A Live Wedding Painter-Yes or No?

Wedding Vendors

October 4, 2022

If you haven’t heard of live wedding paintings yet, you may want to take it to IG for some artwork that will blow your mind.

If you’ve been considering this for your own wedding but aren’t sure if it fits you or not, I can give you all the info you need to make that decision.

Live wedding painting is exactly what it sounds like. As the ceremony and/or reception are going on the artist stands and paints while your friends and family “ooh” and “aah” over the artistry. It’s more than entertainment, however, it’s a keepsake.

We all want to hang up something from that special day. Canvas? Large framed print? Metal wall plaque? Or….a unique, one of a kind painting that is custom made on your wedding day of you and your spouse to be admired throughout your many, many years together.

It’s not hard to think that live wedding painting is for you (because it’s amazing!), but there are some details you need to know before making that decision official.

First of all, though most wedding painters have a similarity- they will each have their own unique style- even subtly. You will want to do a good amount of research to find the style you want. If you find someone you love then you won’t want to compromise on this prized piece of art. If the artist doesn’t fit you, then they won’t fit your wedding either.

The Budget. As with all wedding details, we want to know what its going to cost. You should expect to budget at LEAST $1200 (though the average is around $2400). There are a few who will paint in the $600-$1000 range, but you get what you pay for so consider that also! These artists may not have the experience that someone in the 1500-2000 range has.

And finally, travel. You may find an artist you love that is out-of-state (or country!), and that is actually very common. Consider that the majority of live painters will require that you cover travel and/or room and board so that will need to be budgeted in as well. They should also have a seat at your reception if they want to eat. We don’t believe in starving artists here.

If you are swallowing a little hard at those prices, remember that it’s a once in a lifetime moment, captured at a once in a lifetime event. These artists are worth their weight in gold and should be treated as such!