Magicians at a Wedding... Old hat or actually rather exciting?

Yep, magicians... what are your thoughts? Is it rabbits out of hats? Paul Daniels? Or, something more stylish like Dynamo or David Blaine... or, even Criss Angel??! I got talking to a friend over the weekend about this subject and the stock answer I received was 'magicians are boring, they do my head in by coming over and doing card tricks.' And, I can see where he was coming from, sometimes they can be intrusive and unfortunately without reason. What I mean is, if you're going to come over and start performing magic tricks for me (as in the Royal me, not me per se) make sure they are AMAZING! I want to see something new and worthwhile, not something that I saw when I was 6 and have done every year thereafter.

Take a guitar for example... there are LOADS! You can buy a £99 package with amp, strap, Burt Weedon (RIP) lesson book and plectrum! Or, you can spend £600 and get yourself a Fender Stratocaster. Or, you can buy a locking system Ibanez, or a semi-acoustic.... etc.... etc... there are lots to choose from and some will be fantastic and some will be utter... well, you know. Cheese wire to smooth as silk... it's all about playing them and seeing what fits. And, magicians are the same by comparison. There are magicians who perform more old school magic tricks and there are the new breed of magicians who are great at street magic, mind reading and pick pocketing.

To find a magician that will wow you it's a case of doing your research. Watch videos, read reviews, even take a look at their photos. If they look like Dynamo in style and appear to be on the street then the chances are that this is they style they are aspiring to. But, if they are in a restaurant and have a piece of rope or a hanky train then you can see they are probably a more 'stock' magician. Now, there's nothing wrong with either from my point of view, but it's all about choosing one that is right for you and your event. For example, maybe don't hire a magician that performs the old school hanky and rope tricks for a University ball... chances are they will find it a very tough gig. For this kind of gig you need the street smart, contemporary style that will truly keep the guests on their toes. Similarly, if you are booking for a corporate event you will more than likely want the safer option so the guests are comfortable.

But, if it's your wedding you are thinking of hire a magician for you need to think about your guests and what would appeal to them? Are they of a certain age group that would suit the street-smart magician or are they more a relax and enjoy the old schooler? This is where you really will need to do your research and not just settle for the first magician that meets your budget. It may even be worth stretching the budget in all honesty just a little to get the right one. The right magician can add to your day like you would not believe and really get guests mingling, in the mood for partying into the night and having a laugh! It sounds cliche, but a magician that wows and amazes will keep your guests talking for ages!

So, I think a magician is a great idea and as long as they are coming over to me to show me something truly ace then I will never mind if they interrupt :)