Choosing your wedding suppliers can be overwhelming.
There are photographers, videographers, florists, stationery designers, musicians, venues… and now you've discovered wedding illustration.
So how do you know which illustrator is right for you?
Here are a few things I'd recommend considering before booking.
1. Look at their actual work
This might sound obvious, but it's probably the most important thing.
Every illustrator has a different style.
Some are very detailed and realistic. Others are loose and expressive. Some work digitally, while others use traditional materials.
Before booking, look through plenty of examples of their work and make sure you genuinely love the style.
Your guests' illustrations will be a little snapshot of your wedding day, so you want to be excited about what they will look like.
2. Think about the experience you want your guests to have
You're not just booking artwork.
You're also booking a form of entertainment.
Think about how the illustrator interacts with guests, where they'll be set up and how the illustration experience will fit into your day.
You want something that feels natural rather than another formal activity your guests have to schedule themselves around.
3. Check what's included in the package
Wedding illustration packages can work very differently from one artist to another.
Check:
How many hours are included?
How many guests can be illustrated?
Are illustrations completed after the wedding?
Are travel costs included?
Do you receive your own illustration?
Are there any additional costs for larger guest numbers?
Knowing exactly what you're getting makes it much easier to compare different suppliers.
4. Consider when you want the illustrator there
For many couples, the drinks reception is a particularly natural time for live illustration.
Your guests are already mingling, you've usually got photographs happening and there's a relaxed period between the ceremony and wedding breakfast.
But there isn't one correct time.
Depending on your plans, illustration can work at different points throughout your wedding day.
5. Think about your venue
Where will your illustrator actually work?
Ideally, you'll want somewhere with good lighting and enough room for guests to gather without blocking walkways or disrupting the rest of the day.
You don't necessarily need a huge dedicated space — just somewhere comfortable and practical.
Your venue coordinator can also be useful in helping decide where the illustrator should set up.
6. Don't be afraid to ask questions
If you're unsure about something, ask.
A good wedding supplier should be happy to explain how their service works and help you work out whether it's right for your wedding.
Your illustrator should also be able to tell you honestly if they think a particular package isn't suitable for your guest numbers or timings.
Ultimately, choose someone whose work you love
Your wedding suppliers become a small part of your wedding team.
So while budget and logistics obviously matter, I'd also choose someone whose work makes you think:
"I want that at my wedding."
If that's how you feel when you look through an illustrator's portfolio, you're probably on the right track.
Thinking about live wedding illustration for your day?
