Meet Ken Margoe, Toronto wedding magician and illusionist

There's a lovely in-between moment at every wedding. The ceremony is over, you're off having your photos taken, and your guests are mingling with a drink in hand. It's the perfect moment for something that gets everyone talking.

One of the most memorable ways to fill it is with a magician.

I want to introduce you to Ken Margoe, an illusionist, mentalist and comedy magician based in Toronto. He lists his open dates on OpenDates, and his career speaks for itself.

Ken has headlined in theatres and comedy clubs, including Illusionarium with Penn & Teller in Toronto, and he's a regular headliner at The Rec Room locations across Canada. He also performs on Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises, where he regularly entertains thousands of guests.

And then there's the world record. Ken holds the record for the most dangerous trick in magic, the bullet catch, with 26 bullets caught in a single day. You won't see that one at your reception, but it tells you something about the kind of performer he is.

Ken describes his shows as full of comedy, and they're completely interactive, so your guests aren't just watching. They're part of it.

Most wedding entertainment happens in the background. A band plays while people talk, a photo booth sits in the corner. Magic is different, because it pulls everyone into the same moment at the same time.

When something impossible happens a few inches from someone's face, they react out loud. They grab the person next to them. They want to see it again, and they want to tell someone. That shared gasp and laugh is what breaks the ice between two families who have only just met, and it works on every age at once, from the flower girl to your grandparents.

It also gives your guests a story. Years from now, people won't remember the centrepieces, but they will remember the moment they couldn't believe their own eyes.

Cocktail hour is where strolling magic really shines. Ken moves from group to group doing close-up magic right in front of them: money magic, rope magic and mind reading. Your aunt who doesn't know anyone on the other side of the family suddenly has something to talk about with them.

It also solves the waiting problem. While you're off having your photos taken, your guests are being entertained, not checking the time.

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A stage show for the reception

If you'd like something bigger, Ken brings a full stage show with illusions, mind reading and plenty of comedy. It fits beautifully between dinner and the first dance, or as a surprise after the speeches.

One detail couples love: Ken brings all of his own sound, video and microphones. He needs nothing from your venue except power, and he sets up and packs away without getting in the way of the rest of your day. A table levitation is included with every booking, and you can add the levitation of a guest from the audience if you'd like a moment nobody will forget.

Ken also offers something made just for weddings: a magical game of tic-tac-toe at the end of his stand-up show that finishes with a custom reveal of the two of you. Here it is:

Whether you book Ken or someone else, these are the questions worth asking:

• ✦Do you perform at weddings, or mostly corporate events? Weddings have their own rhythm, with speeches, timings and older guests, so experience matters.
• ✦Is the show clean and family friendly? Ask especially if there will be children or grandparents in the front row.
• ✦What do you need from the venue? The best answer is very little. Ken only needs power.
• ✦Can you do both strolling and stage? Many couples like a bit of each.
• ✦Are you insured? Most venues will ask.

Good entertainers book up, especially on Saturdays in summer. That's exactly why OpenDates exists: Ken keeps his open dates up to date on his page, so you can see if he's free on your wedding date before you send a single email.

If you'd like to see other performers too, browse music and entertainment across Canada. And if a Friday wedding is on your mind, our guide to Friday and Sunday weddings explains how much you can save.

Does Ken Margoe travel for weddings?

Yes. Ken is based in Toronto and travels across Canada, and around the world, to perform at weddings and events.

What does a wedding magician do during cocktail hour?

A strolling magician moves between small groups of guests doing close-up magic, such as card tricks, coin magic and mind reading. It keeps guests entertained while the couple is away having photos taken.

Does a magician need anything from the venue?

It depends on the performer. Ken provides all his own sound, video and microphones and only needs access to power.

Happy planning! Kristina

Photos: Ken Margoe.