Holiday weddings are magical so it’s no wonder that magicians are a popular form of entertainment for holiday weddings. But hiring a magician isn’t exactly something you do every day. If you need some guidelines for how to do it, let our magical members give you some tips.
Know Your Audience
Are you looking for a magician to entertain just the kids at your wedding or are you looking for someone to work the crowd during your cocktail hour? Having an idea of what you want the magician to do is important.
Chad Chesmark (Houston, Texas) explains, “It’s important to know which type of magic you’re looking for from your performer. Some magicians specialize in close-up magic and can stroll from guest to guest at a party, while others will perform a more formal stage-magic show. There are adult and/or corporate magicians and there are children’s magicians.”
Do Your Research
When you start your search for a magician – visit performer profiles and get to know what they have to offer. Close-up Magic of Marco (Rockaway, New Jersey) advises, “Clients should really do their homework and research before they even call an entertainer. Sites like GigMasters are great because of the rating system and client review features. Clients should only consider hiring magicians or other types of entertainers who have performance videos and video testimonials on their websites.”
Reading client reviews on a performer’s profile is a very important step in the search process. Reviews you will find on GigMasters’ profiles are written by actual clients who have worked with that magician. Make sure to look at reviews that are relevant to weddings. As Marco suggests, you should also watch videos of the magician and view their pictures. If you would like more footage or additional references, you can always ask the performer to provide you with more information. You can never ask too many questions during the search process.
Considerations for the Kids
If you are hiring a magician primarily for the kids at the wedding, you will likely have concerns about inviting a performer (who you don’t know) around kids, especially if the kids might be in a separate room. Chris C. Miller (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) offers advice on precautions you should take when searching for a magician for a child’s party. “Many clients may be looking for entertainment for their children, and we all know our children are our most valuable possessions. You will want to find out if the magician you are considering is someone who works well with kids and can keep their attention for longer than 15 minutes. You also want the performer to be someone who is very trustworthy. The GigMasters rating system makes it very simple for the client to see what other people think of the entertainer you are considering. You should also consider asking the magician if they have a current state background check. Most professionals will have annual background checks completed since it is a state requirement for schools and daycares to have a copy on hand before allowing anyone around the children.”
Professionals Only Please
Mark H. Wurst (Manahawkin, New Jersey) advises “When a client is considering hiring a magician they should pay very close attention to the length of time the performer has been doing magic professionally. It’s not hard to go online and buy some magic props, but crafting routines and magic tricks that will make their events exciting and fun takes a lifetime of experience. Also, when a performer has worked hundreds of different types of events you can be confident that he or she will be able to adapt to your needs and deal with any changes or issues that come up at the event.”
You should also ask any magician you are considering hiring if they are insured. Mobile Magic Entertainment (Vancouver, British Columbia) states, “The truth is, 80%+ of magicians and entertainers are NOT insured. In my opinion, it’s not worth the risk of hiring someone who is not insured. It is common practice for magicians and entertainers to be insured with at least some liability insurance. Live magicians and entertainers are working with props and people at your event, and though we don’t like to think of it, accidents can happen! When the entertainer is insured you have less to worry about and everyone is covered and can feel safe. It will give you piece of mind when hiring the magician.”
Contact and Connect
When you have narrowed down your magician selection, you should contact them for a price quote. At that point the magician will contact you and set up a time to discuss your event in greater detail. Before you speak to the performer, you should have a list of questions ready, so you don’t forget any important details.
Illusions by Vick (Ellicott City, Maryland) put together a list of questions you should review with any magician you are interested in hiring.
- Tell us about your show, what type of show can we expect?
- What types of magic do you perform?
- What effects or type of magical effects will you be performing?
- How long have you been performing professionally?
- Are you a full time professional performer?
- How many shows a year do you perform?
- Where can we see you or where can we see video of you?
- Do you do anything special for the guest of honor?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- Can you provide references?
- Have you every missed a show?
- Do you stay after the show?
Vick also added, “You should feel free to ask the performers you are considering anything that crosses your mind.” The more information you have, the higher the likelihood of you finding the perfect fit for your event. When you are ready to book, make sure you get everything in writing with an entertainment contract. It’s the best way to safeguard your event.
Remember, if you need help finding a Magician, you can reach our Customer Experience Team by calling 866-342-9794 or emailing [email protected].
Are you a Magician that wants to book more gigs? Sign up with GigMasters today. If you leave a comment below we’ll even send you a special discount for a new GigMasters membership.
What other tips do you have for hiring a Magician? Let us know in the comments below.
