Anchoring script for a family function

For a family member hosting a birthday, anniversary, sangeet or get-together. 7 parts, about 249 words of anchor lines.

Family functions need a host more than a formal anchor: someone who welcomes people, keeps the programme moving and makes sure the elders are comfortable. The lines below are warm and simple. Use the parts that fit your function. Mix in Hindi or Punjabi freely; at a family gathering, the language of the home is the right one.

Words in [square brackets] are for you to replace. Lines in (round brackets) are directions, not to be read aloud.

The script

Welcome

Good evening, everyone! Namaste, Sat Sri Akal, and welcome. On behalf of the [family name] family, thank you for joining us to celebrate [occasion]. Some of you have travelled a long way, and we are truly touched. Please make yourselves at home.

Setting the evening

We have a small programme for you: a few performances by the children, a game or two, some words from the family, and then, most importantly, dinner. I promise to keep the speeches shorter than the queue at the chaat counter.

Introducing a performance

First on stage, the youngest members of the family. They have been practising in secret for a week, mostly in the room where the sweets are kept. A big hand for [names]!

Inviting an elder to speak

No family function is complete without the blessings of our elders. I request [relation and name] to say a few words. [Relation], the microphone is yours.

A game for everyone

Now a quick game, so that nobody falls asleep before dinner. I need five couples, or five pairs, on the floor. The rest of you, please cheer for your side of the family!

Cake or the main moment

It is time for the moment we came for. I request [names] to come to the centre. Everyone, please gather around. Photographers, you have two minutes!

Thanks and dinner

Before I let you go to the food, a few thank-yous: to everyone who helped with the arrangements, to the children for the entertainment, and to all of you for your love and blessings. Dinner is served at [place]. Please eat well. That is an order from the family!

Tips for the day

Know the names and relations of the main guests from both sides. Ask a senior family member to check your list.
Seat the elders first and near the front, and check that they can hear.
Keep an eye on the caterer. When the food is ready, wind up quickly.
Print two copies in large type. Paper does not run out of battery.

How to adapt this script

No two functions have the same items. Treat each part above as a block: remove the blocks you do not need, repeat the "introducing an item" block for each performance, and put them in the order of your running sheet. Then write one fresh linking sentence for each item after you have seen its rehearsal; a line that fits the actual performance is worth more than any ready line. The guide how to anchor a function explains running orders, links and what to do when something goes wrong, and opening and closing lines has more lines to choose from.