Magician bookings through Party Central typically start from £395, with the final price depending on how long the magician performs, the style of show and where your event is. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location, so we quote every booking individually.
Key takeaways
- Time on site, style of magic and travel are the main price factors.
- Close-up magic during the drinks reception or between courses gives the best value.
- Stage shows need more planning, a seated audience and a clear slot in the running order.
What types of magician can you book?
Most wedding and event magicians perform close-up magic, also called table or walkabout magic. They move between small groups of guests, performing card tricks, sleight of hand and mind reading right in front of people, often using guests' own rings, phones or notes.
Some also offer a stage or cabaret show for a seated audience, which suits corporate dinners, birthdays and parties with a clear entertainment slot. A few specialise in mind reading or comedy magic.
What affects the price of a magician?
Time on site is the biggest factor. A magician covering the drinks reception alone is a shorter booking than one who stays through the meal and into the evening. Travel, date and season also matter, and December party season is one of the busiest times of the year for magicians.
The style of show makes a difference too. A stage show needs more preparation, props and sometimes sound, while close-up magic needs very little.
- Time on site and number of sets
- Close-up, stage or a mix of both
- Travel distance and parking
- Date, season and day of the week
- Any bespoke elements, such as a personalised routine
Tip from our team: If your date falls in December, enquire early. Corporate parties take up many magicians' diaries from late November onwards.
How long should you book a magician for?
In our experience, the drinks reception is the best value slot. Guests are standing in groups, the couple are away having photos and there is a natural gap to fill. A skilled close-up magician can reach most groups during this time at a typical wedding.
For larger weddings, many couples extend the booking into the meal, with the magician visiting tables between courses. For big Asian weddings with several hundred guests, two magicians or a longer booking helps everyone see some magic.
Tip from our team: Tell your magician who the key family members are. A moment of magic with grandparents or the couple's parents often becomes a favourite memory.
Want a quote for magicians?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
What is included in a magician booking?
A standard close-up booking includes the magician, their props and their time on site. They need no stage, power or sound, and they work around your running order.
For a stage show, you may need a small stage area, a microphone and a clear slot where guests are seated and listening. All Party Central partners are vetted by our team and hold public liability insurance.
It helps to share your running order and a rough idea of guest numbers in advance. The magician can then plan how to move through the room and which groups to reach first.
How can you get the best value from a magician?
Use the magician where guests are waiting. The drinks reception, the gap between courses and the queue for a photo booth all benefit from a moment of magic. Avoid the dancefloor, where music is too loud for close-up work.
Pairing works well too. A magician and a caricature artist at the drinks reception cover different groups, and a violinist or pianist in the background adds atmosphere.
Want a quote for magicians?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
When is a magician not the right choice?
If your event is mostly dancing with loud music, close-up magic will struggle to be heard and seen. It also works less well in very crowded spaces where guests cannot gather in small groups.
In those cases a visual act such as mirror men or dancers might fit better. We will always give you an honest view.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a magician for a wedding?
Most magician bookings start from £395. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location, so we quote each booking individually.
What is the best time for a magician at a wedding?
The drinks reception is the most popular slot, as guests are standing in groups and the couple are away having photos. Between courses also works well.
Do magicians need any equipment or space?
Close-up magicians need nothing from the venue. Stage magicians may need a small performance area, a microphone and a seated audience.
Are magicians good for corporate events?
Yes. Close-up magic works well at networking receptions and dinners, and a stage show can be a strong after-dinner slot at awards and parties.
Book a magician for your event
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Written by the Party Central events team. Prices mentioned are starting points only. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location. Party Central is a trading name of Booking Central Ltd.
