Magician or Not

its apelila

Background:
FI and I are getting married on April Fool's Day.  We have been tossing around the idea of hiring a magician to do "strolling magic" during the cocktail hour (approximately 45 minutes to an hour).  This is where he would wander amongst the guests and do random tricks/illusions/etc.  The cost will be about $300-400.

My concern is that that money could be better spent elsewhere.  I wonder if it would be worth it?

Opinions, ladies?

TheIceBreaker

I can tell you confidently why it's a GREAT idea to have a certain type of magician for your reception but first do understand that I believe the REAL problem and question is WHAT kind of magician...

 

There have been numerous threads on this subject on the knot and elsewhere and many have mentioned a "magician" being only for a kids party. However, in actuality, a sleight of hand expert would never be caught performing at a kids birthday party. That would make no sense whatsoever since it is designed for adult minds and it would be cost prohibitive. At ANY type of party where adults and family mingle, there is nothing much more fun than having your mind blown in a few minutes by a skilled walk around magician. (Not stage magician, not kiddie magician, not silly comedy magician, etc)  At a reception, people drink, eat, talk and dance. However, a GOOD magician creates excitement and conversation. Period. ANY event would benefit from utilizing this service. Why do you think most VIP parties use this "trick?" It's the extra touch and polish that HELPS make the evening more memorable and fun. It is NOT about a cheesy magician forcing silly tricks on guests. Stay away from that indeed! Anyone thinking food, drinks and music is the goldmine for "entertainment" has only scratched the surface of kick butt events. Those three things are essential. What are you going to do to go beyond ordinary?

 

Now specific to a wedding reception, a highly skilled magician (which is not too easy to find), will ensure a lonely couple left at a table alone have a good time… they will ensure groups that are hanging out drinking have fuel for laughter and conversation… they ensure those that just refuse to dance later on still have something to do… they ensure those who are a little lacking on their own conversation starters to get to open up… they can bring a sparkle to a little kid that feel lost in this adult party… they are also an extra MINGLING eye on the floor to help communicate between other event professionals since most others are not right in the mix of the crowds… they ensure that time during .5-2 hours of photos is fun for friends and family who are waiting around to say congrats… they provide someone high skill and memorable that people do not get to witness often… they make moments of massive smiles and laughter for great photos… they cause little groups to erupt with ahhhs which make everyone else realize there is a real fun party happening which is highly contagious…  they do not steal the thunder or put on a tacky "show"… they do not stop people from mingling as I've read in threads, they enhance mingling… they help keep people at the reception that might otherwise sneak off after cake… although people can be left to break the ice on their own, a good magician ensures it … but most importantly, a quality magician is a heck of fun to witness up close an personal.  I worry too many people have seen the wrong type of magician or at least some that do not know their role at a reception. 

 

That said, I've also seen threads on the idea of telling people the "magician" is an uncle and keeping it a secret. That's a bad idea that I will not explain in depth. Trust me, letting a good magician loose to do what he/she is good at is all that should happen. It's WELL worth the investment. An interesting statistic from Bride.com and USA Today revealed that nearly 100% of brides wish they WOULD have spent more of their budget on entertainment. Saying that alcohol and food in the entertainment is very minimalistic. GREAT, memorable events have unique things like ice carvers, special lighting, etc. Entertainment is what is it all about. I certainly hope this clears some confusion and helps some see this idea in a new light. It's a big mistake to label this type of entertainment as a cheap, throwaway thing. I'd think it would be smarter to watch the trends of high caliber VIP parties and model after what makes those highly successful.

 

As far as budget, a kids magician does run about $100/hr and a skilled sleight of hand artist might run upwards of $300/h+. A kids magician typically puts on a show. A sleight of hand artist is let loose for several hours to mingle with the guests.  You can read much more about the type of magic on my blog: http://richferguson.blogspot.com/2009/06/magician-what-do-you-think-of.html

 

This subject is so confusing for some that I do not even call myself a magician. I'm an entertainer first. Some magic is quite unique and not to be missed or confused with similar things people do as hobbies. Let me ask you this: Would you you assume all musicians the same? There are bands, classical, rock, violinist, drummers, soloists, groups, strolling, loud, quite, hard, soft, skilled and complete hacks… the same type of thing applies to magic. It's a shame that these wonderful receptions for friends and families miss out on something so fun because too many people think of cheesy magic when they hear the word. The wedding industry in whole has not been educated on this subject enough and it's truly a missed opportunity for us all. 

 

If you have some budget to move around and want to make your party fun for many guests, do consider a magician. That's my two cents worth.

 

Rich Ferguson, AKA "The Ice Breaker"

http://www.TheIceBreaker.com