit and always strive to be a true companion – not just hosting the event, but also contributing ideas, listening, and working with them to create the most perfect wedding,” MC Xuan Binh emphasized.
When the language of love knows no boundaries.
Vietnam possesses many advantages for developing destination weddings: from its favorable geographical location, picturesque coastlines, and majestic mountains, to its quick-witted and aesthetically-minded people, and its high-end resort and service system with diverse price ranges to suit various segments. In particular, its openness to modern wedding styles, including LGBT weddings, makes Vietnam an ideal destination for international couples.
When she first hosted a wedding, Xuan Binh mainly focused on reading the script. But over time, her confidence gradually built up, helping her to feel and connect more with the atmosphere of the ceremony. Thanks to her lifestyle and communication style, which are quite similar to those of foreigners, she quickly adapted and developed her own hosting style. What she loves most is listening to love stories from many different perspectives.
One memory that particularly touched her was that of a French couple who had been together for nearly 30 years and returned to Vietnam every 10 years to hold a vow renewal ceremony. The ceremony was simple, with only the couple and their two sons, and took place at Banyan Tree Lang Co. “Witnessing how they looked at each other, smiled, and shed tears for each other, I felt a deep love that transcended language. That moment made me love this job even more,” MC Xuan Binh recounted.
A moment of reaffirming the promise, peace amidst the sea and sky.
Unlike a traditional MC, a bilingual master of ceremonies must accompany the couple for 6-8 hours, from the main ceremony and the wedding reception to the moments after the reception. Beyond simply guiding the proceedings, they need to create connections among the guests, especially in multicultural weddings with attendees of many nationalities.
According to her, to become a successful bilingual MC who can "tell love stories," foreign language skills are only a necessary condition. More importantly, it requires the ability to listen and empathize with the bride and groom, thereby crafting a love story with its own unique flavor. Subtle observation, flexible situational handling, and the art of managing the atmosphere among guests are indispensable elements, ensuring that both Vietnamese and international guests fully appreciate the love story and the spirit of the ceremony. For Xuan Binh, that is the biggest challenge of the profession.
Many guests mistakenly thought MC Xuan Binh was a close friend of the couple, because his hosting style felt intimate and warm, rather than formal like a typical event. It is this naturalness and connection that makes each wedding a memorable experience, instead of just a formulaic ceremony.
“Hosting a wedding isn’t simply reading a script; it’s about telling their love story in their own voice and with the spirit they want. Whether in Vietnamese or English, the important thing is to preserve the genuine emotion,” she said. “An emotional ambassador” in multicultural weddings.
To convey each couple's story as authentically as possible, the MC must first truly understand them. MC Xuan Binh says: “When hosting a wedding, I always take the time to meet the bride and groom privately, and even close friends or family, to deeply understand their story. No two weddings are alike, so the script needs to be tailored to each individual.” Regardless of the guests' backgrounds and cultures, one thing remains constant: everyone is present to bless the newlyweds, to share their happiness in a common language that everyone understands – the language of love.
In recent years, the demand for international MCs or masters of ceremonies for weddings in Vietnam has increased significantly, especially in the tourist wedding segment. Couples choosing Vietnam as their wedding destination often prioritize finding a master of ceremonies who is bilingual, understands modern and emotionally engaging styles. In reality, the domestic wedding market still lacks truly high-quality MCs to meet this trend.
According to Xuan Binh, the profession of celebrant – professional wedding officiant – is likely to soon become a popular career in Vietnam. As weddings increasingly focus on personalization, emphasizing the experience and unique story of each couple, the role of the officiant extends beyond simply leading the ceremony; it also involves inspiring, connecting, and creating a joyful atmosphere for the entire event.
The ceremony is tailored specifically for each couple.
The trend of personalized weddings is becoming increasingly evident as couples desire their big day to have a unique and distinctive touch, from their love story and meaningful rituals to the setting, music, and emotions.
With years of experience as a bilingual wedding host, Xuan Binh not only accompanies the bride and groom but also subtly suggests details that highlight the unique personality of each couple. Even when the same ceremony is repeated, she always adapts her hosting and storytelling style, making each wedding a unique and authentic experience that reflects the couple's story and distinctive style.
When asked what has kept her committed to her long-term career as a bilingual MC, Xuan Binh readily shared that it's a job that provides her with a rare source of positive energy. "Each love story is a journey of overcoming challenges to reach happiness, and that's what makes me always believe in love and the connection between people." With 10 years of experience and hundreds of weddings she has hosted, she always feels fortunate to have witnessed the most beautiful moments in people's lives and strives even harder to contribute to making them complete and meaningful.
Furthermore, regarding learning and training opportunities for young people who want to pursue a career as a wedding MC, especially in the bilingual field, Xuan Binh believes that the Vietnamese market still relies heavily on practical experience. However, professional courses and in-depth workshops on wedding MCing are increasingly necessary, helping to equip participants with skills in scriptwriting, handling situations, and mastering the stage. “The most important thing is to find a mentor with a similar style to guide and support you. But no matter where you learn or who you follow, you still need to maintain your own unique style, because that's what makes you different and sustainable in the profession.”
A moment of gentle preparation, filled with positive energy amidst the seascape.
Addressing couples preparing for their big day, Xuan Binh advises: "Take the time to have an open conversation with the MC or officiant, so they can understand your love journey." This is the key to making the wedding ceremony a truly personalized experience. And a bilingual MC is not just a host, but someone who preserves emotions and tells your love story in the most unique way.
