When Is the Best Time to Book a Magician for Your Event?
Written by Nick Rushton — Award-Winning Magician
One of the most common questions I get asked is "when should I book a magician?" — and the answer has two parts: how far in advance to book, and when during your event a magician should perform. Having performed at thousands of events over the past 29 years, here's my complete timing guide.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Weddings: 12–18 Months Ahead
If you're planning a wedding, I'd recommend booking your magician 12–18 months in advance — especially for Saturday weddings between May and October. These dates book up fast. I've been fully booked for peak-season Saturdays over a year ahead before.
That said, it's always worth checking availability even at shorter notice. Midweek weddings and winter dates are generally easier to secure. If you're getting married in Manchester, London or another popular area, earlier is better.
Corporate Events: 2–6 Months Ahead
Corporate events tend to be booked with less lead time than weddings, but popular dates still go quickly — particularly December for Christmas parties and awards season in autumn. For a Manchester corporate event, I'd suggest booking 2–3 months ahead as a minimum, earlier for Christmas.
Private Parties: 1–3 Months Ahead
Birthday parties, dinner parties and private celebrations can often be booked at shorter notice. I sometimes have availability within a few weeks, but if your party is on a Saturday, the earlier you get in touch the better.
Last-Minute Bookings
It's always worth asking, even at short notice. I occasionally have cancellations or gaps in my diary, and I'm always happy to help if I can. Don't assume I'm booked — just get in touch.
When During Your Event Should a Magician Perform?
This is just as important as booking in advance. The right timing maximises the impact of the magic and keeps your guests entertained during the natural gaps in your event.
At a Wedding
There are three ideal windows for a wedding magician:
- Drinks reception (most popular) — after the ceremony while photos are being taken, guests are standing around waiting. This is the perfect time for mix-and-mingle magic. I move from group to group, performing to small clusters of guests. It fills the gap, breaks the ice between guests who haven't met before, and creates a fantastic atmosphere before the meal.
- Between courses at the wedding breakfast — table magic between courses is incredibly popular. Guests are seated and relaxed, and each table gets their own private mini-show. It transforms what could be a quiet wait between courses into something genuinely exciting.
- Evening reception — as new evening guests arrive, magic helps integrate them with the day guests. It's also perfect for keeping the energy up between the first dance and the buffet.
Many couples book me for a combination — typically mix-and-mingle during the drinks reception plus table magic between courses. This covers the biggest gaps in the day.
At a Corporate Event
For corporate events, the best timing depends on the format:
- Pre-dinner drinks — the classic slot. Magic gets delegates mixing before they sit down to eat. It's the ultimate networking tool.
- Between courses — table magic works just as well at corporate dinners as at weddings.
- Conference breakouts — during coffee breaks and refreshment stops, magic keeps the energy up between sessions.
- Exhibition stands — close-up magic draws crowds to your stand and creates memorable brand interactions.
At a Private Party
For private parties and celebrations:
- Arrival drinks — gets the party started from the moment guests walk in.
- After dinner — a relaxed performance while guests chat and unwind.
- Circulating throughout — for informal parties, I can circulate all evening, performing to different groups.
How Long Should a Magician Perform?
The ideal duration depends on the number of guests:
- Up to 50 guests: 1–1.5 hours
- 50–100 guests: 1.5–2 hours
- 100–150 guests: 2–2.5 hours
- 150+ guests: 2.5–3 hours (or consider a second magician)
I spend 5–8 minutes with each group or table, performing a unique set for each one. This means every guest gets a personal experience, but I can still cover the whole room comfortably.
Don't Leave It Too Late
The single biggest regret I hear from clients is "I wish we'd booked sooner." If you've found a magician you like — check their videos, read their reviews — don't hesitate. Good magicians book up, especially for the best dates.
If you're planning an event in Manchester, across the UK, or anywhere else, get in touch and I'll let you know my availability. There's no obligation and I'm always quick to respond.
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