This page is about parties where most guests are adults or a mix of ages. If you're planning a party mainly for young children, our children's party magician page is the place to start.
Birthday party magician ideas for milestone years
Milestone birthdays are one of the most popular reasons to book a magician. At a 30th, 40th or 50th, magic during the first couple of hours helps friends, family and work colleagues mix before the dancing starts.
For a 70th, 80th or 90th, magic suits a sit-down lunch or an afternoon tea. Guests who'd rather not dance still get to be part of the fun, and the youngest relatives usually enjoy it just as much.
Other celebrations that suit magic
Engagements, anniversaries, retirements, christenings and garden parties all suit close-up magic. The magician can work around a buffet, a marquee or a crowded kitchen, and doesn't need any space set aside.
At a surprise party, the magician can keep guests entertained while everyone waits for the guest of honour, then perform a special moment for them once they've arrived.
Close-up, a show, or both?
For most adult parties, close-up is the way to go. People are chatting, eating and moving about, and the magician fits around them rather than asking everyone to stop and sit down.
A short stand-up set can work at a bigger party in a function room, say for 60 guests or more, especially if you want one moment where the whole room's watching together. Some magicians do a bit of both: close-up as people arrive, then ten or fifteen minutes in front of everyone before the buffet opens. Ask when you enquire and we'll tell you who offers it.
Timing the magic
The best window is usually the first hour or two, while guests are arriving and the party is still finding its feet. Once the music is loud and the dance floor is busy, close-up magic is harder to enjoy.
For a party of 40 to 80 guests, an hour and a half to two hours lets the magician see everyone, and revisit the groups who can't get enough.
Making it personal
Tell the magician who the party is for, a few details about them, and who's likely to be the life and soul of the room. A short moment for the birthday person or couple, such as a signed card turning up somewhere impossible, makes a lovely photo.
Got a theme or dress code? Mention it. Black tie, 1920s, flip-flops in the garden, the magician can usually dress to suit.
