What Questions Should I Ask a Wedding Artist?

So you want a live wedding painter at your wedding? Fantastic, an excellent choice! Here are 10 questions you should consider asking your wedding artist before you book them!

About their style:

1.      What is your style?

Live wedding art is expanding and now includes caricatures, illustrations, portraits… You want to book someone who is known for what they do. Additionally, you want to ask what their style is. Do they create very realistic art or is it more impressionistic? Again, you want to avoid asking an artist to stray from their usual style – you and the artist will both end up disappointed!

2.      What medium do you use?

Particularly for painters, you should ask the medium they’re using. Watercolours are great for soft, loose paintings that capture the atmosphere. Acrylics are fast drying, much bolder and great for bigger portraits. Oils give that luxury, timeless feel but can take weeks to dry!

3.      Can you add people who are not there?

This is an important question to set everyone’s expectation. Some artists are very happy to add in additional guests, or even family members who are no longer here. Others will just focus on the couple to ensure they are the main feature.

Logistics

1.      Do you travel?

There’s not a huge amount of live artists in the UK and we’re spread far and wide, so it’s good to first of all ask where they are based, and how far they are willing to travel. Be prepared to potentially factor in additional travel costs, including accommodation.

2.      What do you need from the venue?

Lots of artists are very self sufficient and will bring most of their equipment with them, however, it’s always good to ask if they require anything specific, especially if you are holding your wedding in a protected space. Typical requests can include a well-lit, indoor space; access to power and water; a table and chair, even flooring for their easel; parking onsite, or if this is not possible, loading access; a meal

3.      What happens if you get sick?

Believe me, no supplier wants to be cancelling last minute on a wedding, but sometimes life happens. You need to know what your supplier intends to do in those moments. It might be that they have a network of fellow vendors who they can call upon to cover them, but for those slightly more niche suppliers, they may not have that option so it’s important you know in advance.

4.      Are you insured?

All reputable wedding suppliers should hold public liability insurance and be happy to send you proof of this if asked.

The Painting:

1.      What moment can you paint?

Usually the answer will be any, but it’s good to know if your artist specialises in anything in particular or can guide you towards choosing one that will give you a unique painting.

2.      Do you finish it on the day?

Another really important question to set expectations and if the answer is no, then you should also be asking the timeline for when it will be completed.

3.      Is framing included?

Some artists include this as standard and some add it as an optional extra. Again, ask the question to set the expectation.

In addition to all these very important questions, you also want to make sure you like the vibe of the artist. Are they passionate and enthusiastic? Can you see them interacting with your guests? Do they align with your vision for your wedding day? If so, then it sounds like you’ve got yourself a wedding artist! Congratulations!