A wedding magician: choosing the right moment and planning your day

A wedding brings together people who may never have met before. Close-up magic gives guests a shared experience and something to talk about, whether they are mingling at the reception or sitting together at dinner. It works best when it fits naturally into the flow of your day.

Chris Tyler performs close-up magic among your guests. Here are some suitable moments and the practical details to discuss before booking.

During the drinks reception

Guests often arrive at different times during a drinks reception. A strolling magician can join small groups without asking everyone to gather around a stage. This makes it a good setting for informal entertainment.

Choose a time when enough guests will be present, and share the schedule for greetings, photographs and speeches. Guests can then enjoy the magic without missing another important part of the day.

Between courses at dinner

With table magic, Chris visits guests at their tables. A gap between courses can provide an opportunity for a short, interactive performance, with the magic happening close enough for guests to take part.

Coordinate the timing with your venue or caterer. Food service, clearing plates and speeches all need space in the schedule. A seating plan also helps you discuss how many tables there will be and how visits to different groups could fit into the meal.

During the evening celebration

Close-up magic can also work during the evening, particularly for guests taking a break from the dance floor. The setting matters: somewhere people can hear one another is more suitable than a spot next to a loudspeaker.

Discuss the music, lighting and available space in advance. This helps identify a good location for the performance and how it will fit alongside other entertainment.

How much time should you allow?

The right duration depends on your guest count, how people are grouped and the part of the day you choose. A reception with guests mingling calls for a different approach from a seated dinner. There is no single duration that suits every wedding.

Include an approximate guest count and your provisional schedule when enquiring. Explain what you have in mind, too: are you looking for an informal addition to the reception, or is your priority for as many guests as possible to experience a performance?

Details to agree in advance

• Your wedding date, venue and preferred start and finish times.
• The number of guests and how they will be grouped.
• Whether the performance will take place at the reception, dinner or evening party.
• The timing of speeches, photographs, meals and other entertainment.
• A contact person for the day, such as your wedding coordinator.
• Any language preferences or practical considerations for your guests.

Chris speaks Dutch and English. If you are welcoming international guests, mention this when you enquire.

How much does a wedding magician cost?

The price depends on details such as the duration, location and format of the performance. Read more about the cost of hiring a magician and what to include when requesting a quote.

To discuss how magic could fit into your wedding day, contact Chris Tyler with your date, venue and approximate guest count. You can then explore the options together.