The Complete Guide to Hiring a Magician
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- blog
- Updated: 14th February 2024
As you prepare for your upcoming event—be it the romantic ambience of a wedding, the formality of a corporate gathering, or the joyous buzz of a birthday party—a sprinkle of magic may well be the missing ingredient.
Whether you're a modern planner or someone who cherishes traditions, this guide will help you navigate the enchanting world of magicians, ensuring your event has that 'abracadabra' moment everyone will talk about for years to come.
Let's pull back the velvet curtain and dive into the secrets of hiring the perfect magician for your special day.
Understanding Different Types of Magicians
Every event has its own rhythm, mood, and character. Just as you'd pick a venue, a theme, or a playlist to suit the occasion, choosing the right magician is essential in ensuring a seamless blend of entertainment and ambience. The first step is to narrow down which type of magician will best suit your event:
Close-up Magicians
These maestros are all about intimate wonders. Perfect for mingling with guests during cocktail hours or seated dinners, Close-up Magicians bring the magic right to your fingertips. It's like having a personal serenade but with cards and coins.
Stage Magicians
If you envision a grand spectacle—a showstopper moment in your event—stage magicians are your go-to. With larger-than-life illusions and theatrical presentations, they command attention and ensure everyone is on the edge of their seat.
Mentalists
Dive into the mysteries of the human mind. Mentalists offer a unique blend of psychology, showmanship, and, of course, magic. For those who like their entertainment with a touch of intrigue and intellect, this is the perfect choice.
Kids' Magicians
Tailored for the young-at-heart, these performers create an atmosphere of wonder, laughter, and wide-eyed amazement. They understand the whimsy of childhood and deliver magic that's accessible and delightful.
Speciality Magicians
Magic isn't just about cards and wands. There are escape artists who defy the impossible, comedic magicians who mix humour with illusion, and many more niche specialities. Depending on your event's flavour, there's likely a magician who fits the bill.
Determining Your Event's Needs
Before delving into the magical realm, it's essential to take stock of your event's specific requirements. Like fitting pieces into a jigsaw puzzle, ensuring every detail complements the other will give you a seamless celebration. Here are a few things to consider:
Assessing the Size of Your Audience
The intimacy of a small garden party differs greatly from the buzz of a large corporate gala. Determine how many guests you're expecting and select a magician who can cater to that crowd size, ensuring everyone feels involved. If you're considering table magic for a large event, consider hiring more than one magician to ensure all guests are paid equal attention.
Type of Magic Act for the Event's Theme
If you're hosting a vintage-themed soirée, a magician with a penchant for old-world charm might be ideal. On the other hand, a modern launch event might benefit from cutting-edge illusions. Always align the magic to the mood.
Venue Logistics
Is there space for a grand illusion on stage? Or are you looking for performers to move amongst the crowd? The layout and size of your venue play crucial roles in dictating the kind of magic that's feasible.
Budget Considerations
Get a clear understanding of what different magicians charge and what's included in their packages, ensuring there are no surprises.
Timings and Performance Duration
Magic, at its core, is about timing. Similarly, when you hire a magician for your event, the timing of their act is crucial to maximise engagement and impact.
When Should the Magician Perform?
- Weddings: The most popular time for a wedding magician to perform is during the cocktail hour when guests are mingling or during the meal transitions. It keeps guests entertained during moments that might otherwise have lulls.
- Corporate Events: Consider having the magician perform during breaks, or as an engaging ice-breaker at the start of the evening. For award ceremonies or formal dinners, between courses or awards can be a good time.
- Parties: If it's a birthday or anniversary party, timing the act post-cake cutting or after a meal will grab maximum attention.
Duration of the Act
- Close-Up Magic: Close-up magicians typically perform for up to 2 hours with breaks, often moving from group to group or table to table.
- Stage Magic: A stage performance can vary, but most acts range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. It depends on the intricacy of the illusions and the magician's repertoire.
Every magician has their rhythm and style, so it's essential to discuss and decide on the timings that complement both their performance and the flow of your event.
Booking a Magician
Navigating the world of magical entertainment can be a minefield. However, with our expertise at Bands For Hire, we aim to make the booking process as smooth as a magician's sleight of hand.
- Research and Recommendations: Start with personal recommendations, but don't forget to explore our expansive roster. At Bands For Hire, we represent a wide range of magicians across every corner of the UK. Our team handpicks all magicians on our website to ensure your event runs without a hitch.
- View Performance Footages: Most magicians on our roster come with promotional videos or clips from previous performances - the perfect way to sample their style, charisma, and the kind of reactions you might expect from your own guests.
- Check Availability and Pricing: Once you've found one or two favourites, drop us an enquiry, and we'll provide detailed pricing and confirm the magician's availability for your event date.
- Ask About Customisation: Every event is unique, and our magicians understand that. They're often happy to tailor their performance to your specific theme.
- Sign a Contract: Here at Bands For Hire, we handle all the contractual details, making this step straightforward. Our contracts clearly outline performance length, fees, and other pertinent terms, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding.
- Stay in Touch: After your booking is confirmed, it's essential to maintain open communication lines. As the event approaches, we'll put you in direct contact with your magician, allowing you to go over the finer details of your event.
Preparation and Event Day Logistics
Even after securing a magician for your event, ensuring a seamless performance requires meticulous planning. Here are some points to bear in mind before the big day.
Technical Requirements
Well before the event, liaise with your magician to understand any specific technical needs. Although close-up magicians generally provide everything they need, stage performers may have special technical requirements such as lighting, audio equipment, or a particular stage setup. Preparing in advance ensures there are no surprises on the day
Arrival and Setup
Coordinate with your magician regarding their arrival time. Ensure they have clear directions to your venue and know where to set up. This helps in creating a stress-free environment and allows for any last-minute adjustments
Dress Code and Presentation
Communicate the dress code or theme of your event to the magician. Whether it's a formal affair or a casual gathering, you'll want your performer to blend seamlessly with the ambience
Backup Plans
Always have a contingency plan. If there's an outdoor performance, for instance, consider what might happen if the weather turns. Discuss potential hiccups with your magician and be prepared with solutions
Breaks and Intermissions
If your magician's performance spans several hours, they might need short breaks. Discuss this in advance so you can schedule these intermissions at convenient moments during your event
Post-Performance
After the magic concludes, ensure there's a plan for the magician to pack away their equipment and props efficiently. This smooth transition can be crucial if you have other acts or activities lined up.
Ready to Book Your Magician?
Adding a magician to your party entertainment lineup can turn an ordinary event into an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests.
As with all aspects of event planning, the key to a successful magical act lies in diligent preparation, research, and clear communication. By following the comprehensive guide above, you're well on your way to ensuring that the magic at your event is nothing short of spellbinding!
Head over to our magicians for hire page to get started and get in touch to speak to a member of our team.
