Table Magic And How It Works
I am often asked what I am able to do during the table magic part of the night and how it works?
Most people do not realise that it achieves a host of things aside from amazing guests. When I use the term ‘table magic’ I am referring to the part of the night where the magician performs to guests after the seated meal, which may be after the drinks reception i.e. the mix and mingle part.
What clients MUST realize during this part is that magic is NOT performed when guests are physically eating. If you imagine when your guests are tucking into a long awaited dinner, the last thing you would like to be doing is to have to shuffle a deck of cards or take off your ring (also this will ruin my cards!). However, there is a place for magic at the tables.
The first time to perform is immediately during the transition phase from the drinks reception (if you have one). Here the guests move from the drinks reception venue to the main hall and are seated. Normally at this stage there is a good 20-25 minute wait for the bride and groom to enter the venue. Often people at this stage are chatting at the tables and are more relaxed and some people even hit the bar-a lot of guests will still be standing. There is a general sense of excitement at this stage, so I use this to my advantage and begin performing to tables.
The 2nd time to perform is before and after courses. You will notice at the majority of events some tables receive their food earlier than others. By liaising with catering staff I could work opposite ends of the venue. The benefit of this is that it will keep guests entertained and even distracted if food is running late! Also there will be a wait when guests who received their meals earlier would be waiting for others to finish.
As the night progresses some groups are often found at the bar or other areas like the foyer. These areas are the ‘hotspots’ to perform. Just the psychology of people being at the bar makes groups more open and generates great reactions, which is where I can usually generate big crowds.
Overall with the table magic portion there has to be some flexibility in terms of timings and location for me to make maximum impact.
