Old Thorns wedding

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.

The short answer? It’s never a bad idea. As a close up magician, it’s not something I personally demand in my contract. I’m there to perform, entertain your guests and help create an amazing atmosphere. Whether I’m booked for two hours or all day, I’ll always bring the same energy and professionalism. That said, when suppliers are looked after, it genuinely means a lot. Recently, I performed at a wedding where the hospitality completely blew me away. What started as a simple room change around booking turned into one of those evenings that reminds you why weddings are such brilliant events to be part of. Not only was there an incredible buffet, but there was cake, Krispy Kreme donuts, late-night kebabs and a constant stream of “Go on, grab yourself a drink!” from the couple and family guests. And they genuinely meant it. I never expect to be treated like a guest at a wedding, but being included in that way completely changed the atmosphere of the evening for me. Instead of simply arriving, performing and heading off, I felt part of the celebration. And honestly? Suppliers notice these things. Whether it’s your photographer on their feet for 10 hours, your DJ setting up from midday, or your magician mingling with guests throughout the evening, a drink, a meal or simply checking in to see if they’re okay goes a long way. It’s not about extravagance either. No supplier is expecting a three-course meal and champagne on tap. Even something as simple as: It can make a huge difference. One thing this wedding also reminded me of is why I try not to cram multiple bookings into one day. Of course, it can be tempting as a wedding supplier to squeeze in another event before or after yours, especially during busy season. But evenings like this prove why I prefer to give couples my full attention wherever possible. When you feel genuinely valued by a client, the last thing you want to do is rush off to the next gig. You stay longer chatting with guests. You relax into the atmosphere. You become part of the celebration rather than just another supplier ticking off a booking in the diary. And I honestly believe couples feel the benefit of that too. Happy suppliers tend to create an even better atmosphere. When people feel appreciated, they naturally go the extra mile. The energy becomes more relaxed, more personal and more memorable for everyone involved. Of course, every wedding budget is different, and no reasonable supplier should make couples feel pressured into providing food or refreshments if it’s simply not possible. But if you can include your suppliers in some small way, it’s always appreciated more than you probably realise. And who knows… your magician might just turn into someone leaving your wedding feeling genuinely grateful to have been part of it.

The New Forest has become one of the UK’s most sought-after wedding destinations — and it’s easy to see why. From luxury country house hotels to rustic woodland venues and elegant manor houses, couples are spoiled for choice when planning a wedding in this beautiful part of Hampshire. As a wedding magician performing across the South Coast, I regularly entertain at weddings throughout the New Forest and surrounding areas. One of the things I love most about working here is the variety of venues and the relaxed atmosphere couples create for their guests. Over the years, I’ve performed magic during drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts, evening receptions, and room turnarounds at many fantastic New Forest wedding venues. If you’re currently planning your wedding and looking for entertainment ideas, here are some of the venues I often recommend to couples. Rhinefield House Hotel Often called the “Jewel of the New Forest”, Rhinefield House is one of the most stunning wedding venues in Hampshire. The grand interiors and beautiful grounds make it ideal for elegant weddings. I frequently perform close-up magic here during the drinks reception while couples are having photographs taken outside. It’s a perfect way to keep guests entertained, laughing, and mingling while everyone settles into the day. Rhinefield House is also brilliant for table magic between courses during the wedding breakfast, helping maintain energy and excitement throughout the afternoon. Burley Manor Burley Manor has a relaxed luxury feel that works beautifully for modern weddings. The combination of countryside charm and stylish interiors creates an atmosphere where close-up magic fits naturally. Guests are usually spread across different spaces indoors and outdoors here, which makes roaming magic especially effective. Rather than interrupting the flow of the day, the entertainment becomes part of the atmosphere. One of the biggest compliments I hear from couples at Burley Manor is how magic helps bring different friendship groups and families together naturally. Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa Careys Manor is a popular choice for couples wanting a sophisticated yet relaxed wedding venue in the New Forest. I regularly perform here during the turnaround period between the wedding breakfast and evening reception — one of the most underrated moments for wedding entertainment. While the venue team transforms the room for the evening party, guests can sometimes experience a lull in energy. This is where close-up magic works perfectly. It keeps guests engaged, creates conversation, and adds another memorable moment to the wedding. Pylewell Park Pylewell Park offers incredible coastal views and exclusive-use luxury, making it one of the standout wedding venues near the New Forest. Because weddings here often flow across multiple areas of the estate, close-up magic works brilliantly as a flexible form of entertainment. Guests can experience something unexpected whether they’re relaxing outside with a drink, exploring the grounds, or socialising indoors. This style of entertainment feels natural and interactive without ever interrupting the flow of the wedding. Balmer Lawn Hotel Balmer Lawn is ideal for couples wanting a classic New Forest wedding surrounded by woodland scenery. A wedding magician works particularly well at Balmer Lawn because the venue creates such a sociable atmosphere. Guests naturally gather in groups both inside and outside the venue, which is perfect for interactive close-up magic. I’ve performed at weddings here at various points throughout the day, helping maintain the atmosphere and giving guests something memorable to talk about between the big moments. Beaulieu Hotel & Palace House Beaulieu is one of the most unique wedding settings in the New Forest. From the historic surroundings to the stunning grounds, it creates an unforgettable experience for guests. Magic at Beaulieu weddings often becomes a real talking point because guests are already in a relaxed, celebratory mood. I particularly enjoy performing during outdoor drinks receptions here in the warmer months. Wedding magic also works brilliantly for mixed-age guest lists — something many New Forest weddings have. It gives guests of all ages something to enjoy together. Why Couples Choose a Wedding Magician in the New Forest One thing I’ve noticed from performing at New Forest weddings is that couples want their day to feel relaxed, personal, and memorable. That’s one of the reasons close-up magic has become so popular at modern weddings — it fits naturally into the atmosphere without ever feeling staged or intrusive. As mentioned throughout my wedding pages on Hampshire Magician, the goal is always to create genuine moments of laughter, conversation, and amazement that become part of the memories of the day. Close-up magic is perfect for that style of wedding because it: Unlike staged entertainment, wedding magic happens naturally among your guests, creating genuine reactions and unforgettable moments. Other Wonderful Wedding Venues in and Around the New Forest Over the years, I’ve also entertained at and around several other fantastic wedding venues that couples regularly consider when planning a New Forest wedding, including: Every venue has its own personality and flow to the day, which is one of the reasons I enjoy performing at New Forest weddings so much. Close-up magic works especially well because it adapts naturally to different venues, guest numbers, and wedding styles. Combined with venues such as Rhinefield House, Burley Manor, Careys Manor, Balmer Lawn, Pylewell Park, and Beaulieu, the New Forest offers an incredible variety of wedding locations — from luxury manor houses to rustic countryside celebrations. Having performed at many of these venues over the years, I’ve learned how to tailor the entertainment to suit the atmosphere, timings, and style of each individual wedding. Looking for a Wedding Magician in the New Forest? If you’re getting married in the New Forest and looking for entertainment that feels modern, interactive, and memorable, wedding magic can be the perfect addition to your day. Having performed at weddings across Hampshire and the New Forest, I understand how to work naturally within the flow of the day and adapt to different venues, timelines, and guest groups. Whether you’re planning an elegant manor house wedding, a relaxed countryside celebration, or a luxury hotel reception,