Red Flags - Green Flags to look for booking Wedding Magician
Because hiring the wrong entertainer can turn your dream day into a nightmare
Look, I'm going to be brutally honest with you.
Not all wedding magicians are the same. Some will make your drink reception unforgettable. Others will make you cringe, annoy your guests, or worse take your deposit and ghost you.
I've been doing this for years, and I've heard the horror stories. I've also seen colleagues do incredible work that made weddings legendary.
Here's the thing.
They all look the same on Instagram. Everyone has testimonials. Everyone claims to be "professional." Everyone has a tuxedo and a website.
So how do you actually tell the difference?
This guide cuts through the BS and shows you exactly what to look for and what to run from.
Spot the Difference Fast
🚩 RED FLAGS - WALK AWAY IF:
- Can't show you recent wedding videos with real guest reactions
- Pushy sales tactics or "limited time" pressure
- Suspiciously cheap (under £600 for a drink reception)
- No liability insurance or proper contract
- Poor communication (takes days to respond, vague answers)
- Only does stage shows, doesn't understand close-up magic
- No wedding-specific experience or references
✅ GREEN FLAGS - YOU'VE FOUND A PRO IF:
- Performed at 20+ weddings in the past year
- Provides raw footage showing guest interactions
- Asks thoughtful questions about YOUR wedding
- Clear pricing, professional contract, carries insurance
- Recent reviews with specific details and venue names
- Understands wedding logistics and vendor coordination
- Makes you feel confident, not pressured
Want the details? Keep reading. ⬇️
The 5 Red Flags That Scream "AVOID"
🚩 RED FLAG 1
No Real Wedding Experience
What it looks like:
Portfolio shows kids' parties and corporate gigs, but no actual weddings. They say "I can do weddings" but have zero wedding testimonials.
Why it matters:
Wedding magic is a completely different skill set. You need someone who understands family dynamics, reads the room, coordinates with other vendors, and adapts to wedding timelines. A brilliant stage magician can absolutely bomb at weddings if they don't get the context.
The question to ask:
"How many weddings have you performed at in the last 12 months?"
If the answer is less than 10-15, they're not a wedding specialist
🚩 RED FLAG 2
Can't Show You Real Wedding Videos
What it looks like:
Only promotional videos with dramatic music and heavy editing
Videos show tricks but not guest reactions
"I'm too busy working to film" excuses
Only photos, no video footage at all
Why it matters:
Video doesn't lie. You can see how they actually interact with guests. Are people genuinely engaged or politely tolerating them? You can't fake authentic reactions.
The question to ask:
"Can I see raw footage from a recent wedding showing you working with guests?"
If they hesitate or can't provide this, that's your answer. Walk away.
🚩 RED FLAG 3
Pushy Sales Tactics
What it looks like:
"I have another couple looking at your date, you need to book NOW"
Massive "discounts" that expire in 24 hours
Won't answer questions without booking a paid consultation first
Makes you feel guilty for comparing options
Why it matters:
Professionals are confident in their value. They don't need manipulation. If they're desperate for bookings, there's probably a reason their calendar is empty.
Trust your gut:
If you feel pressured or uncomfortable during the consultation, that's your red flag waving.
🚩 RED FLAG 4
Price Seems Too Good to Be True
What it looks like:
Charging £200-400 for a wedding drinks reception. "New to weddings so offering discounted rates." Way cheaper than everyone else.
Why it matters:
Professional wedding entertainers invest thousands in training, equipment, insurance, and experience.
Rock-bottom pricing usually means:
They're inexperienced (learning on your wedding day)
No insurance coverage
Hobbyist who might cancel for their day job
Hidden fees that appear later
Reality check:
Most wedding magicians charge £695 - £1,495+. If someone's charging £300, ask yourself: what corners are being cut?
🚩 RED FLAG 5
No Proper Contract or Insurance
What it looks like:
Wants cash with no written agreement
Contract doesn't specify arrival time, performance duration, or what's included
No cancellation policy or refund terms
Can't provide liability insurance certificate
Why it matters:
A contract protects BOTH of you. Most venues require vendor insurance without it, they might refuse entry on your wedding day. You need clarity on what happens if they're sick, if the timeline changes, or if something goes wrong.
Non-negotiable:
Never pay a deposit without a detailed, signed contract and proof of insurance.
The 5 Green Flags That Help Prove They're Legit
✅ GREEN FLAG 1
Wedding Portfolio That Proves It
What it looks like:
Website specifically dedicated to wedding entertainment and other events
Multiple photos/videos from real weddings (not stock images)
Testimonials from recent couples with actual venue names and dates
Clear description of their wedding process
Why it matters
They understand wedding dynamics, family atmospheres, and how to seamlessly integrate into your day.
✅ GREEN FLAG 2
They Ask YOU Questions
What they should ask during consultation:
What's your venue layout and cocktail hour location?
What's the guest demographic? (Ages, backgrounds, family dynamics)
What's your wedding vibe? (Formal, casual, elegant, fun)
What's your exact timeline?
Who else are they coordinating with? (Planner, DJ, venue coordinator)
Any special requests or concerns?
Why it matters:
They're customizing their performance to YOUR wedding, not delivering a generic package. This is about your guests, not their ego.
✅ GREEN FLAG 3
Shows You Raw Wedding Footage
What you should see:
Unedited clips of them working actual cocktail hours
Genuine guest reactions (not just the tricks)
Multiple age groups engaging naturally
Their energy and how they read the room
Why it matters:
This is the truest test. You'll see their professionalism, how guests actually respond, and whether the vibe matches what you want.
What to watch for:
Are guests smiling naturally or forcing politeness?
Do they adapt to different groups?
Is the atmosphere warm and inclusive?
Does it feel authentic or performative?
✅ GREEN FLAG 4
Professional But Personable
What it looks like:
Responds within 24-48 hours with clear, helpful information
Warm communication that makes you feel comfortable
Maintains professional boundaries
Genuinely interested in making YOUR wedding brilliant
Confident without being arrogant
Why it matters:
You'll remember your vendors' energy forever. The right magician feels like a trusted partner who's invested in your day, not just a hired hand collecting a cheque
✅ GREEN FLAG 5
They Have Systems and Backup Plans
What they should explain:
Exactly how they'll work your room from start to finish
How long it takes to engage X number of guests
Where they'll position themselves during cocktail hour
How they coordinate with your other vendors
What happens if the timeline changes
Backup performer arrangement if they're ill
Why it matters:
Experienced professionals have refined processes. They've done this dozens (or hundreds) of times. They reduce your stress, never add to it.
The question to ask:
"Walk me through exactly how you'll work my cocktail hour from arrival to finish."
They should have a clear, detailed answer immediately.
Real Couple Horror Stories
Over the past few months, I and many fellow suppliers have noticed a troubling trend. Social media is flooded with heartbreaking posts from couples let down at the last minute. Photographers who ghost. DJs who vanish. Decor companies that promise the moon and deliver dust.
These aren’t just logistical hiccups, they’re emotional gut-punches on what should be the most joyful day of someone’s life.
Some examples
"He Never Showed Up"
Booked a magician for £500 seemed like a great deal. He was responsive during booking but went silent 2 weeks before the wedding. On the day, he ghosted completely. Never answered calls. Their drinks reception hour was a disaster with guests awkwardly standing around.
"The Inappropriate Comments"
Their magician made sexual innuendos during performances. Sarah's grandmother was horrified. Multiple guests mentioned feeling uncomfortable. It cast a shadow over what should have been a perfect day.
"He Argued With Our Coordinator"
What happened:
Magician showed up 30 minutes late, parked in the wedding party's reserved spot, then got into a heated argument with their coordinator about where he could perform. Created unnecessary stress and drama.
The Questions You MUST Ask Before Booking
Don't leave your consultation without clear answers to these
About Experience:
"How many weddings have you performed at in the past year?"
"Have you worked at [your venue] before?"
"Can I see raw footage from a recent wedding?"
About The Day:
"Walk me through exactly how you'll work my cocktail hour."
"How many guests can you engage in 60/90 minutes?"
"What happens if my timeline runs late or changes?"
About Protection:
"Do you carry liability insurance? Can I see the certificate?"
"What's your cancellation and refund policy?"
"What happens if you're sick or can't perform?"
"Do you have a backup performer arrangement?"
About Logistics:
"When do you arrive and where do you check in?"
"Who do you coordinate with on the day?"
"What do you need from us before the wedding?"
The deal breaker
If they can't or won't show you recent wedding videos with real guest interactions, that tells you everything you need to know.
You will find these answer on my
website and would be answered in our during our consulation
What Great Wedding Magicians Do Differently
After years in this industry, here's what separates we the pros from the pretenders:
We're invisible when we need to be.
Arrive early, coordinate quietly, never create drama or steal focus during your important moments (entrances, speeches, first dance).
We read rooms like experts.
Instantly adapt our energy, knowing when to be high-energy vs intimate, when to move on vs stay, who wants to participate vs observe.
We make guests feel special,
It's not about showcasing our skills. It's about giving each person a moment of genuine wonder and connection.
We solve problems, not create them.
Timeline changes? We adapt seamlessly. Outdoor location moved indoors? No problem. We reduce your stress, never add to it.
We understand it's YOUR day.
We're there to serve your vision and your guests. Not to feed our ego or collect applause.
The Bottom Line (No BS)
You're not hiring someone to do card tricks.
You're investing in:
The energy and flow of your reception
Your guests' experience and memories
The connections formed between your families
Peace of mind that this part of your day is handled
A great wedding magician becomes an invisible part of your perfect day, creating magic without creating stress.
A bad wedding magician creates stress, awkwardness, or worse doesn't show up at all.
The difference? Knowing exactly what to look for.
You now have everything you need to spot the red flags, recognize the green flags, and make a confident decision.
Your Next Step
Still have questions about whether a magician fits your wedding vision?
I offer free 15-minute consultations where we can discuss:
Your specific venue and timeline
Whether magic is right for your guest dynamics
What to look for given your wedding style
Honest assessment of whether I'm the right fit
Even if you don't book me, you'll leave with clarity on what to look for.
Schedule a no-pressure consultation Email: eddie@eddieyoungmagic.co.uk or Phone: 07970745926
I'd rather you make the right choice for your wedding than book the wrong entertainer.
Because it's all about you and making sure your day is absolutely unforgettable.
Red Flags = Walk Away Immediately
Green Flags = You've Found a Pro
Trust Your Gut = Always
I’m #MadeByDyslexia – expect curious ideas & curious spelling.
Media Contact
Eddie Young – Eddie Young Magic
Email: Eddie@Eddieyoungmagic.co.uk
Phone: 07 97 07 45 926
Website: www.eddieyoungmagic.co.uk
