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Hello all!
I'v just got my first wedding gig, its table hopping and its not for another year or so (some people plan weddings way too in advance XD) but I wanted to know what kind of tricks you think would be appropriate, and how long each stint at each table should be? Any other advice on doing weddings would be much appreciated!
Cheers,
Edantes

Edit: I forgot to mention, what i mean by "what kind of tricks..." is that I have a massive collection of playing card related mentalism effects, which are usualy the ones i perform on the street, but I wondered if it might be a good idea to add in a few non-card tricks? Or do people think that this would spoil the flow of the card mentalism?

I'm not going to give away my set list but a few pointers would be to NOT ask the couple to take off their wedding rings for an effect (ring flight etc).

A good idea is to do something which leaves them with a souvenir perhaps with both their signatures on.

Not to get in the way, know when the speaches will be taking place & keep an eye out for them coming up otherwise you'll end up midway through something when they start.

Things that don't rely on tables would be a bonus as they are usually covered with glasses, plates, food, flowers, candles etc.

My only advice on what material to use is to keep in mind that you will probably have a rather diverse group of people. At the very least you will want to have a couple of visual, no explanations needed, tricks to perform for those who are deaf/hard of hearing, mentally handicapped, don't speak English as a first language, etc.

Assuming that you are in the UK and that UK weddings work like those here in the States, you'll want to be the DJ's best friend that night. The DJ will be running the show and will be able to tell you the approximate times that different things will be happening such as arrival of the bride and groom, dollar dance, speeches/toasts, cutting of the cake, etc. You do not want to conflict with any of these things, obviously. If your working relationship with the DJ goes well, exchange business cards and call him/her the next day to thank them again and tell them that you looking forward to working with them again. Virtually every wedding reception has a DJ while very few have a Magician. Couples looking to get married will almost always go to the Florist, Caterer and DJ first. These three are usually tightly networked together. If the couple happens to go to the Caterer first then the Caterer will "highly recommend" the DJ and Florist "partners". If you want repeat business then you need to work with these people.

Arrive early and leave late. Do not eat a meal unless it is included in the deal.

Blockhead, Saw and needle through arm are all perfect effects just before the desserts.

oooor

Pick a few classic effects which are diverse (cards, coins, sponges, ropes etc). It is pretty much impossible to recommend a particular effect as its effectiveness depends on your style and presentation.
A suitable effect that fits in to a wedding though is Anniversary Waltz.

An original answer, no, but there you go. Classics are just that for a reason.


I would say in the time you have workshop a few of your favourites, test them out on people and see which ones get the best response. Let you audiences choose your act not what other magicians may like....they dont know diddly

Dont take too much either. 8 effects is more than enough for the whole night and you'll just end up having full pockets of stuff that isnt needed

Oooh and while I remember try and make most of the effects either instant reset or a reset that takes seconds otherwise your client may wonder why you are spending half your time facing the wall plundging your hands feverishly into your pockets.

and most importantly make very inappropriate jokes about the brides and brides mother's sexually adventurous past at the top table as this goes down great

The tricks that you are to perform will depend on which part of the wedding you'll be performing at.

Example, at the beginning when the Bridge and Groom arrive from the ceremony or after the wedding breakfast and speeches or perhaps at an evening reception as part of the entertainment. Each presents different performance issues to overcome.

The first, you often won't even get to perform for the Briade and Groom as they're far too buy with the photo's and guests.

You will have a wide variety of ages so I wold avoid most of the mentalism material. What works best is variety such as chop cup, rope, sponge balls and a then a few cards and coin routines.

If you're only doing cards then chances are that people will get bored rather quickly.

You also need routines that are visual and that people can follow without hearing the patter. It's usually a noisy environment and some people will strugle to hear.

If you don;t plan for all of these potential scenario's then it's your fault if you're unprepared.

Do the tricks you are best at. You don't need a special wedding set. Work in your comfort zone.

While I agree to a point, you have to have a decent array of tricks/routines to perform if you're touting yourself out for work of this kind.

One thing no-one has mentioned is that there will be kids around. Some may even follow you around. Learn a simple sponge ball routine and show any kids. you'll get a lot of kudos from any parents from doing so.

A lot of women find card magic rather dull. Mentalism or coin magic may be better for them.

I've noticed recently that if I perform a cut and restored rope routine at a table it gets good reactions. A few magician friends find Professors Nightmare works good close up for a table of guests.

Don't drink any booze and I wouldn't even eat a meal if it's offered to me. People who have been mystified by you all night may find you less mysterious as you drip gravy everywhere.

As stated very correctly you can forget the bride and groom. Especially the bride, you won't be able to do magic for them until the very end. they're simply too busy. Wait till the very end though and you can do a personal quick trick for them. Refraction works quite nice.

It shouldnt rerally matter what the event is,should it?
Whether it be a wedding in a grand place,60th Birthday in a marquee in the back garden, a restaurant,or a christmas party,you should perform your usual effects in the usual way.
They are still your lay audience.

Deano

deano0010 wrote:It shouldnt rerally matter what the event is,should it?
Whether it be a wedding in a grand place,60th Birthday in a marquee in the back garden, a restaurant,or a christmas party,you should perform your usual effects in the usual way.
They are still your lay audience.

Deano

I have to agree with this, As long as you have a variation of effects you usually perform then why change it?

When I do weddings I use the same effects and routines I would perform anywehre else, I just make sure I include the obvious (like Paul Greens coming together/ Anniversary Waltz) for the bride and groom and I make sure I show them my best stuff.

Always perform what you are comfortabe with and dont change due to the event.

And as long as you have a couple of visual easy to follow routines you will find any children that are there will be able to watch along with the adults just fine.

Lee.

Anniversary Waltz - for sure.....!

There's a really good version of it on James Prince's Menu Of Miracle DVD - totally impromptu and can even use a borrowed deck!

I'd also recommend the comment about having material suitable for kids - a couple of times I've been at wedding gigs and, having introduced myself to a table as The Magician, the women present have squealed with delight and told me to "Hang on while I go and get the kids. They love magic!!"

Just be sure you've got some suitable material for the rugrats too!!!

Klangster1971 wrote:Anniversary Waltz - for sure.....!

There's a really good version of it on James Prince's Menu Of Miracle DVD - totally impromptu and can even use a borrowed deck!

I'd also recommend the comment about having material suitable for kids - a couple of times I've been at wedding gigs and, having introduced myself to a table as The Magician, the women present have squealed with delight and told me to "Hang on while I go and get the kids. They love magic!!"

Just be sure you've got some suitable material for the rugrats too!!!

Check out Paul Greens coming together if you like Anniversary Waltz its also impromptu and you get a couple of other effects during the routine. It's my favourite version by a clear mile.

Lee.

Just to revive an old thread, I have a wedding gig coming up, and whilst I've gigged a handful of times before, I did agree to a very cheap price as it's a friend, and that the couple have agreed to a testimonial to my website (yes, it's time to pull the finger out and sort it for this summer), and hopefully some great photos of guests looking happy and amazed....

BUT, what would the typical magician charge for 2.5 hours, during the receptions period, and before the DJ starts playing?

Rufio wrote:Just to revive an old thread, I have a wedding gig coming up, and whilst I've gigged a handful of times before, I did agree to a very cheap price as it's a friend, and that the couple have agreed to a testimonial to my website (yes, it's time to pull the finger out and sort it for this summer), and hopefully some great photos of guests looking happy and amazed....

BUT, what would the typical magician charge for 2.5 hours, during the receptions period, and before the DJ starts playing?

Though it sounds obvious, fee depends in experience. I also take location into account.

Depending on location, £550 is an approximate value (queue the disagreements here!!) for closeup. Stage is a different matter obviously, but I don't think you want to know about that area?

Though perks are also things to take into account.

Hmmmmm..... Interesting. Yes, definitely not stage work, more of a mix and mingle presumably whilst people are idling, or those who will be trying to flirt or even perhaps whilst there is a lull in proceedings. Yes, I know i've completely sold myself short, but if £550 is about the par (i'd be interested if others disagree, I guess it wouldn't be an exact science), but I'm happy to hand out business cards to drum up future gigs, and for the testimonial.

I'd love to be in a position to earn £550 a gig!