How to choose a wedding magician in Sussex or Kent.

I’m Just Saul, a wedding magician and magical host based in Hastings, East Sussex. I work across Sussex and Kent. Here are the questions I’d suggest asking when you’re deciding who to book.

Start with how you want your guests to feel.

Do you want people laughing together over drinks? Something enjoyable while you’re having photographs taken? A shared experience for guests who haven’t met before?

Those answers are more useful than deciding how many tricks you want. Look for photographs and video that show the guests as well as the performer. Notice whether people seem comfortable, involved and happy to take part. A dramatic reveal is enjoyable, but so is the conversation around it.

Ask yourself whether you’d enjoy having that person join a group of your friends or family. That is a large part of what close-up wedding magic involves.

Watch the performer you would actually be booking.

Check that the person in the photographs and video is the person who will perform. If you’re booking through an agency, ask who is being supplied and which details are confirmed.

A short conversation can help you understand their approach. Tell them a little about your guests and how you want the day to feel. They should be able to explain where their entertainment would fit and what they need from you.

Read reviews for the details that matter to you.

Look beyond a star rating. What do couples say about communication, fitting around the day and making guests feel welcome? Does the review explain what the magician did and which part of the wedding they attended?

Follow the source where you can. An independently hosted review gives you a way to check the wording and context. A review about a lively company party can be useful, but wedding feedback may answer more of your questions about photographs, meals and family groups.

Ask about experience at your venue if that matters to you. Having worked there can be helpful; the important next conversation is about your rooms, running order and plans. A previous visit doesn’t mean every wedding there works in the same way.

Agree which part of the day the magic covers.

Close-up magic can fit naturally into a drinks reception, an agreed part of the wedding breakfast or an evening reception. These are different bookings, so compare the actual time covered rather than the package name alone.

During drinks, people can enjoy magic in small groups while other parts of the day continue. At the wedding breakfast, timings need to work with your food service and speeches. In the evening, think about when guests arrive and when music or dancing will take over.

Share your running order even if it is only a rough version. Ask how the performer would use the available time. If the time you’re booking is short, be clear about which guests and part of the celebration it is intended for. More guests, separate spaces and a changing schedule can affect what is practical.

Decide whether you want magic, hosting or both.

A wedding magician entertains your guests. A wedding host or toastmaster may also look after agreed announcements and introductions. Combining those roles can work beautifully, but you need to know what you’re buying.

If somebody else has the hosting covered, you may only need the magic. If you want one person to bring people together and make the agreed announcements, ask about a combined booking.

Ask who does what between the host, venue team and other suppliers. Confirm the parts of the day included and any microphone or sound arrangements. The word ‘hosting’ on its own doesn’t explain the whole brief.

Compare the total quote and its inclusions.

Check the duration, arrival arrangements, breaks where relevant, travel or accommodation costs and any equipment requirements. Ask what confirms the booking and what happens if plans change. Get the agreed details in writing.

For reference, my wedding magic options start at £400 for up to one hour, with magical hosting including magic from £995. Those are different services. You can compare my current wedding magic and hosting options, including the longer packages and travel information.

When comparing two quotes, check whether they cover the same part of the day and the same responsibilities. A longer hosting booking shouldn’t be compared with a short close-up visit on price alone.

Check the practical reassurance.

Ask about public liability insurance and any documentation your venue needs. If professional memberships or awards are part of the introduction, check which organisation or award is being named. Useful reassurance should be specific and verifiable.

For a Sussex or Kent wedding, confirm where the performer is travelling from and whether the quote includes that journey. Being available in a county doesn’t necessarily mean being based there or including every journey in a starting price.

A useful first enquiry.

Send your date, venue and a little about your guests. Explain which part of the day you’re considering and whether you want entertainment, hosting or both. You don’t need a finished schedule to start the conversation.

If you’d like to talk about your wedding, check availability with me. We can look at your plans together and work out where I’d be most useful.