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Modern couples are continually coming up with new and interesting ways to make their wedding ultra special and authentic.
One such unique concept is live wedding painting. Let’s find out more.
Read More: Ideas for Wedding Table Names: 20 Fun and Creative Options
Photography by Wildling Weddings
What is Live Painting at a Wedding?
Well, it’s pretty self-explanatory, folks.
It’s a traditional artist/painter who recreates one of the magical moments of your wedding by painting or sketching it in real-time (such as the wedding ceremony or the reception). This can be instead of or as well as a wedding photographer or videographer.
This concept is creeping in as a popular wedding trend and can be ideal for art-lover couples or just couples wanting something a little unique and unusual.
Live Event Painting
One of the most important aspects of your wedding is capturing some of the special/tear-jerking/hilarious moments to cherish as magical keepsakes for years to come – as well as being a beautiful heirloom for future generations (if that’s your thing!).
Live painting, otherwise known as plein air painting, has been growing in popularity in recent years, especially for weddings.
How it works is a professional painter (we recommend doing a bit of research and finding a painter whose artistic vision is in alignment with yours and your partner’s) will rock up to your wedding with their canvas and artistic supplies in tow. They will set up at the ceremony or reception to paint a magical scene in real-time.
Because painting takes significantly longer than the shutter snap of a camera, we recommend still having a wedding photographer or videographer on-hand to capture plenty of other gorgeous moments.
Different Styles of Live Wedding Painting
Painting of any kind comes in many creative styles and it’s important to remember this, as your wedding artist will need to work fairly quickly to recreate a few of the magical moments of the day, there are only three types of live painting styles:
- Abstractism: Compositions made of shapes, styles, and colours
- Impressionism: The artist’s own take on the subject/environment
- Realism: Very natural and almost ‘photograph-like’
Cost of Live Wedding Painting
Much like hiring a wedding photographer, the cost will depend on various factors. Some artists offer a wedding package, while others will charge by the hour.
Costs are likely to include the size and quantity of canvases required, the art supplies (for example, oil-based paint is more expensive than acrylic paint), and the complexity of the style of painting.
Also, if your artist is coming from afar, they may charge extra for travel and/or accommodation fees.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Live Wedding Painting: Dos and Don’ts
- Do: your research. Don’t hire anyone who doesn’t have a portfolio of work to back up their artistic claims.
- Don’t: settle for the first artist you come across. There are plenty of painters out there with different styles – take the time to find one that you love.
- Do: plan and prioritise your budget. Live wedding painting is more of a cute novelty than a surefire way to capture every lovely moment of your wedding. Because of this, consider/prioritise a wedding photographer.
- Don’t: hire a live painter for late in the evening when the bubbly has been flowing for a while – nothing will ruin your magical keepsake like a drunk guest with his tie around his head stumbling into the artist, mid-brushstroke.
- Do: book your artist as early as possible before they get snatched up by another couple.
- Don’t: book a particular artist if your spouse isn’t keen on their work/style. This is a tangible treasure that both of you deserve to enjoy, so make sure you’re artistically in agreement before hiring anyone!
- Do: make sure they get time to have a break and consider a vendor meal plan. After all, they’re creating something wonderful for you to enjoy for the rest of your lives – they’ll need some sustenance!
- Don’t: pressure an artist to change their style. They won’t appreciate the constraints of not being able to work their magic and chances are, the results won’t be what you’d hoped for.
Wedding Artists in the UK
Some of the live wedding painters/illustrators in the UK include:
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Questions to Ask Your Live Wedding Painter (Before Booking Them)
As with any wedding vendor, there are questions to ask before putting down a deposit.
How long does a live painting take?
The answer will depend on the size and style of the painting, which you can then use to depict which part of the day the artist should paint.
But the bottom line is that good art takes time – rushed art will be very evident in the quality of the work.
How can we accommodate you during the wedding?
Every artist is different and will likely have varying needs and requirements.
Different accommodations may include comfortable seating, enough space for their tools and equipment, close access to electrical outlets for lighting, and a schedule so that he/she knows when they can nip for a break without missing a vital moment.
When will the painting be ready?
Depending on the style of art, as well as the experience level of the artist, the availability of the painting differs.
Some artists will be able to present their work to the couple at the end of the night, whereas others may wish to take the work home for additional touch-ups.
Every artist is different and it is important to be aware of when your painting will be available for signing on the dotted line.
Can I see your portfolio?
Any experienced painter will have a portfolio that they show to potential clients and this will give you a clear indication of whether you will be happy to pay their fee or not.
Any artist who cannot prove a body of work – but expects you to pony up a non-refundable deposit – should be avoided.
What size paintings do you offer?
This is self-explanatory. And again, knowing the size of the painting you will be receiving can help you establish whether the artist is the right one to collaborate with for your needs and budget.
Typical painting size options would be along the lines of:
16 × 20
18 × 24
20 × 26
20 × 24
24 × 30
24 × 36
Do you offer framing?
Some do and some don’t, so it is important to establish this, as opposed to assuming it is part of the service. Those that do will likely charge an additional fee from framed pieces.
How far are you willing to travel for a wedding?
The great thing about teeny-tiny Britain is that it’s possible to get anywhere within a matter of hours. So, if your wedding is based in Scotland, for example, and your artist is based in England, he or she can drive or take a short flight.
Travel costs (within reason) are usually covered within the artist’s fees, but this is something that needs discussing, as a contribution towards fuel may be something the painter will require.
Those requiring a specific artist from overseas may be expected to cover flight costs (or at least a percentage).
How do I book you for my wedding?
Like most professional wedding vendors, your live wedding artist will likely have a process of booking, which will likely include a deposit and a contract.
Make sure you thoroughly read the contract before signing, and flesh out the details of the deposit (which will likely be non-refundable).
What paints do you use?
This is important if you’re dead set on a specific style (for example, watercolour). Make sure that your specific artist is willing/able to accommodate your needs.
And like we said earlier, don’t pressure them into it if it isn’t their thing. Another artist will be more than happy to provide the painting you desire.
FAQs
According to professional wedding painting companies such as The Wedding Painters, a typical live wedding painting package can cost between £1000 – £1200 and can exceed £2000+.
This may not include the prints, which can cost anywhere from £10 – £50 per print, depending on the quality and size.
Having a live painter at your wedding can be a unique way of immortalising the magical moment you and your partner tie the knot, but it is important to do your research and find a painter whose style is to your taste, and to factor in costs within your budget.
Prices for this service, of course, vary from artist to artist, but according to professional wedding painter, Aaron Jacob Jones, prices are along the lines of:
- 3 hours: £875
- 4 hours: £1140
- 5 hours: £1405
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