I got a Personal Message today from someone here on this board about the subject of performing for a wedding or cocktail event. While this thread is basicly my message rehashed to this person, I think others here could help contribute to it. There for I submit it to your kindly review.
So you've been booked to do a wedding? I think it's awesome that you've been booked to do a wedding event! Those kind of shows are really fun, and the repeat business can keep you booked for years to come if you play your cards right. The biggest piece of advice I can provide you is to communicate with your event planner! Talk with them, and keep them in the full loop of what you are doing all the way up until the event is over with. Brides have a lot to worry about, and emotions run strong with them. They want their guests to have a lot of fun and be entertained, and the last thing they don't need is any uncertainty on even the most minute detail. Don't harass them with pointless phone calls or emails, but you certainly want to make sure you stay in the loop in case details of the event, it's location, its attendance, or their expectations of you change.
Chances are very good that you'll either be performing at the reception, or during one of the pre-parties (such as the Bridal Shower, or the Bachelor party) I don't know of anyone who actually performs during the wedding, since that time usually belongs to the bride. The person booking you could very well be the lucky couple if not the bride herself, or it could be her event planner. In traditional weddings it's the bride and her family (usually mother) who make all the plans for the wedding, as well as pay for it. In modern times we've seen this trend sliding as tradition gives way to modernization. Who ever your point of contact is, it is important that you get the feel for the dress code of the event.
Some receptions are themed. For example I know of personal friends of mine whose bridal party were all dressed in pirate/ren-fair style attire because the bride and groom's outfits were styled after Elizabeth and Will Turner's outfits from Pirates of the Caribbean. You'll want to know the dress attire because you'll want to blend in, or be better dressed. NEVER do a party of this magnitude in jeans and a T-shirt. Invest in a tux rental for the event, you can always charge extra for your wardrobe, and make it back on the back end.
Show up at least an hour early for the event. If for nothing else than to scope out the location. See where your entrances and exits will be, envision where the guests will be seated, how the wait staff will be moving around, and how you fit into this grand picture. Test run through all of your props and effects. Leave nothing to chance. Be in character and wardrobe at least thirty minutes prior to show time.
While it is possible to be booked by the hour, that isn't how most events like this are run. Usually, they will expect to own you for the night. I usually book out for a set price regardless of if they use me for four minutes or four hours. Since you will be on your feet for a long period of time, make sure your shoes are comfortable.
As with any private party that you book, double check in advance to make sure it is okay to hand out business cards or other marketing material. NEVER assume on this one. It could cost you repeat business.
As with most modern receptions alcohol may very well be served. Do not drink before or during your scheduled work time. If you must, drink afterwords. No one likes a sloppy magician. Drink responsibly, don't drink and drive, and don't drive buzzed.
Don't ask for tips. In this kind of setting you are there as a service to the guests. You should perform freely, and frequently, and always with the complements of the Bride. Again the wedding is HER day. The groom is important too, but make no mistake, the wedding is all about the bride. On a counter note, I will accept a tip if it is offered, but never will I ask for one. It is also rude to turn down a gratuity.
Prepare a special effect for the bride and groom! I recommend a double blank card, with their respective signatures appearing on each side, or something of the like but that's just me.
(End of Part 1. To Be Continued.)
So you've been booked to do a wedding? I think it's awesome that you've been booked to do a wedding event! Those kind of shows are really fun, and the repeat business can keep you booked for years to come if you play your cards right. The biggest piece of advice I can provide you is to communicate with your event planner! Talk with them, and keep them in the full loop of what you are doing all the way up until the event is over with. Brides have a lot to worry about, and emotions run strong with them. They want their guests to have a lot of fun and be entertained, and the last thing they don't need is any uncertainty on even the most minute detail. Don't harass them with pointless phone calls or emails, but you certainly want to make sure you stay in the loop in case details of the event, it's location, its attendance, or their expectations of you change.
Chances are very good that you'll either be performing at the reception, or during one of the pre-parties (such as the Bridal Shower, or the Bachelor party) I don't know of anyone who actually performs during the wedding, since that time usually belongs to the bride. The person booking you could very well be the lucky couple if not the bride herself, or it could be her event planner. In traditional weddings it's the bride and her family (usually mother) who make all the plans for the wedding, as well as pay for it. In modern times we've seen this trend sliding as tradition gives way to modernization. Who ever your point of contact is, it is important that you get the feel for the dress code of the event.
Some receptions are themed. For example I know of personal friends of mine whose bridal party were all dressed in pirate/ren-fair style attire because the bride and groom's outfits were styled after Elizabeth and Will Turner's outfits from Pirates of the Caribbean. You'll want to know the dress attire because you'll want to blend in, or be better dressed. NEVER do a party of this magnitude in jeans and a T-shirt. Invest in a tux rental for the event, you can always charge extra for your wardrobe, and make it back on the back end.
Show up at least an hour early for the event. If for nothing else than to scope out the location. See where your entrances and exits will be, envision where the guests will be seated, how the wait staff will be moving around, and how you fit into this grand picture. Test run through all of your props and effects. Leave nothing to chance. Be in character and wardrobe at least thirty minutes prior to show time.
While it is possible to be booked by the hour, that isn't how most events like this are run. Usually, they will expect to own you for the night. I usually book out for a set price regardless of if they use me for four minutes or four hours. Since you will be on your feet for a long period of time, make sure your shoes are comfortable.
As with any private party that you book, double check in advance to make sure it is okay to hand out business cards or other marketing material. NEVER assume on this one. It could cost you repeat business.
As with most modern receptions alcohol may very well be served. Do not drink before or during your scheduled work time. If you must, drink afterwords. No one likes a sloppy magician. Drink responsibly, don't drink and drive, and don't drive buzzed.
Don't ask for tips. In this kind of setting you are there as a service to the guests. You should perform freely, and frequently, and always with the complements of the Bride. Again the wedding is HER day. The groom is important too, but make no mistake, the wedding is all about the bride. On a counter note, I will accept a tip if it is offered, but never will I ask for one. It is also rude to turn down a gratuity.
Prepare a special effect for the bride and groom! I recommend a double blank card, with their respective signatures appearing on each side, or something of the like but that's just me.
(End of Part 1. To Be Continued.)