It’s probably safe to say that for most people, hiring a magician is not the kind of thing you do every day. In fact, chances are that anyone out to hire such an entertainer right now will be doing so for the first time and thus discovering it can be a pretty bewildering subject to say the least. After all, not only are there dozens of different types of magicians, but there are quite literally tens of thousands of magicians looking to sell their services.
Of course one of the most common reasons to go looking for such an entertainer is to perform at a wedding. The post of the wedding magician is one of huge popularity these days as couples and organisers alike seek new and more elaborate ways of keeping guests entertained. Needless to say, the importance of the day itself makes it rather imperative that only a genuinely fantastic magician is brought in to put on a show, as anything to the contrary could result in things quickly turning sour.
So when it comes to hiring a magician to perform at a wedding, how can you be sure you’re making the right choice?
Consider the following five tips:
1 – Type of Magician
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that there are many different types of magicians out there to choose from. In terms of which would make the right choice for the wedding, what has to be taken into account more than anything else is the venue. For example, if you’re looking to have things take place in a very small room filled with antiques and wooden furniture, pyrotechnics are out of the question. If on the other hand it’s a sprawling hall with hundreds of people, close-up magic is only going to entertain about 3% of the room. Think about where you will be, who will be there and the nature of the surroundings when it comes to choosing the type of magician to hire.
2 – Relevant Experience
As is the case with all entertainers and indeed professionals across the board, it’s important to ensure that the magician you choose is one that has relevant experience. Are they familiar with weddings and have a good track-record in such events, or are they more used to stag parties or kids’ birthday parties? Weddings are unique in a great many ways and it’s therefore simple common sense to hire only those that are experienced in performing at weddings. This should be made clear on their website, but if there’s any doubt at all, be sure to ask for clarification.
3 – Client Feedback
To be honest there’s really very little of more importance than the feedback of those that have tried and tested the services of the magician at prior weddings. Every professional has to start somewhere, but as there’s really no room for rolling the dice when it comes to a wedding, it’s important to make sure they have earned the approval and recommendation of those they have done business with in the past. Again, if they have an archive of feedback that sings their praises, this will usually be shared quite openly. If on the other hand it seems all such information is being kept from you, proceed with caution.
4 – Suitability
The very last thing you want is to face a situation where the comedian you chose for any given wedding starts pulling out the adult material to a crowd that’s populated largely by families with young children. Suffice to say the same is also true in reverse – kiddy-focused magicians aren’t likely to entertain anyone but the under-10 brigade. This is why it’s of the utmost importance not to take things for granted but to instead ensure that the magician is suitable in style for the wedding in question. Most will make clear exactly what kind of content their show features, but be sure to ask for clarification if needed.
5 – Flexibility
Last but not least, weddings are notorious when it comes to plans changing at the last minute and delays creeping into the equation. As such, it’s important to choose a magician with a good degree of flexibility as if they plan to do your slot at 4pm and then another wedding across town at 6pm, you really don’t have much breathing room if there are any delays. There should be at least a good amount of flexibility promised as standard, which is another thing that should be asked about and clarified before agreeing to any booking.
