June 2026

With summer temperatures rising and heatwaves becoming more common, I thought it would be interesting to share a little behind-the-scenes insight into how hot weather can affect a close-up magician at a wedding. When people think about a heatwave, they naturally think about the bride, groom and guests trying to stay cool. However, spare a thought for the wedding suppliers too! As a close-up magician, I spend much of the day moving between groups, often outdoors, performing sleight of hand and interacting with guests for several hours at a time. Whilst I absolutely love performing at summer weddings, extreme heat can create some interesting challenges./ When Playing Cards Don’t Play Nicely One of the biggest casualties of hot and humid weather is the humble deck of cards. Playing cards are surprisingly sensitive to heat and moisture. During a heatwave they can become soft, sticky and more difficult to handle. Since much of close-up magic relies on precision and smooth handling, this can make certain techniques considerably more challenging than they would be under normal conditions. Thankfully, years of experience mean I can adapt, but there is definitely a noticeable difference between performing on a pleasant spring afternoon and during a scorching summer wedding. Heat Affects More Than Just Cards It’s not just the cards that suffer. Sharpie markers, which I regularly use for signed card routines and other interactive effects, can dry out much faster in high temperatures. If I hand you a marker to sign something, I’d be very grateful if you could pop the lid back on afterwards. It might seem like a small thing, but it helps keep everything working smoothly throughout the day. Why I Might Not Be Wearing a Tie Like most wedding suppliers, I always want to look smart, professional and appropriately dressed for your special day. However, during a heatwave you may notice that I’ve made a few practical adjustments. There may be occasions when I decide not to wear a tie, and I may even change my shirt partway through the event. After several hours of performing in very hot weather, a fresh shirt can make a huge difference. These small adjustments help me stay comfortable, focused and presentable so I can continue delivering the best possible experience for your guests. You Might See Me Drinking Water You may also notice me carrying a bottle of water or occasionally stopping for a quick drink. Normally, many entertainers try not to be seen drinking too frequently whilst working because there can be a perception that it looks unprofessional. Some guests may even assume that any drink in hand contains alcohol. The reality is much less exciting! During a heatwave, staying hydrated is essential. If you see me taking a quick sip of water or a soft drink between performances, it’s simply part of ensuring that I remain alert, energetic and able to perform at my best throughout the day. Looking after myself means I can continue looking after your entertainment. The Hidden Danger: Drink Spillages Another challenge during hot weather is the increased risk of drink spillages. When guests are carrying cold drinks, cocktails, prosecco and ice-filled glasses around the venue, accidents can happen. A single splash can quickly turn a working deck of cards into a soggy mess or damage other props and equipment. I’m always careful when performing around drinks, but if you’re watching some magic whilst holding a glass, a little extra awareness is always appreciated! Looking After Yourselves Too Of course, it’s not just magicians who feel the effects of a heatwave. Wedding days can be surprisingly long, especially when guests arrive early and spend much of the afternoon outdoors. Whilst enjoying a celebratory drink is all part of the occasion, it’s worth remembering that alcohol and high temperatures can be a challenging combination. Taking regular breaks in the shade, drinking plenty of water, applying sunscreen and generally looking after yourselves will help ensure everyone remains comfortable throughout the day. The more relaxed and comfortable your guests feel, the more they’ll enjoy every aspect of the celebration—including the magic. The Show Goes On The good news is that a heatwave doesn’t stop the magic. It may mean a few extra bottles of water, some spare decks of cards, a fresh shirt and perhaps the occasional missing tie, but with preparation and experience I can continue creating memorable magical moments regardless of the temperature. So if you see me at a summer wedding armed with a bottle of water, carefully guarding my Sharpie markers and keeping a respectful distance from overflowing glasses of prosecco, you’ll know exactly why. Stay cool, stay hydrated and enjoy the sunshine. Sean Boon

Multi award winning wedding magician Sean Boon at Elcot Park

This week I had the pleasure of performing as a close-up magician at a wonderful wedding at Parley Manor, one of the most beautiful wedding venues on the Dorset and Hampshire border. After what felt like an endless week of rain, wind and grey skies, everyone had been keeping a close eye on the weather forecast. Thankfully, the clouds parted at exactly the right time and we were treated to glorious sunshine throughout the celebrations. It was one of those perfect wedding days where everything seemed to come together, allowing guests to fully enjoy the stunning grounds and gardens that make Parley Manor weddings so special. A Stunning Wedding Venue in Dorset Located near Christchurch, just a short distance from Bournemouth and the New Forest, Parley Manor is an elegant Georgian manor house set within four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The venue is renowned for its exclusive-use weddings, picturesque Italian walled garden, charming pavilion, and beautiful countryside setting. It’s easy to see why so many couples searching for a Parley Manor wedding venue fall in love with it immediately. The combination of the manor house, manicured lawns, and stunning outdoor ceremony spaces creates the perfect backdrop for unforgettable wedding photographs and an incredible experience for guests. Wedding Entertainment at Parley Manor I was booked to provide close-up magic during the drinks reception and throughout the wedding celebrations, giving guests something unique and memorable to enjoy while photographs were being taken and between different parts of the day. One of the things I love most about performing at Parley Manor weddings is the relaxed atmosphere. Guests can mingle in the beautiful gardens while enjoying impossible mind reading, and interactive magic that happens right in their own hands. Close-up magic is the perfect form of wedding entertainment because it brings people together. It breaks the ice between families meeting for the first time, creates laughter and conversation, and gives guests memories they’ll be talking about long after the wedding day. A Personal Thank You A special thank you goes to the wonderful people who booked me for this event. They have been long-time supporters of my work and it genuinely means a great deal whenever our paths cross at another celebration. Their support has been particularly appreciated recently as I’ve been undertaking a charity challenge to raise awareness and funds for mental health. The encouragement, donations and kind words from people like them have helped make a real difference, and I’m incredibly grateful and being invited to play a small part in such an important day for their family was an absolute privilege. Looking for a Wedding Magician at Parley Manor? If you’re planning a Parley Manor wedding and looking for unique wedding entertainment, close-up magic is a fantastic way to keep guests entertained throughout the day and create unforgettable moments. I’m a professional wedding magician based in Hampshire, performing at weddings across Hampshire, Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch, the New Forest and the South Coast. Whether you’re getting married at Parley Manor or another beautiful venue, I’d be delighted to help make your day even more memorable. Wedding magician packages from £350.