Hiring a magician should be the easy part of planning your event. In over 20 years of performing at corporate events, weddings and private parties across London, the UK and abroad, I’ve seen what makes a booking go smoothly, and what makes clients wish they’d asked a few more questions.
In short
- Decide what you want the magic to do for your guests before you look at magicians.
- Choose the right style: close-up, table, mind reading or a stage show.
- Plan where it fits in your day. Drinks receptions and the gaps between courses work best.
- Book early. Weddings and December Christmas parties go first.
- Check video, reviews and real clients, then send a detailed enquiry.
Here’s the step-by-step process I’d follow if I were booking a magician myself.
Step 1: Decide what you want the magic to do
Before you look at a single showreel, think about the job you want the magic to do. The best entertainment solves a problem at your event.
- Breaking the ice at a drinks reception where guests don’t know each other
- Filling the gaps while the wedding photos are taken or between courses
- Impressing clients at a hospitality event, launch or awards dinner
- Creating a talking point people remember long after the night
Once you know the goal, choosing the right magician and the right style becomes much easier.
Step 2: Choose the right style of magic
“Magician” covers very different kinds of performance. These are the main options for events:
- Close-up magic: the magician moves between small groups, performing right in front of guests’ eyes. Ideal for drinks receptions and networking.
- Table magic: performed table to table between courses at dinners, weddings and gala events.
- Mind reading: impossible predictions and thought reading that leave adults talking.
- Stage shows and after-dinner shows: a show for the whole room, perfect for awards nights and conferences.
- iPad magic and bespoke magic: magic built around your brand, product or message.
Many events combine two: close-up at the reception, then a short show after dinner. For bigger events, a team of magicians makes sure every guest sees the magic.
Step 3: Work out where magic fits in your event
Timing makes a huge difference. Magic works best when guests are mingling or waiting, not when they’re mid-speech or on the dance floor.
- Drinks reception: the best slot of all. Guests are relaxed and the magic gets everyone talking.
- Between courses: table magic keeps the energy up while the kitchen works.
- After dinner: the moment for a mind reading set or a short show.
A good magician will help you plan this. Share your running order and ask where they think the magic will have the most impact.
Step 4: Book early
The most experienced magicians are booked months ahead, and some dates go much faster than others.
- Weddings: summer Saturdays are often booked a year or more ahead.
- Christmas parties: December evenings, especially Thursdays and Fridays, are usually the first dates to go. Christmas party magic is best booked in late summer or early autumn.
- Corporate events: conferences and awards dinners are often planned months in advance.
If you have a date, it’s always worth checking it straight away, even before every detail is confirmed.
Step 5: Check they’re the real deal
Anyone can call themselves a magician. Before you book, look for proof:
- Video: watch real performances at real events, not just edited clips. You want to see genuine reactions. Here are my videos.
- Reviews: look for recent, detailed reviews on Google from events like yours. You can read my reviews.
- Clients: who have they actually worked for? I’ve performed for clients including Apple, Google, Amazon and HSBC.
- Professional standards: public liability insurance and membership of a recognised body such as The Magic Circle.
Then talk to them. I’ve written a full guide to what to ask a magician before hiring, including the red flags to watch for.
Step 6: Send a detailed enquiry
The more you share upfront, the faster you’ll get an accurate quote and a useful plan. Include:
- Your date and venue (or the area if the venue isn’t confirmed)
- The type of event and roughly how many guests
- Your timings: when guests arrive, eat and finish
- What you want the magic to do (from Step 1)
- Anything special: a VIP, a product launch, a surprise for the couple
You can check your date with me here. I reply personally to every enquiry.
What affects the cost of hiring a magician?
Every event is different, so experienced magicians quote individually. The main things that affect the fee are:
- The date and season (December and summer Saturdays are in highest demand)
- How long you need the magic for
- Travel to the venue, especially for events outside London or abroad
- Bespoke elements, such as branded magic or a tailored show
- Whether you need one magician or a team
I’ve explained this in more detail in how much does a magician cost in London? The cheapest option is rarely the best value. The magician is with your guests all night, so experience matters.
Step 7: Plan the details together
Once you’ve booked, a short planning call makes the night run perfectly. Agree:
- Arrival time, start time and finish time
- Dress code, so the magician blends in with your guests
- Key people to look after: the CEO, the couple, a guest of honour
- A contact on the night, usually your planner, venue manager or best man
After that, you can relax. A professional magician takes care of the rest.
Hiring a magician in London, the UK and abroad
I perform at events across London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and the rest of the UK, and travel internationally for weddings and corporate events. Wherever your event is, the steps are the same. If you’re ready to hire a magician for your event, send me your date and I’ll let you know straight away if I’m free.
More advice from Matt
About Matt Parro
Matt is a multi-award-winning close-up magician and mind reader, and President of the Sussex Magic Circle, with more than 20 years of performing at events for clients including Google, HSBC and Amazon. He performs across London, the UK and internationally.