How to Choose the Perfect Magician for Your Surrey Wedding

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and every detail matters. Entertainment plays a crucial role in creating a memorable experience for you and your guests. If you're considering adding a touch of magic to your special day, hiring a professional wedding magician can create unforgettable moments and help break the ice among guests who may not know each other. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the perfect magician for your Surrey wedding.

From understanding the different types of magical entertainment to knowing what questions to ask potential performers, this guide covers everything you need to know to find a magician who will enhance your wedding day with wonder and amazement. We'll also share insights on when to book, what to expect, and how to get the most value from your magical entertainment.

A professional magician creating magical moments at a Surrey wedding

1. Understanding Different Types of Wedding Magic

Before you start your search for the perfect wedding magician, it's essential to understand the different types of magical entertainment available. This will help you choose the style that best fits your wedding vision and venue.

Close-Up Magic

Close-up magic is the most popular choice for weddings. A close-up magician performs intimate, interactive magic right in front of your guests, often using everyday objects like cards, coins, and borrowed items. This style is perfect for mingling during the drinks reception, photo period, or between courses at the wedding breakfast.

Table Magic

Table magic involves a table magician moving from table to table during the wedding breakfast or evening reception, performing short routines for each group. This is an excellent way to entertain guests while they're seated and waiting for food to be served or between courses.

Parlor or Cabaret Magic

For larger weddings, a parlor or cabaret show can be a fantastic addition. This is a more formal performance for all guests to watch together, typically lasting 20-40 minutes. It works well as an after-dinner entertainment option or during the transition from day to evening reception.

2. When to Book a Wedding Magician

Knowing when to book a magician for your wedding is crucial. Here are the most popular times during a wedding day when magical entertainment can add the most value:

Drinks Reception

The drinks reception is an ideal time for close-up magic. While you and your wedding party are busy with photographs, a magician can keep your other guests entertained. This helps fill what can otherwise be a lull in the day's proceedings and gives guests something to talk about, helping to break the ice between those who haven't met before.

Wedding Breakfast

Table magic during the wedding breakfast can be a wonderful way to entertain guests between courses. The magician can visit each table, performing short routines that create shared experiences and conversation starters among your guests.

Evening Reception

As evening guests arrive, a magician can help integrate them into the celebration. This is particularly valuable as it can sometimes be awkward for evening guests who haven't been part of the day's events. Magic provides an instant talking point and helps create a festive atmosphere.

Creating magical moments during a wedding reception in Surrey

3. What to Look for in a Wedding Magician

Not all magicians are created equal, and finding the right one for your wedding requires careful consideration. Here are the key factors to look for:

Professional Experience and Credentials

Look for a wedding magician with specific experience performing at weddings. Wedding magic requires a different approach than corporate events or parties. Check if they are a member of respected magic organizations like The Magic Circle, which indicates a certain level of skill and professionalism.

Style and Personality

The magician's personality and performance style should complement your wedding atmosphere. Some magicians are more comedic, while others focus on creating moments of wonder and astonishment. Watch videos of their performances or, even better, try to see them perform live before booking.

Reviews and Testimonials

Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients, particularly those who hired the magician for a wedding. Look for comments about reliability, professionalism, and how well they engaged with guests of all ages.

Insurance and Backup Plans

Ensure the magician has public liability insurance and ask about their contingency plans in case of illness or emergency. A professional will have backup arrangements to ensure you're not left without entertainment on your big day.

4. Questions to Ask Before Booking

When you've shortlisted potential magicians, here are important questions to ask before making your final decision:

• Are you available on my wedding date? - This might seem obvious, but it's the first thing to confirm
• How long have you been performing at weddings? - Experience with weddings specifically is important
• What packages do you offer and what's included? - Understand exactly what you're getting for your money
• Do you have a specific style of magic? - Make sure their style aligns with your vision
• Can you adapt your performance to our venue and schedule? - Flexibility is key for wedding entertainment
• What do you need from us or the venue? - Some performances may have specific requirements
• How do you dress for weddings? - Their appearance should match your wedding's formality
• Do you have a backup plan if you're ill? - Professional magicians should have contingencies

5. Getting the Most Value from Your Wedding Magician

To maximize the impact of having a magician at your wedding, consider these tips:

Timing is Everything

Schedule the magician during natural lulls in your wedding day, such as during the drinks reception while photos are being taken, or during the room turnaround between the ceremony and reception. This keeps guests entertained when they might otherwise be waiting around.

Inform Your Venue and Photographer

Let your venue coordinator and photographer know you've hired a magician. The venue may need to accommodate them in their planning, and your photographer can capture guests' reactions to the magic, which often make for wonderful, candid photos.

Consider Your Guest List

If you have many guests who don't know each other, a magician can be invaluable for breaking the ice and creating shared experiences. Similarly, if you have many children attending, check if the magician has child-friendly material in their repertoire.

Capturing the joy and amazement of guests experiencing magical entertainment

6. Why Choose a Local Surrey Magician

There are several advantages to hiring a local Surrey-based magician for your wedding:

• Local knowledge - A local magician will be familiar with popular Surrey wedding venues and their layouts
• Reliability - Less travel distance means less chance of delays or complications
• Supporting local talent - Surrey has some excellent magical entertainers
• Easier meetings - You can potentially meet the magician in person before booking
• Lower travel costs - Many magicians charge for travel beyond a certain distance

7. Conclusion

A skilled wedding magician can add a unique element of wonder and entertainment to your special day, creating magical moments that you and your guests will remember for years to come. By understanding the different types of magic available, knowing when to schedule performances, and asking the right questions, you can find the perfect magical entertainer to complement your Surrey wedding.

If you're planning your wedding in Surrey and would like to discuss how magical entertainment can enhance your celebration, contact Ben Williams, a professional member of The Magic Circle with extensive experience performing at weddings throughout Surrey and beyond.