When Should Your Exeter Magician Perform? The Ultimate Timing Guide

So you've decided to book a magician for your event in Exeter, Devon, or Cornwall... fantastic choice, by the way! But now comes the question that I get asked more than almost any other: "Graham, when exactly should you perform?"

It's a really great question, and honestly, the timing of your magic entertainment can make the difference between "that was nice" and "oh my goodness, that was absolutely incredible!" After more than 15 years performing at weddings, corporate events, and private parties across Devon and the South West, I've learned a thing or two about when magic works best, and I'm so excited to share all of that with you today.

Let's dive in and figure out the perfect timing for your event, shall we?

Why Timing Actually Matters (More Than You'd Think!)

Here's the thing... magic isn't just about the tricks themselves. It's about creating moments, breaking the ice, filling those awkward gaps, and giving your guests something to talk about for years to come. Get the timing right and your guests are relaxed, engaged, and absolutely buzzing. Get it wrong and, well, the magic can feel a bit out of place.

The good news is that with a bit of planning, we can make sure every moment of magic hits exactly when it should. Whether you're planning a wedding at a gorgeous Exeter venue or a corporate event somewhere in Cornwall, there's always a perfect window for close-up magic to really shine.

Wedding Magic: Finding Those Perfect Moments

Weddings are honestly my favourite events to perform at, and there are so many brilliant opportunities throughout the day for magic. Let me walk you through the key moments...

The Drinks Reception

This is, without a doubt, one of the very best times for a magician to perform at your wedding. Your guests have just watched the ceremony, emotions are running high, and everyone's mingling with a drink in hand... but here's the challenge: not everyone knows each other yet!

This is where close-up magic becomes an absolute game-changer. I move from group to group, performing sleight of hand right in your guests' hands, and suddenly people who've never met before are laughing together, gasping at the same impossible moment, and chatting away like old friends. It's a beautiful icebreaker, and it gives your guests something wonderful to experience while you're off having your photographs taken.

The drinks reception typically lasts around an hour to ninety minutes, and that's usually the perfect amount of time for me to work through all your guests and make sure everyone gets to experience some magic.

The Wedding Breakfast

Another absolutely brilliant window is during the wedding breakfast itself, particularly between courses. You know those moments when the starters have been cleared and everyone's waiting for the main course? That can be fifteen, twenty, sometimes even thirty minutes of guests sitting at their tables without much to do.

This is where table magic really comes into its own. I visit each table in turn, performing close-up magic right there at the table, complete with that blend of mind-blowing sleight of hand and natural comedy that keeps things fun and relaxed. It fills those gaps perfectly and gives your guests an experience they genuinely won't forget.

The Room Turnaround

Now this is the moment that so many couples worry about, and rightly so! If you're having your ceremony and reception in the same room, there's often a period where guests need to vacate while the venue staff flip the room from ceremony layout to dining layout.

What do your guests do during this time? Stand around feeling a bit awkward? Well, not if there's a magician keeping them entertained! This is honestly one of my favourite times to perform because guests are relaxed, the formalities are done, and everyone's in such a good mood. The magic flows beautifully and before your guests even realise it, the room's ready and it's time to eat.

The Evening Reception

If you've got evening guests arriving who missed the day celebrations, having a magician perform during the first hour or so of the evening is absolutely wonderful. It welcomes them in, gets them mingling with the day guests, and makes them feel included in the celebration.

I often recommend booking me for a split session... perhaps a couple of hours during the day (drinks reception and wedding breakfast), and then another hour when the evening guests arrive. This way everyone gets to experience the magic and nobody feels like they've missed out.

You can find out more about my wedding entertainment packages on my weddings page, and I'm always happy to chat through what might work best for your particular day.

Corporate Events: When Does Magic Work Best?

Corporate events are brilliant for magic too, and the timing considerations are quite similar to weddings, actually.

Pre-Dinner Drinks and Networking

If you're hosting a corporate dinner, awards ceremony, or conference dinner in Exeter or anywhere across Devon and Cornwall, the pre-dinner drinks portion is absolutely ideal for close-up magic. Colleagues and clients are mingling, conversations can sometimes feel a bit formal or stilted, and magic gives everyone a shared experience to bond over.

I've performed at countless corporate events over the years, and I can tell you that nothing breaks down barriers quite like watching the managing director's face when a signed card appears somewhere impossible!

Between Presentations or Speeches

Got a gap in your conference agenda? Perhaps between the afternoon sessions and the evening entertainment? A magician working the room during these transitional moments keeps the energy up and gives attendees something interactive and memorable.

Award Ceremonies and Gala Dinners

Similar to wedding breakfasts, the gaps between courses at a gala dinner are perfect for table magic. It keeps the atmosphere lively and ensures guests are engaged and entertained throughout the evening.

Head over to my corporate events page if you'd like more information about how I can help make your business event truly memorable.

Private Parties and Special Celebrations

Birthday parties, anniversaries, retirement celebrations... the timing principles are much the same. Generally speaking, magic works best during:

The arrival period when guests are gathering

Any drinks reception or mingling time

Between food courses

After formal toasts or speeches when the atmosphere relaxes

For private parties, I usually recommend somewhere between one to two hours of close-up magic, timed to coincide with the most social parts of your event.

A Quick Timing Summary

To wrap things up, here's a handy little guide:

Weddings: Drinks reception, between courses at the wedding breakfast, room turnaround, and evening guest arrivals.

Corporate Events: Pre-dinner networking, between presentations, and during gala dinner courses.

Private Parties: Arrivals, drinks reception, and between courses.

Let's Chat About Your Event!

Every event is different, and that's genuinely what makes my job so wonderful. Whether you're planning a wedding at a stunning Exeter venue, a corporate event in Plymouth, or a family celebration somewhere in Cornwall, I'd absolutely love to help you figure out the perfect timing for your entertainment.

With over 15 years of experience performing across Devon and the South West, I've pretty much seen it all, and I'm always happy to offer advice based on your specific schedule, venue, and guest numbers.

If you'd like to chat about your event, just get in touch... I'd love to hear from you and help make your celebration something truly magical!add text.