Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Magician

Hiring a wedding magician is one of the best decisions you can make for your reception entertainment. But with hundreds of magicians advertising online, how do you separate the professionals from the amateurs? This comprehensive guide covers the 15 essential questions you need to ask before booking.

We've performed at over 4,000 weddings since 1996, and we've seen couples make brilliant choices—and costly mistakes. The difference often comes down to asking the right questions upfront.

1. How Many Weddings Have You Performed At?

This is the single most important question you can ask. Wedding magic is a specialised skill that's completely different from performing at corporate events, parties, or on stage.

A professional wedding magician understands:

• The unique flow and timing of a wedding day
• How to read the room and approach different groups
• When to perform and when to step back
• How to work around photographers, videographers, and caterers
• The emotional dynamics between families meeting for the first time

Red flag: If they can't give you a specific number or say "lots," dig deeper. An experienced wedding magician will know exactly how many weddings they've performed at.

2. Can I See Videos of You Performing at Real Weddings?

Anyone can perform magic in a controlled environment. What you need to see is how they handle the chaos of a real wedding—background noise, moving guests, children running around, and tipsy uncles.

Look for videos that show:

• Genuine guest reactions (not staged)
• The magician engaging naturally with different age groups
• Professional presentation and appearance
• Magic that works in a crowded, noisy environment

3. Do You Have Public Liability Insurance?

This isn't just a formality—many venues require proof of insurance before allowing any supplier on-site. Professional wedding magicians should carry public liability insurance, and you should ask for a certificate to be provided.

Why it matters: If something goes wrong (a guest trips over equipment, for example), you don't want to be liable. Always ask for a copy of their insurance certificate.

4. What Happens If You're Ill on the Day?

This question separates the professionals from the hobbyists. A reputable wedding magician will have:

• A network of equally qualified backup performers
• A clear contingency plan in their contract
• Your contact details to notify you immediately
• A refund policy if no suitable replacement is available

At Wedding Magicians, we've never missed a booking in nearly 30 years—but we always have backup plans in place.

5. What Type of Magic Do You Perform?

Not all magic is suitable for weddings. You need to understand the difference between:

• Close-up magic: Performed in guests' hands, perfect for drinks receptions and mingling
• Table magic: Performed at seated tables during the wedding breakfast
• Parlour/cabaret magic: A short show for 20-100 guests, ideal for evening entertainment
• Stage magic: Large-scale illusions requiring a stage setup

For most weddings, close-up and table magic work best because they create intimate, personal moments with your guests.

6. How Long Will You Perform For?

Be specific here. "A couple of hours" is too vague. You need to know:

• Exact start and end times
• Whether breaks are included in that time
• What happens if the schedule changes on the day
• Overtime rates if you want to extend

Most wedding magicians perform for 2-3 hours, which is enough to reach every guest without the entertainment becoming repetitive.

7. When Is the Best Time for Magic at My Wedding?

A professional will give you specific recommendations based on your timeline. The most popular times are:

• Drinks reception (most popular): While you're having photos taken, magic keeps guests entertained and breaks the ice between families
• Wedding breakfast: Between courses, table magic creates conversation and fills natural gaps
• Evening reception: As new guests arrive, magic helps integrate them with day guests
• Photo gaps: Those awkward 30-60 minute waits become entertainment highlights

"The best wedding magicians don't just perform tricks—they read the room, understand the flow of the day, and know exactly when to step in and when to step back."

8. How Do You Handle Children?

Children at weddings can be challenging for entertainers. Ask how they:

• Adapt their magic for different age groups
• Keep children engaged without disrupting adult entertainment
• Handle overexcited or shy children
• Balance attention between kids and adults

The best wedding magicians have specific routines that work for all ages—magic that amazes adults while still being accessible to children.

9. What Will You Wear?

This might seem trivial, but appearance matters. A professional wedding magician should:

• Ask about your dress code and colour scheme
• Dress appropriately (usually smart/formal)
• Look like a guest, not a children's entertainer
• Be willing to adapt their attire to match your wedding style

10. Can You Personalise the Magic for Our Wedding?

The best wedding magicians offer personalisation options:

• Revealing the couple's names or wedding date in a trick
• Incorporating your wedding colours or theme
• Special moments for the bride and groom
• Custom effects for speeches or first dance reveals

These personal touches transform good entertainment into unforgettable moments.

11. Do You Have Reviews from Real Couples?

Don't just look at the star rating—read the actual reviews. Look for:

• Specific mentions of wedding performances (not just general magic)
• Comments about professionalism and reliability
• Reviews on independent platforms (Google, Facebook, Trustpilot)
• Recent reviews (within the last 12 months)

Be wary of magicians with only website testimonials—these can be fabricated. Independent review platforms are harder to fake.

12. What's Included in Your Price?

Get a complete breakdown to avoid surprises:

• Performance time (and whether breaks are included)
• Travel costs (some charge extra for distance)
• Equipment and props
• Insurance coverage
• VAT (if applicable)
• Overtime rates

A professional will provide a clear, written quote with no hidden extras.

13. What's Your Booking and Payment Process?

Legitimate wedding magicians have professional booking procedures:

• Written contract outlining all terms
• Deposit to secure the date (typically 20-50%)
• Clear cancellation and refund policy
• Balance payment terms (usually 2-4 weeks before)
• Professional invoicing

Red flag: Anyone asking for full payment upfront with no contract should be avoided.

14. Have You Performed at My Venue Before?

While not essential, venue experience is valuable. A magician who knows your venue understands:

• The best spots for performing
• Lighting and acoustics
• How guests typically flow through the space
• Relationships with venue staff

If they haven't performed there, ask if they'll visit beforehand or arrive early to assess the space.

15. Can I Meet You Before Booking?

Many couples want to meet their magician before committing. Options include:

• Video call (most common)
• In-person meeting
• Seeing them perform at a wedding fayre
• Attending a showcase event

This gives you confidence in their personality and professionalism—crucial since they'll be interacting with all your guests.

Bonus: Questions to Ask Yourself

Before you start contacting magicians, consider:

• Budget: Professional wedding magicians typically charge £350-£600 for 2-3 hours. Below £250 often indicates inexperience.
• Timing: When in your day would magic work best?
• Guest count: How many people need entertaining?
• Style: Do you want subtle sophistication or high-energy entertainment?

The Bottom Line

Hiring a wedding magician is an investment in your guests' experience. The right magician will:

• Keep guests entertained during those awkward gaps
• Break the ice between families who've never met
• Create talking points and shared memories
• Give you peace of mind that everyone is having fun

Take your time, ask these questions, and don't book based on price alone. The cheapest option rarely delivers the best experience, and your wedding day is too important for regrets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a wedding magician cost?

Professional wedding magicians in the UK typically charge between £350-£600 for 2-3 hours of performance. Prices vary based on experience, location, and the time of year. Peak wedding season (May-September) and Saturdays command higher rates.

How far in advance should I book?

Popular wedding magicians get booked 12-18 months in advance, especially for Saturday weddings in summer. We recommend booking as soon as you have your venue and date confirmed.

Is wedding magic suitable for all ages?

Absolutely. Professional wedding magicians perform magic that amazes adults while remaining accessible and fun for children. The best performers adapt their approach based on who they're entertaining.

What if some guests don't like magic?

A skilled wedding magician reads body language and never forces entertainment on unwilling guests. They'll politely move on to the next group, ensuring everyone has a positive experience.