One of the questions I'm asked most often is:
"Will you be able to draw everyone at my wedding?"
It's a completely understandable question. If you're considering live wedding illustration, you probably want as many of your guests as possible to have their own illustration. The good news is that there are several ways to make that work - even if you're having a larger wedding.
My packages are built to cover weddings from as small as 20 guests, up to as many as necessary!
I never want to compromise on quality, so it may mean some of your guests get finished in studio, but none the less if they have asked for a portrait, they will always their artwork!
It depends on your wedding
There isn't a set number of guests that every wedding illustrator can draw.
Every artist works at a slightly different pace and has their own style, so the number of illustrations that can be created will depend on the illustrator you choose, the length of the booking and the type of illustrations you're having created.
Your guest numbers are therefore one of the first things I'd recommend discussing with your illustrator.
What happens at a smaller wedding?
If you're having a smaller, more intimate wedding, you may have enough time for a large proportion of your guests to be illustrated while I'm there.
This can work particularly well when your illustrator is booked for several hours and guests have plenty of opportunities to come over throughout the booking.
What about a larger wedding?
Larger weddings don't necessarily mean that live illustration isn't an option.
Instead, your illustrations can be planned around your guest numbers and the amount of time available.
For example, some guests might be illustrated individually while others are included in couples or small groups.
Depending on your package, additional artwork can also be completed in the studio after your wedding.
This means you don't necessarily need to have your illustrator at your wedding for an entire day just to make sure everyone is included.
Do guests have to come and sit for their illustration?
No - and this is one of my favourite things about live illustration.
Your guests don't need to sit down for a formal portrait session.They can simply come over while they're mingling, and I'll snap a photo so they don’t have to stand infront of me all day!
It keeps the experience relaxed and means your guests can enjoy the rest of your wedding day too.
What if some guests don't want an illustration?
That's completely fine.
Live illustration is there as an experience for your guests, but nobody is obliged to take part. Some guests will be straight over as soon as they spot the illustrator, while others might need a little encouragement!
Often, watching someone else have their illustration created is enough to make the next group want to come over.
The important thing is to plan around your guest numbers
Rather than worrying about whether every single person can be drawn, I'd recommend thinking about what you'd like the experience to look like.
Do you want as many guests as possible to receive an illustration?
Would you prefer a smaller number of more detailed portraits?
Would you like your wedding party and immediate family prioritised?
These are all things we can discuss before your wedding so that your illustration package works for you.
Planning a wedding and wondering how many guests could be illustrated?
Get in touch with your guest numbers and wedding timings and I'll be happy to talk through the options.
