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mrdane Regular user Sacramento / San Francisco 191 Posts |
Little about me... I've been doing magic for a year now but grew up on stage so I've always loved performing. I focus on magic that's direct to the point and in the spectators hands which I believe is the strongest, even if its more prep and work on my part. I've performed at several college shows and some bars since I've recently turned 21.
So at a bar last night.. I was doing effects and getting awesome reactions. I thought, what a perfect time to hand out my first business cards which, I bet, really sharpened my professional look. They asked, "are you for hire"? and I said, what am I, a hooker?!... jk "for what event.. A WEDDING? oh uhh sure!" wait a tick.. I just got booked I'm afraid that I might start feeling kinda awkard when I get there as weddings seem kind of a family and loved ones thing. I really just met them and I wish my first wedding gig would be one of my own family's weddings. Any advice from wedding workers? oh yeah.. how much do I charge.. they're still waiting for my response.. hehe |
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
Here we go...again. So, you were performing, got booked for a wedding, they asked for a price, and your waiting for us to tell you how much to charge?
Now, first off, this is not wise planning on your part. Another thing, if you feel hesitant about it, than why accept the gig? Why risk doing a terrible job, and burning a bridge? Instead, keep them happy. Tell them your booked for that date, and to keep you in mind for other events though. As for how much to charge...charge what your worth. I've done a wedding before. I charged $125 an hour. That was just me though...that's my normal strolling rate. -Steve |
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patrick flanagan Inner circle lisle, illinois 1045 Posts |
Weddings are fun but very hectic...you really have to try your best to stay out of the servers way. They will be coming at you from all directions...lol..and they have opne purpose in mind....feed the guests....nothing else.
Working the tables is tougher than restaurants. You have, usually, 10 people at a table with little or no table space available. If you are there at the start of the reception and at the beginning of the meal....most if not all of what you do will be in the hands. Doing college shows and bars won't be the same as this. There is material that is acceptable in a college or bar setting that won't be here, so make sure your material is reflective of the event. Nothing edgy or suggestive....the bride's grandmother might be at that table or within earshot. Well, good luck and let us know how it turned out. Patrick |
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mrdane Regular user Sacramento / San Francisco 191 Posts |
I'll probably do that and tell them I'm booked.. Not that I would do a bad job it just might not be to the best of my abilities because of my comfort with the surroudings. I was actually thinking a bill(100) an hour and how would I better plan for this? Thanks for the advice guys
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RicHeka Inner circle 3999 Posts |
Mrdane:It sounds like you have a little performance experience behind you..which is very good.
What you need to do in this case[IMO] is to organize your best effects into 2-3 sets of three effects.Keep things simple an only do routines that are surefire. By approaching this gig in this way,you will be more confident,and will be able to project your personality...which is all important. Make sure you find out the itinerary of the event...and along with the host schedule your performance time where it won't conflict with other thing's going on...especially eating. Most of these that I have done were during the cocktail hour..which is perfect. Rich edit:I just noticed you are ready to throw in the towel.That's up to you,but if the host saw you entertain and liked it enough to have you at the wedding...well I think you should give it a shot. Pm me if you need any further info. |
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
It's a party, just like any other party. Look for the bored people and go over and entertain them.
If someone clinks a glass, shut up and meld into a wall. find a mentor that you can shadow. See how they work a room. It's also good to have a mentor who will give you some sound advice and possibly a gig or two that he can't or won't do. Today bride's are looking for everyone to have fun. If they have kids at the party, they will hire magicians, balloon artists, craft people and babysitters. They will throw a party just for them separate from the adults. Kind of sad when you think about it, the separating adults from the kids, how else do we learn social skills? I have done many weddings, bar & Bat Mitzvahs a Bris and even a funeral!! Mark Bynre
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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mrdane Regular user Sacramento / San Francisco 191 Posts |
Oh.. that's good because I've always kept walk around sets to that number. And that's very true that if she enjoyed my performance that much. I suppose I will try to find out more information about the event before I make a solid decision. Thanks Paleo maig!
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pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
I usually perform at 3 or 4 weddings a year. My first one of the season is next week. It's very important that you do not put the emphasis on yourself. If time permits, it's really nice to do something for the bride and groom. (Hmmm, maybe anniversary waltz?) Also, don't forget the parents, they're usually the ones writing the check.
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patrick flanagan Inner circle lisle, illinois 1045 Posts |
And make sure you send a contract with a cancellation fee. just had a friend have a wedding gig cancelled...booked it 9 months ago...wedding was called off....ouch.
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mrdane Regular user Sacramento / San Francisco 191 Posts |
Okay.. got the info and I'm ready to do it, I don't know what the hell I was thinking going by Steve's advice. Sometimes I forget I already know what I'm doing. I kind of have a mentor, and hes kinda oldschool but that's what makes him good. I haven't seen him do a wedding yet but I'll ask because I have some time till my gig. She offered 200 an hour, which was about what I was thinking, and I gladly accepted. I've actually become very good at not placing emphasis on myself as that's how I was when I first started. Its all about the audience.. is kind of my motto when it comes to performing. I will do a wine bottle production as a gift using splash bottle. What kind of wine do I give?
whoa.. how do you work a fueneral? |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
For a funeral I suggest a vent act.
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
That Santa, always marketing he is!
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-06-09 14:10, mrdane wrote: I'm not sure how to take that.... First off, you came on here and were pretty hestitant and nervous about the gig. Secondly, you didn't know how much to charge. That doesn't sound like someone that was ready to work a wedding. Also, I never told you that taking my advice was mandatory. I simply gave you something to think about. And another note, you came on here with 2 posts. Think of what you would have said if someone else did the samething. Good luck with the gig man. I hope it works out for you. Steve |
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Pete Legend Inner circle Ireland 1401 Posts |
I have done a lot of weddings recently.Im a mentalist..and bill myself as one.I have done weddings where I performed stand up in front of the entire room,other times I do 25-30 minute stand up and do a 30 minute close up sett.I love the fact that I never have to approach a table cold,after the stand up performance everyone knows me and are happy for me to join them.I love weddings,everyone is in good form.
Mrdane give it a shot buddy!Do the best you can,we all learn from trial and error.Just be polite and people will like you.Everyone is there to have a good time so don't even sweat it.Give them your best..after that everything is a learning experience.Best Of luck from Ireland(I got a wedding next week) Pete |
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Brady Loyal user Los Angeles, CA 235 Posts |
Hi Mrdane,
In my experience their are three possible shows that might be appropriate for a wedding: 1) strolling - close up 2) stand up 3) both You have had a number of posts here giving good advice, including Steve. My two cents is just this: in my experience, I have found the best time to perform strolling is between the wedding and the time the bride and groom makes their appearance at the reception, or possibly until the food is served. This period is usually very dull for the guests. I have been at weddings where it can take the couple up to an hour and a half to arrive. They are busy taking rolls of pictures, signing paperwork, getting everyone together in the wedding party to make the trip to the reception, and the guests are left to sit and wait. As with restaurant work, don't do strolling while people are eating. They are probably starving by the time the food is served. Perhaps some others here can also give advice on when to perform. Remember, you need to know all this ahead of time, the couple has no clue when it is best to perform and not to perform, and even the planner may be completely unaware and try to stick you in somewhere you don't belong. It is your job to guide them on this, you are suppose to be the professional. I don't know what routines you do or how you perform them, but you better have your sets down cold. You also need to ask yourself this question about every trick you do: "Does this routine bring a smile and enjoyment to my audience, or does it just make me look like a hot shot magician?" If the answer is not the former in every case, you need to rework your effects. If you are not sure what I mean, PM me. Well, I think I actually got four cents in. Good luck, Brady |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
I've one bit of advice, other than San Francisco/Sacramento = Fairfield. Don't try to change your presentations to have a wedding theme, just do them as you are comfertable doing them. You are there to keep the people occupied because receptions have long periods of boredom going on. Do at least one special routine for the couple, it doesn't have to be in front of everyone, could be just for them and the wedding party. Anniversary Waltz is easy and effective. I've faith in you.
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-06-09 14:10, mrdane wrote: As to the wine make it under a $200 a bottle : ) Or match it to the entree'. The funeral gig was really about balloons, a ten year old boy died of cancer he was supposed to meet with the Orange County Chopper guys as part of the Make a Wish Foundation. Well he didn't make it. A friend of the family saw my balloon motorcycle on my business card and asked if I would make for him instead of them a flower arrangement. I agree to do, but would not take payment for my services. I was told I could do the set-up before the coffin was laid out, well the funeral director got there first. I had to set up with the body laid out and an open casket. A very strange quiet in the room. Let's say I would not make it a regular gig. Mark Byrne
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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patrick flanagan Inner circle lisle, illinois 1045 Posts |
Bad,
That was a very nice gesture of providing your service free of charge....highly commendable. patrick |
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JeffMac Veteran user Sudbury, ont 350 Posts |
Be Very careful about giving away alcohol and contact the restaurant first. There are some very sticky liquor laws out there depending where you are performing. Odds are you'll have to buy the bottle off the house and you have just gone from paying $20 for a decent bottle to close to a hundred.
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
In the bay area, where this fellow is, what you often encounter is called a 'corkage charge'. You can bring your own bottle but in order to drink it the somblier (sp) must open it and that cost from $15 to $40 for that to happen.
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