How to Have a Tarot Card Reading at Your Wedding
If you're thinking about including a tarot card reading at your wedding you've landed on the right page. Not only is the tarot world big, but we've noticed that having tarot card readers present when tying the knot is part of the wedding reception trends many couples have been participating in recently. That said, the tarot world can be multifaceted and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to hire the performer that best fits your budget, event style, theme and personality.
To learn more about having a tarot card reading experience at your wedding (and everything it takes to bring this activity to life), we spoke with Orlando-based tarot card reader, Adam Wethington (aka Madam Adam), Karli Petrovic, tarot card reader at Cup of Sugar in Atlanta, Georgia, and Samantha Vassiliou, spiritual coach and tarot card reader at Aphrodite's Baby based in Spain.
In this article: Definition | Cost | Timing | How to Hire | Who to Hire
What Is a Tarot Card Reader?
"A tarot card reader is a spiritual advisor," Madam Adam says. "A reader is someone who understands the language of tarot and can interpret the cards in a way to give you perspective and advice." Vassiliou adds that tarot card readers can help provide individuals with clarity regarding past, present and future events and experiences.
How Much Does a Tarot Card Reader Cost for a Wedding?
The cost to hire a wedding tarot card reader varies depending on a plethora of factors including experience, time (or hourly) commitment, travel required to attend your wedding and booking or appearance fees. Although many performers typically pre-determine their rates for their work, Madam Adam notes that a couple should expect to pay at least $500 if they'd like to include a tarot card reader into their wedding festivities although he has performed at some weddings for between $2,000 and $3,000 depending on travel requirements and the length of his participation in wedding reception activities. "Although the cost varies reader-to-reader based on what they charge for readings themselves (which might influence the cost or how much time they spend there), typically it's anywhere from $500 and up depending on travel, lodging and other factors."
Some tarot card readers may also offer wedding packages with hour minimums. "I offered a package that was $250 per hour with a two-hour minimum," Petrovic says.
It is important to note that the cost to hire a tarot card reader for weddings typically doesn't include gratuity or tips. Some tarot card readers may encourage tipping while others may feel indifferent regarding the act once their rate is paid. "If someone were set on tipping, I feel that anything from a few dollars to $20 would be appropriate," Petrovic explains. Madam Adam adds that tips commonly range from $5 to $20 although some people may tip upwards of $100 depending on their satisfaction with the reading and tarot performance. If you're still unsure of how much to tip, you can refer to our wedding vendor tipping sheet.
When Is the Best Time to Have a Tarot Card Reader for a Wedding?
One of the great things about tarot card readers is they can be incorporated into many parts of a wedding celebration. It is up to you (and your partner) to decide the timeframe that works best for your particular event. The most popular times tarot card readers usually make appearances, though, are during cocktail hour and/or during the reception. Madam Adam and Petrovic note that one of the main considerations to keep in mind when determining the reading time(s) is how much attention you are okay with your guests providing to the tarot card reader at a particular time as you want their service to complement the celebration instead of taking the spotlight away from you and your partner.
"Although cocktail hour is a lovely option, I also suggested having my services available during dinner before the toasts, so that anyone who was interested in a reading and had finished eating early could approach my table without interrupting speeches or the other important moments during the ceremony," Petrovic explains. "Another option is for a tarot reader to provide entertainment during the dinner by going table to table."
How to Hire a Tarot Card Reader
If you're in the process of figuring out when to hire wedding vendors or find a tarot card reader, starting early is key. Many wedding vendors (including tarot card readers) often have many engagements on their schedule and you want to ensure that your wedding day is reserved on their calendar as soon as possible.
That said, The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a great place to look for skilled tarot readers. When searching for tarot card readers for weddings, there are a couple of things you'll want to keep in mind and remember to ask to ensure the reader you book aligns with the kind of readings you want to take place on your special day.
"Some good questions to ask would be if the reader has read at weddings or events before, what types of readings they could offer (this is super important as you want to ensure they can keep the energy of your day positive) and how long each reading would approximately take," Vassiliou explains.
Wedding Tarot Card Readers to Know
Ready to find a tarot card reader to entertain your wedding guests? We've compiled a list of talented tarot card readers you can hire to add some extra whimsy to your wedding day. We did all the research so you can focus on booking and planning the rest of the wedding details guests care about most.
Madam Adam in Orlando, Florida
Although you may have seen Madam Adam performing some readings on your phone or computer screen, online readings aren't the only kinds of readings he conducts. When you book Madam Adam to read at your wedding, you can rest assured that the love energies will be kept between you and your partner as he doesn't prefer to focus on romance and love, but instead on self-worth, self-actualization and wellness. Don't worry if your wedding isn't set to take place in the Orlando area as he is open to destination weddings.
Cup of Sugar in Atlanta, Georgia
For a tarot reader based in Atlanta (formerly Austin, Texas) or the surrounding areas, Petrovic of Cup of Sugar is a great choice. With a two-hour minimum reading package, Petrovic's reading services are suitable for cocktail hour or during dinnertime. She is a particularly great reader if you're looking for someone who can conduct readings at their own table or when table-hopping depending on your preference.
Chimera Spirit Services in Houston, Texas
Regardless of whether self-growth or love readers is what you seek, Erin Johnston of Chimera Spirit Services is happy and able to help in the Houston and surrounding areas. If you'd like to add crystals to your celebration, Johnston is happy to bring those to your wedding reception (or other wedding event), too.
Aphrodite's Baby in Costa Del Sol, Spain
Whether you're having a destination wedding in Spain or have met the love of your life and are tying the knot there, Samantha Vassiliou of Aphrodite's Baby can conduct tarot card or oracle readings for you and your guests. Although she can conduct love readings in the spirit of weddings, she notes that a miniature three-card spread is another popular kind of reading carried out at weddings.
Silver Raven Tarot in Deltona, Florida
If you're tying the knot in Florida, consider a reading from Silver Raven Tarot. Depending on the season, reader Silver Raven offers various services including an autumn equinox reading. As a "W.I.T.C.H. (Woman in Total Control of Herself)" as she refers to herself, Raven can help you and your guests tap into their minds and leave your wedding celebration feeling rejuvenated and more in control than they were before.