If you're looking for something a little different to entertain your wedding guests, you may have come across the idea of live wedding illustration.
But what actually happens when you book a wedding illustrator? Do they draw every guest? How long does it take? And do you get to keep the illustrations afterwards?
Here's everything you need to know about having a live wedding illustrator at your wedding.
What is live wedding illustration?
Live wedding illustration is a unique form of wedding entertainment where an artist creates personalised illustrations of your guests throughout your wedding day.
Rather than simply providing entertainment to watch, your guests become part of the artwork.
Depending on the style of illustration and the package you choose, guests can have themselves illustrated as individuals, couples or groups. The finished artwork can then be given to them as a completely personal wedding keepsake.
For couples, it's a lovely way to combine wedding entertainment and favours while giving your guests something they'll genuinely want to take home.
How does a wedding illustrator work
on the day?
Before your wedding, I'll usually discuss your plans with you so I know what to expect from the day, including your timings, guest numbers and any particular requests.
On the wedding day itself, I'll arrive ready to set up and start illustrating during the agreed part of your celebration.
Guests can usually come over to me when they're ready, although your wedding coordinator or venue team can also help direct guests towards me.
I work quickly and continuously throughout the booking, creating as many illustrations as possible within the time available.
The result is a lovely little experience for your guests, they get to watch their illustration come to life and then take it home with them.
Does the illustrator draw every
wedding guest?
Not necessarily - and this is one of the most common questions I get asked.
The number of guests that can be illustrated depends on your chosen package, the length of your booking and your total guest numbers.
For larger weddings, I can combine live illustrations with illustrations completed afterwards in my studio. This means you don't necessarily need to have your illustrator there for the entire wedding day just to make sure everyone receives an illustration. Some couples choose to book a smaller package, and opt to have me their just to entertain their guests for a small portion of the day.
It's something we can discuss when choosing the right package for your wedding, it totally depends on your preference and how many of your guests you think will like one!
How long does a live wedding
illustration take?
The beauty of live wedding illustration is that it is designed to be created relatively quickly while still capturing the personality and details of each person. I typically aim to stick to no more than 7 minutes per person, this can be less, or a little more if I get really stuck in on a patterned outfit! I work throughout the time I'm booked, so whether I'm there for a few hours or most of the day, every moment is used to create as many illustrations as possible.
When is the best time to have a
wedding illustrator?
There isn't one right answer - it depends on the flow of your wedding day.
Some couples choose to have their illustrator working during the drinks reception, when guests are naturally mingling and looking for something to do between the ceremony and wedding breakfast. Others choose to have their illustrator working later in the day, providing entertainment while guests are enjoying the evening celebrations. A drinks reception can work particularly well because guests aren't usually sitting down for a formal part of the day, giving them plenty of opportunity to wander over and watch their illustration being created.
What do guests receive?
One of the things I love most about live wedding illustration is that the finished artwork isn't just entertainment for the day - it becomes a keepsake. Guests can take their illustration home with them as a reminder of your wedding day, and unlike a traditional wedding favour, it's something completely personal to them.
You can also choose to have your own wedding illustration created, whether that's a portrait of the two of you, your venue or another special moment from your day.
Can you have a wedding illustrator and a traditional guest book?
Absolutely.
Live illustration can work alongside a traditional guest book, particularly if you want to keep a more traditional record of messages from your guests. Alternatively, illustrations can form part of your guest book experience.
For example, guests could have their illustration created and then add a handwritten message alongside it. This gives you something that combines artwork and personal messages from the people who celebrated with you.
I also have a few different add ons and bundles available, many of my couples opt to add on a watercolour painting of their venue where guests sign the mount around it, so they can frame it in their home.
Why choose live wedding illustration?
There are lots of different types of wedding entertainment available, so why choose illustration?
For me, it's the combination of entertainment, personalisation and something tangible to take home.
Your guests aren't simply watching an entertainer perform. They're involved in the process and receive something created specifically for them.
It also creates a lovely talking point throughout the day. Guests often gather around to watch other illustrations being created, which can be a great way of getting people chatting - especially when you have guests from different parts of your lives meeting for the first time.
And, of course, you end up with a collection of illustrations that capture your wedding and the people who were there to celebrate with you.
Is live wedding illustration right for your wedding?
If you're looking for unique wedding entertainment, a memorable wedding favour or something a little different from the usual guest book, live wedding illustration could be a lovely option.
It's particularly suited to couples who want their wedding to feel personal and creative, and who love the idea of giving their guests something that has been made especially for them.
If you'd like to find out more about having live wedding illustration at your wedding, you can explore my wedding illustration packages or get in touch to chat about your plans.
About Illustrated by Rach
I'm Rach, a live wedding illustrator based in Staffordshire, creating personalised illustrations for weddings across the Midlands, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, North West,Yorkshire.. and beyond! If you’re planning a destination wedding, or a brand event, I’d equally love to be there.
From individual guest portraits to larger wedding illustrations, I create artwork live at your wedding for your guests to enjoy and take home as a unique keepsake.
Planning your wedding? I'd love to hear from you.
