Booking a Magician ... What you need to know

What you should know about booking a wedding magician.

The difference between an amateur and a professional?

Most people know someone who can do a few tricks, but a wedding has specific formalities and you need someone who is experienced in the business to follow the correct protocols.

The amateur magician will charge less than a professional but with this comes dangers that you may not think about, an amateur magician will almost definitely not have public liability insurance.  I would not dream of working without PLI even though in 30 years I have never had to use it.​

People always worry about paying too much for anything, yet do not worry about paying too little. If you are redoing your kitchen in your house and you get 5 quotes for similar amounts and one for less than a quarter of the others, you would have to question why it is so cheap compared to the other builders.  It is no different in the wedding industry.
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The amateur will offer you a fee, but if another customer offers them more, they will cancel or worse, just not turn up.  Every week I get calls and emails from Brides and Grooms in a panic because the have been let down and need someone to take the place.

I wish I could say I am able to assist them all, but unfortunately sometimes it is just not possible.  Why take the risk on such a special day.  Here are 5 vital questions to ask when booking your wedding magician:

• How many weddings have you performed at?
• Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
• Do you confirm the booking with a written confirmation?
• Do I need to pay a deposit?
• Is the agreed fee the total amount?

How many weddings have you performed at?
Experience at working at weddings is essential, You need to know you have booked someone who is good at what they do and can get on with their job without you having to worry about them.
Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
This is essential, some wedding venues will insist the supplier forward PLI Certificates to them before allowing them to work on the premises.  If a supplier replies NO, you should question why they do not have it.
Do you confirm the booking with a written confirmation?
This covers both you and the provider with written confirmation of all agreed aspects of the job intended.  For a magician it should cover everything from agreed fee to starting and ending times, dress codes and type of show booked.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Paying a deposit adds weight to the confirmation, I do not mark any booking as confirmed until the deposit is paid.

Is the agreed fee the total amount?
I hear so many horror stories from people who have booked a wedding supplier, not only magicians, who quote a fee then when the contract arrives has extras added on, which dramatically changes the full amount.
I once saw the breakdown listed like this:

The client had been quoted £450 for the wedding but had an extra £112.50 which the magician had not mentioned in the booking at all, including a random booking fee, which I am pleased to say I have never heard being used before this or after.  The client was deeply unhappy and so did not book this magician.

I am sure though there are plenty of people who do agree and end up paying more than they were quoted.

What kind of performer are you booking?

Magicians come in all shapes and sizes and you want to make sure the magician you book is the right one for your wedding.  The best way to get this information is to meet the magician face to face and trust your instincts.
If the magician starts speaking negatively about other magicians, service providers or customers, you have to ask if this the kind of person you want mixing with your guests at your wedding.
Another good method is to follow a simple checklist:

• Does the magician offer a consultation meeting?
• Does the magician have a website or just a facebook page?
• Does the magician have any videos or photos of them working at events?
• Does the magician have references or reviews you can read or look at?
• What kind of questions does the magician ask, if any?
• Do you feel excited or do you have questions or concerns about booking this magician for your wedding?

If you have any questions or concerns about your service provider, I would suggest you look for another.  I get so many emails and letters from customers who felt so comfortable with booking me, excited about what I will bring to their wedding and overjoyed I was available. 

Websites and photos give you an insight into who you are booking, photos and videos of mates in a pub do not stand up against photos or videos at a wedding or event.  A facebook page is great to get reviews and comments from people but a website should be a window into the service provider you are booking.

At the time of writing I have one bride who is considering changing her wedding day to the following week because I was unavailable for her wedding date, whilst this is humbling to me, it also shows she has amazing confidence in what I do and what I bring to the table.

A wedding is a special event and you want to make sure your magician will enhance the day and contribute to the atmosphere, someone who will compliment your day and make sure it is unforgettable.

Memberships & Credentials?

Membership to any industry organisation means you have someone who has made a commitment to their services.  Being a member of the Magic Circle or Equity shows a level of professionalism and commitment to providing a good quality product.

Magic Circle:
Most people have heard of the Magic Circle, most people see this as an industry standard, and whilst being a member does carry a certain prestige, it is a magic club and not much different to many others around the country.
The Magic Circle has 3 levels of membership:
Member of the Magic Circle
Associate of Inner Magic Circle
Member of the Inner Magic Circle

Membership is not that easy to attain and requires an audition and requires members to follow a strict set of guidelines.

Equity:
Equity is the entertainments union and again has a set of regulations and rules that need to be observed before membership is granted.  Being a member makes a positive statement about your commitment to your vocation and your place in the industry. an Equity card is a universally recognised symbol of your status as a professional.

Membership to any organisation does not guarantee quality but it does provide you with someone you can talk to regarding any concerns etc.

What other services does the magician offer?

Most magicians work in one specific area, they may do close up magic around tables and in a reception environment, they may do children’s shows or they might do a stage or illusion style show.

Some magicians are adept at working more than one style and so they may offer a number of different performance packages.

One for weddings that I offer is close up magic for the reception and wedding breakfast and a children’s performance whilst the speeches are happening.

​Whatever your magician is supplying make sure you have it all listed and detailed in a confirmation so that there is no confusion on the day, but also do not get pressured into accepting any “extras” that you do not need or want.  A good supplier will advise and give options, if they are pushing too hard, or trying the hard sell, you have to ask why?  I truly believe what I offer sells itself.  Listen to the options and make a decision that compliments your day and your wedding.

The most important question?

So you have made the decision to book, now what is the most important question to ask the supplier.
I truly believe it has to be:

Why should I book you?

Listen to their answer, will it be their dynamic personality that will light up the room, their amazing repertoire of magic that will leave your guests spellbound, their professionalism that has kept their diarys full year upon year. I hope its all of that and more.
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I am proud of the service I offer and hate it when I hear stories of people being let down or having substandard entertainment.
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Thanks for reading please like and share this blog post and I will love you more than all the playing cards in the world and please feel free to check out my other favorite wedding suppliers HERE.
Also check out these amazing reviews and testimonials all about yours truly by clicking right HERE.

Until next time remember to keep the magic alive and spread the love.