When Is The Best Time to Schedule a Magician at Your Wedding?

When you're planning your wedding day, choosing the right entertainment isn't just about what to book - it's also about when to book it. As a professional close-up magician, one of the most common questions I’m asked is: “What’s the best time to have a magician perform at our wedding?”

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the magic – and ensure your guests are entertained at just the right moments.

🕰️ Timing is Everything

Your wedding day is full of beautiful moments – but there are also natural gaps in the timeline where guests are left waiting or wandering. That’s where I come in. A wedding magician is the perfect solution to fill these quiet spots with laughter, surprise, and shared wonder.

📸 The Best Time: During the Photos

One of the most ideal moments for close-up magic is while the couple are having their wedding photos taken. This period often lasts around 60 to 90 minutes, and while you're off capturing memories with your photographer, your guests are waiting, usually with a drink in hand.

This is when a magician becomes your secret weapon - I mingle with your guests, performing interactive magic in small groups, keeping the energy up and sparking conversations between people who may not know each other yet.

🥂 Also Great: Between the Wedding Breakfast and Evening Reception

Another perfect window is after the wedding breakfast but before the evening reception starts. This is usually another lull in the day - the meal is over, the speeches are done, and guests are waiting for the next burst of excitement. Magic here reignites the buzz, lifts the room, and builds momentum towards the evening party.

🍽️ Avoid During the Wedding Breakfast

While it might seem tempting to keep entertainment going through the meal, it’s best not to schedule a magician while guests are eating. People are focused on their food, conversations are quieter, and there's less freedom to move around or fully engage with the performance.

⏱️ How Long Should You Book a Magician For?

In most cases, 2 hours is the perfect amount of time for a wedding magician. This allows me to cover around 100 guests, moving between groups to ensure everyone experiences some magic without rushing or repeating routines.

If your guest list is smaller, 1.5 hours may be enough. For larger weddings, I’m happy to continue for up to 3 hours if needed.

✨ Make Your Wedding Magical

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration - and the entertainment should reflect that. As a close-up magician based in Brighton, East Sussex, I specialise in making wedding moments feel truly special, whether you’re celebrating in Sussex, Worthing, Brighton, or beyond.

If you're looking to surprise your guests and make your wedding day even more memorable, let’s chat.