Choosing the Perfect Live Wedding Artist: What to Know Before You Book for Your Big Day
Live illustration has quickly become one of the most elegant and engaging forms of wedding entertainment. Beyond being a beautiful keepsake, it’s an experience—one that adds charm, conversation, and a sense of delight to your day.
If you’re considering booking a live illustrator for your wedding, here are five key things to consider to ensure you’re choosing the right artist for your day to ensure a truly memorable and high-quality experience for your guests.
1. Prioritise Quality Over Quantity
While it may be tempting to focus on how many guests can be drawn in a day, I always encourage couples to prioritise the style and quality of the artwork. A well-drawn portrait that feels personal and charming will be treasured long after the day is over. When reviewing artists, focus on the style of their artwork and whether it resonates with your aesthetic
Great live illustration should capture personality, not just likeness. Guests won’t hold onto something that doesn’t resonate with them emotionally.
2. Understand How the Artist Works: Live vs. From Photos
There are two main approaches to live wedding illustration:
Live, in-person drawing: Guests sit briefly with the artist for their portrait.
Photo-based drawing: The artist takes photos and draws from them throughout the day.
Both are valid methods, but they create very different experiences. In my professional experience—as a former animator trained to draw under pressure—working live and in-person not only results in more expressive and personalised portraits, but also creates a shared moment between the guest and artist. It becomes part of the entertainment, a visual performance that engages others as they watch each portrait come to life.
Working from photos, by contrast, tends to remove the interaction and can feel more isolated from the event itself.
3. Consider the Guest Experience
A truly exceptional live artist does more than draw—they host. The interaction is personal, charming, and often filled with laughter. When guests sit down for their portrait, they’re taking a break from the dance floor or the buzz of the reception. It becomes a thoughtful pause, a conversation piece, and a curated part of the celebration.
Some couples worry that having guests sit for their portraits will take time away from mingling. But in my experience, the sitting time is brief and enjoyable—it becomes a mini event within your day. Guests often gather around to watch, creating a beautiful social moment.
✨ Pro Tip: I often set up a pop-up gallery where completed illustrations are beautifully displayed for guests to enjoy before collecting them. It becomes a conversation piece, gives guests a moment of excitement as they spot familiar faces before collecting their piece and builds excitement as the gallery grows throughout the evening.
4. Every Artist Has Their Own Pace
You may have seen an illustrator at a wedding who completed only a few portraits—but don’t let that define the standard. Every artist works differently depending on their style, training, and materials. Don’t assume all live artists work at the same pace or in the same way.
Personally, I work faster in person than from photos , thanks to years of formal training in quick-sketch environments. Prioritising on creating beautiful personal artwork that guests will want to keep. But ultimately, I always suggest basing your decision on quality and uniqueness of the artwork - not the quantity alone.
5. Choose a Trained Professional with Experience
Live illustration is a performance-based art that requires confidence, grace under pressure, and skill. Look for someone with formal training, or has professional event experience - who is confident and comfortable working in fast-paced environments without compromising quality.
A professional live event artist will:
Create beautiful, expressive artwork while working under pressure
Engage effortlessly with you and your guests
Blend seamlessly into the flow of your day
Final Thoughts
A live event artist brings together creativity, entertainment, and personal connection. The right artist will not only provide your guests with a gorgeous memento—they’ll elevate the atmosphere of your entire day.
So when you're making your decision, ask yourself:
Do I love their style?
Will they connect with our guests?
Do they have the skill and professionalism to work confidently in a live setting?
If so, you’re well on your way to creating something magical for your wedding day.
Reach out here to check availability, learn about my packages, and see how we can create something unforgettable together.
Warmly,
Linda
✨ FAQs
What is a live wedding illustrator?
A live wedding illustrator draws your guests in real time during the celebration—offering keepsakes and entertainment in one elegant package.
How long does a live wedding portrait take?
Every artist is different, but I typically complete each guest portrait in 5–10 minutes depending on the style.
Is it better to draw live or from a photo?
Live drawing offers more personality, connection, and entertainment. It’s a beautiful part of the guest experience.
Can every guest be illustrated?
Not always—each event is different. It’s better to focus on quality over quantity and ensure each guest receives something special.
