How to Choose the Right Wedding Magician

Choosing a wedding magician is an important decision. The right magician will create unforgettable memories; the wrong one could be a disappointment. Here's our comprehensive guide to making the right choice.

1. Check Their Experience

Wedding magic is a specialised skill. A magician might be brilliant at corporate events or children's parties but not suited to weddings. Look for:

• Years of experience - How long have they been performing at weddings specifically?
• Number of weddings - Have they performed at hundreds or just a handful?
• Understanding of wedding dynamics - Do they know when to approach guests and when to step back?

2. Watch Videos of Their Work

Any professional magician should have videos of their performances. Look for:

• Real wedding footage - Not just studio performances
• Guest reactions - Are people genuinely amazed?
• Presentation style - Is it engaging and appropriate for weddings?
• Professionalism - How do they dress and conduct themselves?

3. Read Reviews and Testimonials

Genuine reviews from real couples are invaluable. Check:

• Google Reviews - Look for consistent 5-star ratings
• Wedding directories - Hitched, Guides for Brides, etc.
• Social media - Facebook reviews and tagged photos
• Website testimonials - Though these are curated, they still give insight

4. Choose the Right Type of Wedding Magic (and Timing)

Wedding magic works best when it fits around your schedule (not competes with it). The goal is usually to fill the natural “gaps” in the day, help guests mix, and create plenty of memorable moments — without interrupting the ceremony, speeches, or service.

Most couples choose one (or a mix) of these options:

• Drinks reception (close-up / walkaround): the most popular choice — perfect for the photo gap and guest mixing.
• Between courses (table magic): short table-to-table sets to keep energy up without slowing dinner.
• Early evening: ideal when evening guests arrive, before music gets loud.
• Stage show: a planned “everyone watch this” highlight moment (best after the meal).
• Mind reading / mentalism: brilliant for adult crowds and creates big reactions in small groups.

Useful guides: Best Time for a Wedding Magician, Table Magic vs Close-Up Magic, and Close-Up Magic vs Stage Shows.

Explore our services: Close-Up Magic, Table Magic, Stage Shows, and Mind Readers.

For a more detailed checklist, read: How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Magician.

5. Verify Their Insurance

Any professional wedding supplier should have public liability insurance. This protects you and your venue. Ask for:

• Proof of public liability insurance (minimum £5 million)
• Certificate available on request for your venue

6. Ask the Right Questions

When contacting a magician, ask:

• How many weddings have you performed at?
• What's included in your package?
• How do you handle different parts of the day?
• What do you wear?
• Do you have insurance?
• What's your cancellation policy?
• Can I see videos of your work?

A copy/paste enquiry template (to get an accurate quote)

The fastest way to get a clear quote (and the right recommendation) is to send the key details upfront. This also helps you compare options fairly because everyone is quoting based on the same information.

If you’d like a checklist of questions that covers the “small print” too, use: Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Magician.

7. Red Flags to Avoid

Be wary of magicians who:

• Have no reviews - Everyone has to start somewhere, but your wedding isn't the place for beginners
• Can't provide videos - Professional magicians document their work
• Are significantly cheaper than others - Quality costs money
• Are vague about what's included - Professionals are clear and transparent
• Don't have insurance - This is non-negotiable
• Are pushy or unprofessional - Trust your instincts

If you want a deeper checklist (including common “too-good-to-be-true” pricing traps), read: Wedding Magician Red Flags: What to Avoid When Booking.

8. Consider the Total Package

The cheapest option isn't always the best value. Consider:

• Duration of performance - How many hours are included?
• Travel costs - Are these included or extra?
• Experience level - You're paying for expertise
• Peace of mind - Established companies are reliable

A simple run-sheet that keeps everything flowing

When you book a magician, you don’t need to “schedule every trick” — but you do want a simple plan so the magic happens at the right moments and doesn’t clash with speeches, service, or photos.

• Arrival: 10–15 minutes before the start slot (quick check-in with venue coordinator / planner).
• Start point: where should they begin (bar area, terrace, garden, foyer)?
• Priority groups: if you want the top table, grandparents, or bridal party seen early, mention it.
• No-go moments: ceremony, speeches, food service, first dance (unless agreed).
• End point: confirm the finish time and whether they should find you for a final “couple moment”.

Useful next steps: Best Time for a Wedding Magician and What to Expect When Hiring a Professional Wedding Magician.

Venue and supplier coordination (small details that matter)

A great wedding magician is low-maintenance, but a few logistics make everything smoother — especially if guests are spread across multiple spaces.

• Space and flow: indoor/outdoor areas, narrow corridors, or multiple rooms can affect coverage time.
• Meal service: table magic works best between courses (not when plates are being served).
• Music volume: close-up needs guests to hear a little — the best slot is usually before the evening party gets loud.
• Photo moments: if you want great reaction shots, tell your photographer when the magic will start.

Planning tips: How to Prepare Your Venue for a Wedding Magician, How to Coordinate Your Wedding Magician with Other Entertainment, and Magical Wedding Photography: Capturing the Best Reactions.

Quick FAQs

Will it work if some guests are shy?

Yes — the best wedding magicians are experts at reading a room, approaching gently, and keeping everything light. If you have a shy crowd, look for reviews that mention guests feeling relaxed and included. Related: Why Magic is the Ultimate Icebreaker for Shy Wedding Guests.

How far in advance should we book?

Popular dates (especially summer Saturdays) book up early. If you’re deciding between a few options, shortlist quickly and ask about availability and deposit terms — then secure your preferred entertainer once you’re happy.

Should we book a magician instead of a photo booth?

They do different jobs: a photo booth is a “set location” experience, while close-up magic creates moments all around the room and helps guests mingle. Some couples combine both by having magic during drinks reception and the booth later. See: Why Magic is the Perfect Alternative to a Photo Booth.

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