How to Choose a Wedding Magician

Let’s be honest, planning a wedding is mostly admin, stress, and trying to figure out where to put that cousin you haven’t spoken to since 2012. You want the day to be memorable for the right reasons—not because the DJ played the “Macarena” three times or the canapés were a bit sad. You need entertainment that actually entertains.

A wedding magician is the perfect solution. It breaks the ice, stops the awkward silences, and gives your guests something to talk about other than the weather. But picking the right one? That’s a minefield. The internet is awash with people in shiny waistcoats claiming to be the next Houdini.

Here is a no-nonsense guide on how to choose a wedding magician, straight from the horse’s mouth (that’s me).

You might think magic is magic, right? Wrong. Performing for a corporate crowd who are just waiting for the free bar to open is vastly different from entertaining a room full of emotional family members ranging from toddlers to great-grandparents.

Still got doubts about whether hiring a magician is a good idea? You might want to read Are Wedding Magicians Tacky?—spoiler alert: they’re really not.

I’ve been around the block a few times—27 years, to be precise. I’m a dab hand at all types of events, but weddings have their own specific quirks. A professional wedding entertainer needs to know how to handle the flow of the day, the interruptions for photos, and the inevitable moment when a slightly tipsy uncle decides he knows how the trick is done.

You only get the ability to handle these curveballs from years of experience. If you hire someone green, they might crumble faster than a stale scone. You’ve just hit the jackpot with me because I’ve got that experience in spades.

Ask About Their Style of Magic

I’m about to toot my own trumpet here. When you hire a magician, you need to know what you’re actually getting. Are they going to stand on a stage and saw someone in half? (Messy, not recommended for weddings). Or are they going to mingle?

I like to think I’m the Swiss Army Knife of wedding entertainment. You get close-up magic, sleight of hand, and ice-breaking banter that’ll have your guests in fits of laughter. I’ve got Jedi mind tricks ready at the drop of a hat, and I’ll even chuck in some pickpocketing for good measure.

Wrap all that up in a sharp suit, and you’re looking at a premium wedding magician. The type your guests will actually love, rather than the type they politely clap for while checking their watches.

A magician can be technically brilliant, but if they have the personality of a wet weekend, your guests are going to be bored rigid. A great wedding magician needs to be personable, approachable, and able to connect.

It is difficult to measure this without seeing them in person. You have two options. One: go stalk them at a wedding fayre. Two: have a good root around their social media. Most decent magicians upload casual videos of themselves performing or just chatting to the camera. This gives you a clear idea of their tone.

I’m happy to say I’ve got shedloads of videos on my Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages, not to mention my YouTube channel. Go have a look. If they look like they’re having fun, your guests will probably have fun too.

Here is a hard truth: like a prized Turkey at Christmas, the good ones get secured early. If you know you want a magician, get in early. It’s one less thing to worry about on your endless to-do list.

The booking process should be straightforward. It provides peace of mind for both parties. Also, expect to pay the balance before the wedding. Why? To ensure you aren’t running around on your big day, wondering if the best man has lost the envelope with the cash in it. Yes, that has happened to me. It was awkward. It’s been bank transfers two months before the date ever since.

If you are hunting for the best wedding magicians available for hire in the UK, don’t leave it until the last minute, or you’ll be left with the scraps.

I have some fairly strong views on when to hire a magician. The drinks reception? Perfect. The lull after the meal? Ideal. During the speeches? Absolutely not—unless you want me to be hated by the father of the bride.

If you’re debating the ideal moment for magic, check out my thoughts in Best Time to Have a Wedding Magician for more detail on slotting magic into your day without ruffling feathers.

A professional wedding entertainer will know exactly where they fit best to maximise impact. I’m always happy to chat over a quick Zoom to see how I would fit best in your day. Flexibility is key, but so is knowing when not to perform.

Ask for a Demo or Video of Their Performance

This is huge for me. You’ll see on my website and social media that I am a big advocate of showing potential clients exactly what to expect.

Does filming take way too much time? Yes. Is it a massive pain editing constant videos when I could be watching telly? Also yes. But I want you to see the lengths I’ll go to for you and your wedding. If the magician in question has limited or no videos available—run. Run straight in my direction!

Ensure They’re Comfortable with Your Venue and Guest Count

This separates the wheat from the chaff. When a wedding is an intimate affair—say, 10 to 30 guests—your magician is under much more scrutiny. In a large wedding of 100 people, a magician can wander around and hide in the crowd.

But with a small group? There is nowhere to hide. The challenge is magnified with all eyes on them. It takes a certain skilled magician (ahem) to look after themselves and your guests with great entertainment under that spotlight. I happen to love intimate parties just as much as large crowds.

If you’re planning an outdoor celebration and questioning whether magic works outside, spoiler alert: it does. Here’s the proof—Close-Up Magician for Outdoor Weddings.

Look for a Magician Who Offers a Personal Touch

A good wedding magician is like a chameleon, able to adapt to the crowd and situation at the drop of a pack of cards.

It’s not just about the tricks; it’s about how they make people feel. Simple acts like name recognition for your guests are something I’m proud to offer. It resonates with people just as much as the impressive stuff. If you want one of the best wedding magicians available for hire in the UK, you need someone who cares about the people, not just the props.

About ✨ Close-Up Chris✨

The UK’s best close-up magician available for parties, weddings and corporate events.