Wedding Planning Tips – Should a Magician Perform during the meal?

Top Wedding Planning Tips

When a new couple make an enquiry with me, they often wonder when's the best time to book a wedding magician for their wedding? Many people think that hiring a magician to perform during the sit down meal or wedding breakfast is the most popular time. In todays blog post I would like to challenge and hopefully dispel this myth, opening up a whole bunch of new opportunities that you may not have previously considered.

Should a Magician Perform During the Meal?

Over the years it has become almost commonplace to envision your wedding magician performing during the meal. They walk around the tables as your guests are eating, and perform magic up close. Many people have experienced this type of performance at functions in the past and assume it’s the right thing to do. However it might not always be the best opportunity for your guests to enjoy the magic! You might have selected the perfect magician for your wedding, but it could all be wasted if the timings aren’t right.

The meal is an integral part of any wedding. Your family & guests will be enjoying one of the more formal aspects of the day. It’s imperative that they have the opportunity to enjoy this part of the wedding without interruption. Imagine being sat at a friends wedding now and enjoying a delicious meal that has been prepared for you. Then imagine as you are eating and chatting to friends, a magician wanders over and asks you to 'pick a card'.  You might be a huge magic fan, but timing really is everything! Many of your guests wont want to be interrupted by a performer, regardless of how good they are if they are eating.

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Kitchen Nightmares...

It is during the meal that the catering staff will be at their busiest. The kitchen will be crowded and courses will be being plated up. The wait team will be bringing hot plates in and out of the kitchen, and the potential of an accident will be higher than at other times. If you factor in a magician also walking around the tables, it could well be a step too far.

During my earlier days performing at weddings, I experienced this exact scenario. I had been hired to perform during the drinks reception, but there was a problem. The wedding party were heavily delayed arriving at the venue from the church. This meant that the drinks reception had to be cut short and upon the guests arriving at the venue, they were immediately seated for the meal.

I had to then perform at the tables as the wait staff served the food. It was chaotic and unorganised. After about 30 minutes of service the inevitable happened. As I was performing at a table, a young member of the wait team walked briskly into me. This particular waitress was holding a large gravy boat. The entire contents covered me and the guests! Wedding white became wedding brown and we all needed to urgently visit a dry cleaners.

Performing in between courses can be a hit! - Photo by Chris Seddon

A Tasty Solution

So how do we solve the performance puzzle? Over the years, whenever I have been asked; "Should a Magician Perform During the Meal?" I have offered the following recommendation.

A wedding magician can perform during the meal, but it's recommended to do so in between each course.

Once your guests are seated, there will be a period of time before the starters are served. This is an ideal opportunity for your magician to break the ice and perform to each table before the meal. As the starters are being served at one table, the magician can move onto the another table and perform there. They can work with the wait staff to ensure that there are no problems. Your magician can either perform for the next table to be served, so they are always one or two tables ahead. Or they can start to perform at the one side of the room and work in the opposite direction. This ensures the wait staff and magician avoid each other completely.

This procedure is then repeated for the main course & desserts, maximising the number of guests experiencing the magic.

Final Thoughts

When hiring a wedding magician its important to effectively utilise their skill set. A skilled magician will be able to break the ice and generate a buzz whenever they perform. Would you prefer not to have your magician perform during the meal? If so you might be interested in them performing during the photographs instead?

If you are currently looking to hire a wedding magician to entertain your friends and family, please get in touch today.

For more Wedding Planning Tips, be sure to read the next article in the series.

Wedding Planning Tips - Should a Magician Perform During Live Music?

Top Wedding Planning Tips

When I am speaking to couples that have booked me to perform at their wedding, one of the questions that seem to pop up quite frequently is:

“We have booked a Band, will you be ok performing whilst they are playing?”

So Should a Magician Perform During Live Music?

It’s an interesting question that can be looked at from a variety of different angles. The most important to consider is; "Will one performance interrupt the other?" Now clearly we aren't discussing simultaneous stage performances. The magician will have been hired to mingle in this capacity, whilst the band will be playing live from the stage.

If the bands set is so loud that none of your guests can hear the magician perform then provisions need to be made to ensure guests are entertained to a professional level. The last thing you want on your big day is a substandard performance from your wedding magician.

Effective Communication

Some acts are very visual in their performance, they can be watched without having to listen, such as caricaturists and dancers. These kinds of acts are fine when performing during loud music, but others for example; Magicians, Mind Readers & Mentalists, will need to communicate with your guests and be heard. Their performances rely on effective communication, otherwise most of what happens will be lost on your guests.

Theres no point in hiring a wedding magician if you plan to have a loud band playing in the same room. So what is the solution? Drop the Band? Fire the Magician? The answer is actually much simpler and easier.

Image asking Should a Magician Perform During Live Music?

An alternative room where guests can enjoy the performance.

 A Simple Solution

Wherever your band is set up to play, have your magician perform in an adjacent room. Most venues have multiple rooms where guests can sit and relax if things are getting loud or a little hectic. Having your wedding magician base themselves in this quieter room will be the perfect opportunity for them to shine.

Your guests will be able to hear the magician perform and as a result will be much more effective. If you are not sure what rooms are available then simply speak with your chosen venue beforehand. More often than not, your venue will be able to advise you as it most probably be something they have already done previously.

Just the One Room?

If your particular venue is small or only has the one room then an alternative approach may be possible. One of the things that I have done in the past is simply this. If the environment is too loud, and the guests cannot hear me talk. I simply step as far away from the band or Wedding DJ as possible. I can recall several times in the past where a band have been playing in a marquee, and I’ve been performing at the opposite end.

This can often satisfy all guests, as there will invariably be some, who aren't enjoying the band but still want entertaining and those who want to dance the night away on the dance floor. If you feel your wedding might be too loud that other entertainers there might not be able to optimally perform then speak to them. A Professional Magician will always be flexible and be able to adapt and provide a workable solution. It is after all, your special day!

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Final Thoughts

The key thing is to ensure all guests are entertained to the highest quality possible. If you are still asking yourself "Should a Magician Perform During Live Music?" You probably already know the answer! Speak to both your magician and venue, it's only by working together that you'll be able to resolve the issue.

If you have any questions regarding the performing environment at your wedding then let me know. I will be happy to discuss more possible ideas with you. Simply send me a message through my contact form, or call me now on 07841 332816. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Are you looking for more useful articles for planning your wedding entertainment? You might want to check out this Top Wedding Planning Tip.

Wedding Planning Tips - Should my Wedding Magician Perform during the Photographs?

Top Wedding Planning Tips

Hello! In this series of special Blog posts, I will be offering a range of top wedding planning tips to help your plan and organise your wedding day. My name is Looch, a professional Mind Reader & Magician based in Nottinghamshire, UK. Many of my clients are couples, just like yourselves, who are in the midst of planning their special day.

I have over 15 years experience providing wedding entertainment in the UK. Throughout those years, I have also had the pleasure of winning various nationally recognised awards within the entertainment industry. All my advice and tips are based on the years of experience entertaining guests at weddings nationwide. I want your wedding day to be perfect! The wedding planning tips that I will be sharing in these blog posts are yours to take, consider, agree or disagree with. I hope you find them useful.

Should my Wedding Magician Perform during the Photographs?

In all the years I have been hired to perform at weddings, one thing has always remained true. There is always a natural lull in proceedings immediately after the ceremony has finished. The structure of the day is self-explanatory during the build up, but once you have tied the knot, your guests often don’t fully understand what comes next.

When do we eat?

This can be an awkward part of your day; your guests will be served drinks and stand around chatting politely. Often guests are waiting to be notified of the schedule of the day, and will be wondering when they get to eat!

This is typically the exact same time where your wedding photographer will be keen to get the majority of the formal shots complete. You will often be so busy with the photographer, as you are taken to various locations for photos with family and guests. You might even feel that you are neglecting guests who are not directly involved in the photos, but fear not. One of the very best ways in which to keep the natural flow of your wedding going, is to hire an entertainer who can perform during the photographs with your guests.

Image showing a Wedding Magician Perform during the Photographs

Step in the Wedding Magician!

A wedding magician is a fantastic possibility. A professional entertainer who can mingle at your wedding and perform close up magic to friends and family. Making them laugh and amazing them! My Mix & Mingle performance has been a very popular choice over the years to keep everyone entertained. There will be many guests who wont be directly involved with the photographs, such as friends and work colleagues. By performing up close to ALL your guests, I will be able to generate a buzz amongst everyone and create a real talking point.

Ice Breaking Magic

Many couples have commented that they think of me as the perfect icebreaker for those guests/family who have never met before! This was something that in my earlier years, I had never considered. Many wedding guests will be from different sides of the family and will know you through vastly different channels. Being able to use a wedding magician to break the ice and get all guests talking and socialising is fantastic, and is certainly recommended.

Hopefully by now, you will know the answer to "Should my Wedding Magician Perform during the Photographs?" A close up magician is the ideal type of magic for this specific moment in time at your wedding. It has more of an impact during this part of the day, because guests are only just starting to relax and celebrate after your ceremony. They tend to be more responsive and appreciative, especially when compared to an evening reception performance.

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Feedback from Couples

"We could hear the screams from our guests from across the fields! We knew then that we had made the best choice for our wedding entertainment. Looch is the expert in this sort of thing. We cannot recommend him enough if you are looking for a magician to entertain at your reception." - Mr & Mrs Cooper

"What a treat you gave us! Thank you Looch, you were incredible. Our guests were so engrossed in what you were doing they almost forgot to be seated when it was time to go in for the meal!" - Mr & Mrs Anderson

Planning your Wedding Entertainment?

If you are in the planning stages of your own wedding day. Lets have a chat about my services and I can amaze your guests during the photographs. Please call me on 07841 332816 or send me an online message.

Click here for more Wedding Planning Tips.

Festival of the Mind - Man vs Machine

One of the more difficult tasks within Mentalism is finding creative and unique angles when performing your material. I always try to give my shows a unique twist or premise which captures the imagination of my audience. This 'Man vs Machine' story that follows is a perfect example of that.

In late 2013 I was presented with an unexpected and fantastic opportunity. Completely out of the blue, Dr. Aneurin Kennerley, a researcher at the University of Sheffield in the UK, wrote the following letter to me:

The Letter

Dear Sir,

My name is Dr Aneurin James Kennerley, and I am a research Fellow (Physicist) at the University of Sheffield. My research concerns brain imaging, specifically using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to look at brain function.

Can the technique really be used to 'see' what people are thinking? In recent years there have been a plethora of news articles and documentaries concerning such applications of MRI.

I am in the initial phases of organising a public engagement event to run at the Festival of Mind 2014 to discuss some of the science behind MRI and dispel some of these popular press myths. If you are not aware, the Festival of Mind is an 11-day event (starting September 18th) to showcase the research strengths and cultural collaborations of the University of Sheffield and the City.

The festival takes place at key venues around the University and the City. It is open to everyone - the general public, academic colleagues and the professional and cultural quarter.

I thought my outreach event might be something you, as a professional mind reader, would be very interested in and could come on board with as a creative collaborator. You could run a performance, and I could discuss if technology can help us read people's minds. I actually run an MRI facility and I can set up a remote link to the scanner in the University for people to access. I have run similar smaller events for the University, and visitors had great fun when I performed simple mind reading tricks and games with them (I am somewhat of an amateur illusionist myself). However I really feel a more professional edge is needed for the Festival of Mind.

I am in the process of applying for funding for the event. If you are interested, please get in touch and we can discuss these ideas and commission further.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,
Aneurin

Festival of the Mind

My interest was most definitely piqued, and teaming up with a prestigious University would be hugely beneficial. I met up with Anuerin to discuss his ideas and objectives for the project. He wanted to increase public awareness of MRI by giving an example of what it could do. Linking MRI to the idea of ‘Mind Reading’ was a great way to engage public interest.

The show was to be part of a bi-annual event held in my hometown of Sheffield called ‘Festival of the Mind’. This is a University organised 11 day event which involves creative collaborators working with departments within the University. Together, they create projects and demonstrations to educate and inspire the public with regard to the capabilities of the human mind. It was right up my alley.

The Concept

Aneurin had a concept whereby a random member of the public would be placed into an MRI machine and shown a series of images via a video screen. As the images were being shown to the participant, their brain activity would be scanned and the subsequent data analysed. Aneurin informed me that the participant’s brain activity would be different depending on which image was being shown.

The Categories

Once the five images had been displayed to the participant, the MRI operator would ask them which image they would like to see again. The participant would make a choice and tell the operator via an intercom inside the machine.

Anuerin and his team would be outside the scanning room at this point. They wouldn’t be able to hear or see the participant’s choice of image. The participant would be shown their chosen image once more, and the MRI would scan their brain activity one final time.

Raw Data

During the actual show, Aneurin and his team would be given the raw data from each of the five scans, and they would create a series of ‘visual maps’ displaying the participant’s data and showing their brain activity when they were focused on each of the five different images.

The team would examine the data from when the participant was focusing on their chosen image and use it to create another ‘visual map’. The theory was that Anuerin and his team would be able to determine what image the participant had chosen by comparing the ‘visual maps’. In essence they would be using the MRI to read the participant’s mind.

It sounded like a tongue-in-cheek claim, but Aneurin told me that it is technically possible. By all accounts an American company (who went by the strap-line ‘No Lie MRI’) offered lie detection services for court trials using a similar type of comparative MRI process.

The Entertainment Factor

Aneurin wanted to bring me on board to inject an element of entertainment into what would be a public science show. We decided upon a ‘Man vs Machine’ premise, pitting me against the MRI Machine in a battle to discover which of us could read the participant’s mind.

Aneurin received approval for the project from the University, and in the months that followed we met up frequently to plan the show.

The ‘Looch’ in the Machine

As part of the project I was invited to the University Hospital to experience an MRI scan myself. This I thought was a fantastic idea. That was until Aneurin informed me that in the event of something ‘problematic’, he was legally obliged to inform my Doctor. My main concern was that they would have trouble finding anything to scan.

I underwent the exact procedure the participant would experience, and I was shown the five images during an hour long scan. It was quite claustrophobic being strapped into a giant doughnut shaped pod. I was subjected to intense mechanical and electronic noise as the £5 million scanner did its job.

It was quite difficult to remain awake for the full scan, and I can well imagine my audiences experience the same difficulty during my shows.

The noise was so intense and repetitive while in the MRI that I began to hear rhythms and music within the noise. It reminded me of hard techno music (Gabba) from the Netherlands, and it was a very surreal experience. After the scan, Aneurin and the MRI technicians gave me a debriefing. I even received some print outs of my brain, which were nice souvenirs to take with me.

The Show

The show was held on two consecutive nights in the ‘Spiegeltent’ in Sheffield City Centre. Posters went up all over Sheffield advertising the festival, and there was a real sense of excitement and buzz surrounding event.

In the months prior to the festival, Aneurin and I liaised back and forth with further ideas. The show had really come together, and we were both excited to perform it at the festival.

The opening night arrived and the show was a sell-out. It started with an interactive ‘quiz’ from the ‘Neurogirls’ who kept the audience engaged with brain based factoids and questions as the venue filled up. The ‘Neurogirls’ were a group of PhD students who were working with Aneurin at the University.

Image of Looch & Anuerin during the Man vs Machine show

After the ‘Neurogirls’ had done their bit Aneurin took the stage and presented a laymen’s introduction to MRI and its applications. He described the concept of the ‘Man vs Machine’ challenge. Explaining the University would pit their multi-million pound MRI machine against me in a battle of the brains.

Mentalism Time

I took the stage for a 25 minute Mentalism set. It was important to establish my credentials after which Aneurin would bring out the participant who had been scanned.

A short film was shown to the assembled audience on a large screen, detailing the scanning procedure. Aneurin & the ‘Neurogirls’ were presented with the scanned data onstage and began to analyse it in real time. As they were doing that, I was brought back onstage. It was time to do my ‘thing’ in an effort to determine which image the participant was thinking of.

Finale

The show concluded in dramatic fashion with me and Aneurin standing on either side of the stage with our ‘predictions’ in hand. The participant verbally revealed his image, and we both displayed our predictions for all to see.

We were both successful with our ‘predictions’, and the second show was also a sell-out. ‘Man vs Machine’ became somewhat of a hit for the festival, so much so that both the highlights reel and the full show made it online for download.

Man vs Machine – The Rematch

After those initial two shows I thought that my time with ‘Man vs Machine’ had come to an end, but I was wrong. Even I can’t see the future with 100% accuracy.

I was surprised to learn that Aneurin had secured further funding for an extended run of ‘Man vs Machine’ shows at different science based events around the UK. Funding was made available for a second show six months later at the Sheffield Festival of Science & Engineering (#SFOSE).

SFOSE

This time we performed an extended show at the Upper Chapel in Sheffield City Centre. A local radio presenter was the MRI participant this time, which helped enormously with the promotion and publicity for the event. The show was another resounding success, and at the time of writing this we will be performing ‘Man vs Machine’ at two more festivals around the UK in 2015.

Mentalism can certainly take you to interesting places, and have you doing all sorts of things that you wouldn’t immediately associate with traditional performances. Always be on the look out for unique opportunities for you to show the world what you can do.

Planning a Creative Event?

Are you currently in the development and planning stages of a unique event as part of your work? Why not get in touch with me today to discuss how we can work together? I specialise in developing events that are truly creative and memorable. Let's chat!

5 Ways A Wedding Magician Can Make Your Big Day Unforgettable

This page discusses the benefits of hiring professional wedding magician Looch. To discuss your entertainment options please make an enquiry.

With the average cost of a wedding in the U.K. now beyond the 17,000 mark finding a unique way to entertain people can bring the number down greatly. When you're planning a wedding, you're also planning for your future. For a unique and affordable entertainment option, hiring a wedding magician could be the way to go!

Magic can create a very special day for everyone. Here are 5 reasons you should hire a wedding magician.

1. A Totally Unique Experience

When people go to a wedding, even if they feel emotionally connected to the event, they'll have certain expectations of how the event will go. Most weddings have a general flow of things that are predictable and formulaic. It's up to you to make your wedding something beautiful and romantically unique.

There's something magical about two people being able to find each other amongst the billions of other people on the planet. Sometimes it feels like magic is the only way to explain it. So, why not use a magician to symbolise just how that feels?

Your guests won't know what to expect and that'll give your magician every chance to knock them off their feet. They can let loose and get caught up in the excitement as your magician shows them things they'd never imagined. They'll leave your wedding with a spring in their step and a twinkle in their eye. Magic certainly can leave a strong impression and create a very memorable event.

2. Take The Pressure Off

A wedding can be stressful business! While some people are able to hire a wedding planner to take the edge off, most people have to both set up the show and then star in it. That's a lot of pressure for people who may not be born performers or have to be the centre of attention in their daily life.

Hiring a magician allows you to relieve some of the pressure you might have felt otherwise. They'll draw the eyes of your guests so that you can sit back and take a breath. You might even forget you're at a wedding and enjoy the show yourself.

With your magician as the star of the show, you can run around and make sure the other elements fo your reception are going off without a hitch. You can stop by some people who you know might be feeling tense or emotional about the wedding and check in with them quietly. You can even rest your feet, as it's likely you've been standing and running around for hours.

Image of a Wedding Magician

Photography By Shoot Lifestyle

3. Ease Some Tensions

Let's be honest: Weddings can be a show of great love and joy but they can also bring together people who usually avoid one another. If there are siblings or parents who don't always get along, a wedding magician can distract from those worries you might have.

If there are people in your families who you don't want thinking about some old grudge or gripe, it'll be hard to heat things up with a magician around. There's something undeniably light and fun about having a magician at your wedding.

People get emotional and start to cry at weddings all the time, even if they're happy. This can make other people cry and make the emotional situation a bit rocky and high-pitched. Your magician can bring it all down to a calm and entertaining place by showing off a few things while dinner is being served or the cake is going around.

Your magician is there to make people feel calm and relaxed. A well-trained magician can even make people laugh when they'd least expect it. They really can work real magic and truly enhance your special day!

4. Entertain Guests While You Make the Rounds

People may want to just say hello, drop off their gift, eat their meal, and get out. Having a magician will keep them from getting bored and keep the mood energetic. Your magician will give people who don't know many of your guests or who are socially awkward a reason to stick around.

Depending on what you hire your magician to do, they could walk around and entertain guests before, after, or instead of putting on a big show. Magicians come in all shapes and sizes with all kinds of specialties. Some magicians specialise in big classic tricks while others put on more of a comedic performance.

Talk with your magician in advance of the wedding and tell them what you'd like them to do. If you think it'll calm people down to have the magician walk around, let them know. If your grandma has a heart condition and might not like to know that she's got coins stuck behind her ear, let them know that too.

Infographic for Wedding Magician

5. You Can Hire 'Mystery Guests'

One of the best ways to have magicians at your wedding is to hire more than one. Rather than hiring traditional waitstaff or have a traditional magic show after the meal, you could create some real mystery and make your magicians dress like guests and simply mill about. When the reception begins, they can engage your guests in conversation and then surprise them with magic!

This will get people talking and create a shock factor. After a few rounds of drinks, your friends and family will be standing in circles talking to the various magicians. They'll be having a good time and you'll be able to relax knowing that everyone is taken care of and the pressure is off.

It'll be a night to remember for everyone.

Hire a Wedding Magician Today

When you hire a wedding magician, you'll be guaranteeing your guests an experience that's worth far more than the price of admission. You'll also be setting the bar for the next wedding that you get invited to. You can be sure someone else will be thinking of that wedding magician and trying to top such a fun experience.

If you want a few tips on how you should plan out your big day with a magician, check out our Wedding Planning Tips for common dos and don'ts. If you would like to book me as your wedding magician, get in touch today! I would be delighted to speak with you about your big day.

Drinks Reception Entertainment

Whether you are organising your wedding or planning a corporate party. The drinks reception is a crucial part of any event.

Guests will all be congregated into a single area and enjoying drinks whilst chatting to friends or colleagues. Often there will be pockets of people forming but the event might lack a togetherness which could possibly hamper the event.

It is vital that there is some form of drinks reception entertainment to engage everyone and bring about a cohesiveness. Over the years I have performed at hundreds of drinks receptions all over the UK & Europe. The one consistent thing that cements it all together, is having professional entertainment. Something that will break the ice and generate a feel good factor amongst everyone there.

Drinks Reception Entertainment Ideas

With over 15 years of experience of performing at weddings & corporate events. I have worked with many different types of entertainers. Some of them have been exceptional and offer the very best in drinks reception entertainment. I thought it would be a great to speak with these professionals and find out their thoughts on how their work has an impact on the events they perform at.

All of the acts below are ones that I have personally worked with, and come highly recommended. Their distinctive services work well on their own, but can also be paired with another to maximise the impact of your drinks reception.

Acoustic Sounds

Whilst the Prosecco and Beers are flowing, theres nothing better than live music to compliment. The important factor is to not got too loud too soon! Guests want to chatter and catch up in a relaxed fashion without having to shout over the top of a DJ or band. For this reason I recommend hiring an acoustic singer for your drinks reception.

Photo of Ben Haynes and his Drinks Reception Entertainment
Ben Haynes - Acoustic Singer

Acoustic music is more palatable and increase the overall ambience of an event without being obtrusive. Some acoustic singers even take requests, which is a good way to enhance the atmosphere and mood of your guests. Over the years I have worked with many acoustic singers, but the one I have had most experience with is Ben Haynes. Ben is a singer and acoustic guitarist who performs all over the country at weddings and parties. I recently caught up with him to find out the benefits of hiring an acoustic singer for a drinks reception:

"A musician eliminates the faff of pressing stop and start on the stereo. Or hooking up the playlist you spent precious time putting together through a poor quality sound system to then also discover you've only got 5% battery! Some chilled, live acoustic covers of your favourite songs will entertain you and your guests, providing a soundtrack to those ever lasting memories." - Ben Haynes

Digital Photo Experiences

One thing that consistently attracts guests and produces lasting memories are photo experiences. They are non intrusive and guests can interact with them on their terms. Over the past few years, a world of new exciting, digital photography experiences have begun appearing at events. One such company that specialises in these products is Mirra Mirra. They are a Midlands based company who supply their services for corporate events and parties within the UK.

I first met Lucy Trevelyan, who runs the company with her husband Andy, a few years back at an event. She was demonstrating a range of really unique photo booths and I was amazed at just what the technology was capable of. They provided so much more than what my preconception of a photo booth was. I recently spoke to her to find out whats currently making her guests tick at their events in 2020.

Photo showing Mirra Mirra products
Mirra Mirra - Digital Photo Experiences

"Our Aura booth, unlike other photo booths is sleek and fits into any location. Event planners appreciate its portability and the fact it's a non intrusive product. Perfect for guests to create memories on as they choose, whether this is a still image, a GIF or Boomerang. Guests can take photos with or without virtual props & filters, it really is a surefire way to get the guests roaring with laughter! Guests can send the images straight to their phone and have Instagram ready images within a matter of seconds. Photo templates can be designed to fit any occasion as can the photo booth start screen which is on display for all of the guests to see." - Mirra Mirra

Casino Tables

Nothing generates the wow factor like having your very own Casino as part of your event. The first time I performed at a drinks reception that had also hired a private casino company was a 'Business Awards' event in North Nottinghamshire. The room was dressed just like a modern casino with Roulette Wheels, Blackjack tables and interactive games. It was an instant hit! Guests were playing games with casino branded 'money' and the whole room was full of laughter & excitement.

Since then, I have worked many corporate events, private parties and even weddings with the Blackjack Fun Casino company. A Nottingham based Casino hire company that specialise in transforming venues into authentic looking Casino experiences. I spoke with the company's owner Dave, to find out just what is so appealing about Casino hire at events.

Image showing Casino hire for drinks reception
Blackjack Casino Hire

"Well it's just perfect entertainment for a drinks reception! The glitz and glamour of a full sized casino setup with Blackjack and Roulette tables creates a real buzz around your venue. As soon as the casino opens it will encourage guests to mingle and provide a talking point as guests play the games trying to win as much as they can!" - Blackjack Fun Casino

It's Not Real Gambling!

For those who might be concerned about 'Gambling' at your event, fear not! Real money is not used due to gaming licenses, this is all about the fun factor without any of the risk! Dave explained to me that by removing the financial factor funnels all the focus into fun.

"How it works ‘Fun money’ is handed out to all your guests to use at the casino tables. People come and play the games. At the end of the casino, the person/s who have won the most amount of 'fun money' wins a prize - Usually a bottle of bubbly and the all important Bragging rights! The excitement of a big win at the Roulette table helps fuel a fun atmosphere for all."

Close Up Magician & Mind Reading

I couldn't write an article on the benefits of Drinks Reception Entertainment without mentioning Close Up Magic. All events can benefit from having a close up magician perform at your drinks reception. I have discussed this in various forms on this website and the absolute recommended performance for any drinks reception is a 'Mix & Mingle' booking.

An image of Close Up Magic at a drinks reception
Magic is Amazing! Looch in Action

This type of close up magic is sometimes known as Meet & Greet Magic or Walk Around Magic. It essentially consists of hiring a magician to perform up close to small groups of guests. The magician will mingle at your party and introduce themselves before performing close up magic for a few minutes. Once they have amazed your guests, they will move onto another group and continue performing.

Close Up magic is a relaxed and informal type of magical performance that works perfectly during drinks. Guests can choose to engage and take part if they wish, but aren't in a position where it is forced upon them. A good quality, professional magician is guaranteed to amaze everyone and create a magical and memorable experience.

Caricaturist

A Caricaturist is a fantastically traditional way to enhance your drinks reception. However in this technologically driven society, the old school approach to drawing Caricatures has a digital competitor! The digital caricaturist has the advantage of being able to produce incredibly detailed work instantly. This can then be shared it with clients via their mobile phones.

I have had the pleasure of working with many wonderfully talented Caricaturists over the years. The response from guests is always fascinating, it creates a real talking point. One very talented such lady that I have found myself working with is Luisa Calvo. Her company, Wicked Caricatures have been offering event professionals a wide range of services all over the country for years. She has a wealth of experience working events and is guaranteed to provide unforgettable drinks reception entertainment.

Photo showing the work of Luisa Calvo
Wicked Caricatures

Luisa mingles with your guests capturing their likenesses with a fun and stylish flourish. We met up over coffee and spoke about her work. I was interested to find out how drawing caricatures can impact the drinks receptions she is hired for.

"A caricaturist must have incredible drawing skills, but just as important are exceptional people skills. Clients say I'm warm, friendly and have the ability to engage guests during the drawing process. This removes any possible awkwardness which makes it more fun and memorable. I was one of the very first caricature artists to embrace the trend of digital technology. However I am just as comfortable producing quick Black & White ink sketches, as I am full colour digital caricatures using my iPad." - Luisa Calvo

Lets Plan Your Drinks Reception!

So if you are currently trying to organise your own event let's have a chat! You are more than welcome to get in touch to discuss your event. I will suggest different types of drinks reception entertainment, and whats acts compliment each other. You can call me now on 07841 332816 or send me a message using my contact page.

7 Benefits of Hiring Looch - Mind Reader & Magician in London for Your Next Event

Magician in London for Your Next Event

This article takes a look at why you should book Looch, a full time, professional magician in London for your next big party, corporate event, or team-building retreat. Keep reading to discover seven major reasons why this is such as great entertainment option.

There's no mystery to the fact that event planning is never easy. Regardless of the type of event that you're putting, there are always a million details to juggle, including finding and booking all the necessary suppliers. Finding the right type of entertainment for an event can be challenging. After all, you need to make sure that everyone that attends has a great time, stays engaged, and leaves the event ready to tell others about the experience.

Who is Looch?

Looch is the stage name of an award winning professional magician & mind reader. He has over 15 years experience performing at high end events all over London and the wider UK. To submit an enquiry please visit the contact page or call Looch direct on 07841 332816.

1. Ideal For Indoor Or Outdoor Events

One of the great thing about booking a magician as your featured entertainment is the fact they can easily perform indoors or outdoors. 

As long as the weather conditions permit, a magic performance can easily work in an outdoor environment so that the audience can enjoy escaping a stuffy conference building.

Very little is typically required of a magical act that would make it dependent on an indoor environment, which helps to make your scheduling options a bit more flexible.

Infographic showing 7 Benefits of Hiring a Magician in London for Your Next Event

2. Can Be Tailored For Any Type Of Group

Every event is different. From the type of industry that might be hosting, to the age group of the attendees, each event will have unique requirements. This can often make it difficult to find the ideal form of entertainment that everyone will enjoy.

Magicians offer the unique ability to tailor their act specifically for their audience. And yet this is typically unnecessary because a great magic act is the perfect form of entertainment for almost any type of audience that you could imagine.

Some magicians offer a more family-friendly act, while others provide something a little edgier. And yet on average, any act is suitable for whatever audience that happens to be in attendance. This makes it an ideal option for event planners who might have concerns regarding what type of content would be entertaining yet appropriate.

3. Able To Get The Audience Involved

Another advantage of hiring a magician over a musical act or some other form of entertainment is audience involvement.

After all, magicians have the unique ability to directly involve individual members of the audience in their act. This is one of the most fun aspects of the performance, both for the individual being pulled up on stage and for the rest of the crowd.

This is the ideal way to get the audience engaged in a way that other entertainment options simply can't provide. Watching friends and corporate peers getting included in the performance creates a more intimate experience and provides plenty to talk about once the performance has ended.

Photo of a Magician for Hire in London
Looch - Mind Reader & Magician in Action.

4. Unique & Intriguing

Everyone loves a good mystery. That's why something that's unexplainable is so intriguing. When you watch a magician perform, the tricks happen right before your eyes, and yet you will have no idea how the trick was performed. 

The awe-inspiring nature of magic tricks never gets old, regardless of age. No matter how closely you pay attention to every gesture & word spoken. A skilled magician like Looch will still be able to leave you stunned and speechless.

Every performance is totally unique, and each magician will bring their own style and personality. They engage the audience in a way that will leave them spellbound and questioning everything they witnessed. The harder you try to figure out what's going on, the more likely it is that you will simply end up totally baffled. Just like everyone else in the room!

5. Memorable

A magic performance isn't something you witness on a daily basis. That makes it very different from other forms of entertainment such as music, television, or movies. 

A great magician like Looch can provide an experience that you'll only get to witness a once in your life. In fact, there are few performances as memorable as getting to watch a magician perform amazing tricks up close and in person.

Even the most jaded audience member will have to acknowledge that they can't explain how some tricks are done. Which of course is the best way to get a unique response and to make memories that keep people talking for years.

6. It's Doesn't Have To Cost A Fortune

Another benefit is the fact that you don't have to hire the most expensive magician in town to provide a show that everyone will enjoy. There are magicians available at nearly every budget level. This allows you to go big for a major event. Or to keep things smaller for a more intimate event.

The key is to decide how elaborate you would like the performance to be. Then to choose your entertainment accordingly. If you are planning for your national conference then a larger, interactive stage show might be the wow factor you need to blow all your guests minds. If however you are planning a small intimate dinner for a select few guests, then perhaps a private parlour show might be more appropriate?

Photo showing a professional Magician in London performing.
Photo taken by Christopher Bunce Photography

7. It Can Be Done Virtually!

Since 2020, Looch has transitioned into the world of online events and virtual performances. Streaming live from his studio, he is able to engage and delight delegates and guess all over the world with his virtual show. The perfect surprise for any Team Meeting, Online Conference or Virtual / Hybrid events. Experience Looch and his incredible performances from work or home.

Looch is the #1 Virtual Magician & Mind Reader in London

The Benefits Of Hiring A Magician In London

Every event is different, and yet the one thing they all have in common is the need for entertainment. Booking a magician in London is a great way to keep everyone in your group happily entertained. It also ensures that your event is a truly memorable occasion.

If you are currently planning your own event in London, why not find out how much it typically costs to hire a magician.

To chat with me about hiring my services as a Magician in London, please call me on 07841 332816.

Ever Tried to Hire a Magician for a Party?

It doesn't matter if you are planning a small family party, or a huge corporate event. Organising the right entertainment can be a stressful affair. Have you ever tried to hire a magician for a party? It's not always as easy as it might sound. There are some horror stories to be found, if you look online! But fear not, in today's post we are going to discuss the process of making an enquiry to hire a magician for a party.

It doesn't have to be complicated

Most enquiries start with one of two things, either a phone call or sending a message. Nearly every professional magician will have their contact details on their website or business card. Simply select your preferred method of contact and get in touch! However before you do please have the following details to hand in order to simplify the enquiry process.

Image showing a client calling to hire a magician for a party
Pick up the phone or send a message!

Date & Time

The most important piece of information you'll need to give your magician is the date of your event. If you dont have a date then they wont be able to check in their calendar to see if they have availability. There are times when you might be organising a party and have a couple of possible dates you could book. In this instance let the magician know all potential dates and they will be able to advise as to which are free.

In addition to the date, it's advisable to think about when you would like your magician to perform at your party. If its a day-time event, you might wish them to perform earlier during the drinks reception? Or perhaps you would prefer an evening performance? or after dinner show?

The Venue

Try to ensure you have booked your venue before you hire a magician for a party. There are a couple of reasons why this is important when enquiring. The first is that many full time magicians will have a wealth of experience performing at these venues. More than likely, the magician will have already performed at your venue. They are in a fantastic position to be able to advise on what type of performances would work well at the venue and when they might take place. Some venues might be the perfect location for a Mix & Mingle. Others might be perfectly set up to accommodate a full stage show!

The second reason to book the venue prior is so the performer can calculate the distance for any travel costs. It's important to provide this information to ensure the quote is as accurate as possible. You dont want any unwanted surprises when it comes to paying the invoice!

The only time to hire a magician for a party without a venue booked is when you know the area your party will take place. You may still be deciding on the exact venue but know it will happen in a specific city or county. For example you might live in Nottingham and know that the party will definitely be within the Nottinghamshire region. In these cases, the magician will be able to provide an accurate quote taking into consideration approximate travel costs.

Know your venue

What Type of Performance?

Before you enquire to hire a magician for a party, have you considered the type of performance you would like them to do? There is often a misconception that a magician only does one type of show. Most will offer some form of close-up entertainment. This is typically known as mingling or 'walk around' magic. The magician will wander around your party and perform their magic for small groups of people at a time. A walk around magician will often spend a few minutes with each group before moving on to another group. This is ideal during a drinks reception or in between courses over dinner.

Perhaps you have a large group of guests and would like to hire a magician for a party to perform a special show for everyone in attendance? A magic show conjures up images of a grand stage and professional lighting, but a show doesn't have to be performed like that. Many venues can set up a room so that there is enough space at the front for a magician to perform a show for everyone! This is known as a floor show and is a very popular option for corporate dinners. Sometimes your venue will have other rooms where the show can be performed. It's always a good idea to speak to your venue beforehand and ask them how they can facilitate a whole room performance.

Photo showing a magician performing at a party
Mingling is ideal over drinks

Number of Guests

An often overlooked, but essential piece of information when hiring a magician is to know how many guests they are expected to perform for. It's fine if you dont have the final numbers, but please give an estimation when you enquire. That way they are able to factor in that information to provide an accurate quote for your event.

If you are enquiring about a magician mingling at your party. It's vital to have an approximate number of guests during the enquiry stage. On average a professional magician will be able to entertain 120 guests over a 2 hour period. If your party has a larger number of guests, it might be recommended to make a longer booking.

A stage show differs in that for smaller parties, your magician might not need to use of a PA system & microphones. Typically for numbers above 100, the show will most likely require the use of amplification. Please discuss this with your magician during these early stages.

The Purpose of the Event

Finally, it's advisable to let your magician know the purpose of the event. Is it a birthday party? a corporate dinner? a wedding? This information is really important. Your magician might be able to offer a special type of performance that would be better suited for your specific event. For example, at a wedding, your magician might be able to perform a bespoke piece of magic to make the bride and groom the stars of the show! Its always beneficial to let them know the purpose of your event, so please try to include that information in your enquiry.

Want to make an enquiry?

Looking to hire a magician for a party and want to speak to me about my range of exciting performances? Please give me a call on 07841 332816 or you can send me an online enquiry by sending me a message here.

Giant Wedding Show - Interview With Looch

For nearly a decade now, Husband & Wife team Ben & Hannah have hosted one of Derbyshires most popular wedding shows. The GIANT Wedding Show is always held at the wonderful Osmaston Park Estate Marquee, Derbyshire. Hundreds of couples attend from all over the East Midlands region to plan their big day with a plethora of professional suppliers.

I have attended this wedding show several times over the years and it is always excellently organised. Recently I was interviewed as part of the marketing for the latest show. Take a look below to find out more about me and my services!

Who are you & What do you do?

Hello! My name is Looch, a “Mind Reader” based in the Midlands. I offer a unique and mind blowing form of entertainment at Weddings & events all over the UK.

How Did You Get Started in the Wedding Industry?

I became involved in Wedding Entertainment after Joy from Unique Wedding Planning (2014 Wedding Industry Awards National Winner) approached me following a performance. She told me that she had never seen anything quite like me before, and thought I would be perfect for the Wedding Industry. As a result I began to take bookings specifically for weddings. At wedding fairs, the response has been phenomenal, with many couples competing to secure specific dates.

What Makes Your Business Different From Everyone Else's?

I'm a Mind Reader!! However from an ethical point of view, what I do isn’t psychic or paranormal in ANY way. I haven’t been blessed by an Angel or fiddled with by Yoda, I utilise a variety of different psychological skills to get inside peoples minds and try to read their thoughts. My form of entertainment is completely unique and gives couples something fresh and exciting to add to their big day. When I start reading minds, it creates a real buzz at the wedding and brings people together.

What Do You Love Most About Weddings?

Being asked to be a part of a clients wedding is such an honour! I enjoy seeing the reactions of their guests and helping to create a memorable occasion with my 'Mind Reading'.

Any Tips for Brides Looking into Your Type of Service?

Finding the right sort of entertainment is very important when planning your wedding. Always go for a professional act and never be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to! If you are unsure then ask to set up a meeting to see examples of their work. Many entertainers will have online show-reels showcasing their work. However sometimes a face to face meeting can really help to put you at ease. Always check for verified testimonials to see what previous clients are saying. Chances are if you cant find any, they might not be very experienced! Not particularly reassuring when it comes to your big day! Finally an act such as mine, with it being unique can often get booked up in advance. So if you have decided on your choice of act, then book early to avoid disappointment.

Anything Else You’d Like the World to Know?

Following my success at winning Theo Paphitis’ #SBS. I have recently been featured in Wedding Ideas Magazine showcasing me as a unique wedding entertainer. I have enjoyed performing at Celebrities & Sports Personalities Weddings. If you require something a little more unusual that will keep your guests, family and friends talking for years to come. Come and have a chat with me about your big day!

When's the Best Time to Book a Magician for my Wedding?

Planning your big day can be extremely challenging. Theres so many things to consider and get right in order to ensure a smooth day with no hiccups. One of the most important elements is your choice of entertainment. In the UK, a popular option is to hire a wedding magician to keep your guests entertained throughout the day.

As a result, I have decided to put together a simple guide for couples planning their wedding and considering hiring a magician. In this guide you will find out exactly when is the 'best time to book a wedding magician', along with key times during your big day that should be capitalised upon. It's vital to ensure all your guests are amazed and not left twiddling their thumbs. So with that in mind, let's jump right in!

Best Time to Book a Wedding Magician

There are several opportunities throughout your big day to book a magician to entertain your guests. Some times naturally lend themselves better to a walk around, informal style of entertainment. Your drinks reception for example is perfect for Mix & Mingle Magic. Below are key times that you should consider when hiring a wedding magician.

Drinks Reception / During the Photographs

The drinks reception is a vital part of your big day. Photographs will be being taken, and your guests will be enjoying a drink and socialising. A mingling magician at this point can really enhance this part of the wedding.

The vast majority of weddings that I have been hired to perform at usually integrate both the drinks reception and the photographs. For this reason there will be both sides of the family present who might not have ever met before. A professional magician at this point, will help break the ice and generate excitement amongst guests and family.

Working with your photographer, a professional wedding magician will be able to keep your guests amazed with their mind boggling magic. Your photographer will be in the prime position to capture some fantastic reaction shots which will create magical memories for you to cherish for years to come.

Photo showing a wedding magician performing during the drinks reception

Wedding Breakfast

A slightly more formal option would be to hire your wedding magician to perform during the wedding breakfast. This can help keep things moving forward and create a continuous talking point for your guests. Your guests will be able see the magician entertaining other tables, which can create a sense of excitement and anticipation.

An important point to consider with this particular option is that not everyone would welcome being entertained whilst eating. A professional magician knows this and will often only perform in between courses during the meal. This actually is the recommended way to utilise your magician at this point. You will have no doubt, given a lot of thought into selecting each course. As a result it only makes sense to allow your guests to enjoy their meal uninterrupted!

Post Speeches

Typically after the meal, your speeches will be next. Guests will have enjoyed the meal and be still seated listening to the speeches from friends and family. I have watched hundreds of speeches at weddings over the years and find that immediately following, there is a lull in the atmosphere.

Once of the best ways to prevent this lull is to book a magic show for everyone! Some professional magicians offer a whole room show that can be performed using a microphone. This is a wonderful way to inject a buzz amongst your guests, and the show itself will provide a much needed energy boost for everyone!

Photo showing wedding entertainment ideas

The Evening Reception

As your evening guests are starting to arrive, it can be an ideal opportunity to hire a magician to perform. The day guests will have been there a long time and will now be mingling with your newly arriving evening guests. Your evening guests will want to fit into the natural proceedings of your wedding, and entertainment at this point can help create the rapport needed to act as a catalyst for this.

If you are also hiring a band or a DJ that will be playing loud music, then it is recommended that your magician performs in a different room. This ensures that they can be heard! Your magician could perhaps perform in the bar area or maybe outside in a relaxed and informal position. Guests can gather around and be entertained up close. If you are hiring live music during your evening reception, then please discuss this with your magician during the booking phase.

Let Them Dance!

It is certainly recommended that you avoid hiring a magician to perform late into the night. The later it gets at weddings, the louder it often becomes! People will more than likely have been drinking for a lengthy period of time and people want to let their hair down. Let them put their dancing shoes on and boogie the night away!

I hope you have found within this guide, your very own 'Best Time to Book a Wedding Magician'. If you have any questions whatsoever, please dont hesitate to get in contact with me to discuss your wedding entertainment.