1. Table Decorations. Although they may look nice, having a big table decoration means that your guests won't be able
to see & speak to everyone round the table. Seems obvious but it happens over and over again. Also, you want everyone
on the table to enjoy the close up magic - they can't not believe it if they can't see it.

2. Speeches. It's a good idea to have the speeches at the beginning of the meal. And keep em short. Most of the time the
people making the speeches aren't professional speakers and can get very nervous about making a speech in front of a huge crowd. Also, the Best Man, Bride's Father and Groom can then sit back, relax and enjoy the meal with everyone else knowing the dreaded bit is out the way.

3. What no Speeches? So you've had the speeches at the beginning of the meal? What shall you do to finish things off? Alan can perform his 20 minute magic and mind reading act after coffee for everyone to enjoy at the same time. This is a wonderful way to finish things off before you go to the bar and wait for the evening guests to arrive and often for the room to be changed over for the night time.

4. How many guests? If you are having more than 120 guests then ask Alan if he can recommend another magician
that he can work alongside with to make sure non of the guests miss out. There's nothing worse than guests feeling they've been missed out and neglected because the magician didn't come to see them. Alan will only suggest top professional magicians he has personally worked with before and can guarantee their suitibility for the job in hand.

5. We can't hear you! Often you may be tempted to hire Alan for your evening reception. It's a good idea. But the DJ will want to show he is earning his money by playing the music really loud. Ask the DJ to play background music early on - no one dances anyway till at least a couple of hours in. Usually it's best to have Alan before guests have had so much to drink that they'll find the fact that he can stand up amazing.

6. Top Table. Often during the wedding breakfast the head (top) table is a long rectangular table and the rest of the tables are round. It can create a more relaxed atmosphere if the head table is also a round one. This means you can talk to everyone on the table easier and if Alan is there you all get to see him better! Sometimes the head table is raised on a platform overlooking the rest of them. Unless you are David and Victoria Beckham this may feel a bit weird.

7. Running Late. Things often run late at weddings so make sure you choose experience suppliers who won't mind. The last thing you want is the magician or anyone else complaining because they have to start 20 minutes after they thought they would have to. Wedding professionals will be understanding and fit into the day rather than expecting the day to fit around them. Alan doesn't mind things going over time - if he has another booking to go to he makes sure there is 'running late' time built in.

8. When? A lot of magicians will offer their services before the wedding breakfast, during and after the meal. This is a VERY bad idea. Unless you're having more than 500 guests then everyone will see too much magic. Magic is great, no - incredible, in small doses - but like the finest of wines or the nicest of truffles - too much and it makes you feel a little queezy. Stick to one period only and make sure the magician was a talking point for people - and not someone they were trying to avoid. If a magician tells you that people will love him all day - he is probably quite unaware of what people are really saying behind his back.

9. Tell your guests. Many think it's a good idea to keep the magician a secret from the guests. It's usually better to tell everyone in advance to build a little pre-show excitement up and they will be ready when the magician walks over to them. Nothing worse than the magician introducing himself and people just stare at him - not knowing if he's even supposed to be at the wedding!

10. Payment. It's usually the Best Man's job to pay people - don't do it yourselves. Give him all the cheques in envelopes (well marked) and let him deal with the DJ, Magician, Chocolate Fountain, String Quartet etc....

BOOKING NOW FOR WEDDINGS IN 2008 + 2009

This year Alan has performed at weddings in England, Scotland and Wales and travelled over 40,000 miles.

His theory is simple - SAME FEE, ANY LOCATION (in UK). So if you are in Edinburgh it will be the same as in London. Having a wedding in Cardiff?
No problem. Wedding in Hull? Great! It doesn't matter where you are - it just matters who will be performing magic to your guests on your wedding day.

For Alan's full site and other events covered see Magician