How to schedule and plan for Live Illustration on your wedding day

If you’ve already booked a live illustrator or live event artist, or you are considering booking one, you might want to read this!

Hey, I’m Lauren, Illustrator and live event artist, utterly in love with capturing those memorable wedding moments in illustration on your day. I capture everything from live guest illustrations, to special moments like ceremonies, wedding breakfasts and more.

So when it comes to working as a live illustrator, there’s some good news…

I can be pretty versatile with timings!

Here are some key times that I’m booked for live illustration of guests- such as guest portraits:

Wedding drinks reception

Cocktail hour/Coffee hour

Guest Arrival

Let me explain a bit more below:

1. Wedding drinks reception

You’ve said your vows, thrown the confetti and the most beautiful, important (and possibly nerve-wracking) part is completed, now it’s time to catch up with your loved ones! And here’s where I come in…

I set up during this time to capture guests dressed in their best attire, natural moments, genuine poses/stances and emotions. No templates, in the moment sketches that truly show your guests.

These keepsakes become the wedding favour guests literally can’t wait to get their hands on, eagerly checking back in anticipation for their portrait. True story! Live illustration creates a buzz and immersive atmosphere where guests feel involved in the magic- because they are, it’s all about them!

2. Cocktail hour/Coffee hour

Similarly to your drinks reception, it’s another chance to fill the room with anticipation!

The vibe feels different this time. It’s a little more relaxed, possible less heels and a few outfit changes, and I suppose that allows for more natural moments to be captured!

If live guest illustration has followed on through the day to this moment, it’s a gorgeous time to capture a few more guests.

3. Guest Arrival

If you’ve got a larger guest list, or perhaps another unique moment at your event- this is a lovely time to make a feature of live illustration as your guests arrive!

Here’s a tip though- you NEED to make a feature of it. If live illustration is in action prior to the ceremony, guests need to be assured they’re not missing any important parts of your day, therefore clear signage, clear set up, and additional time is key!

So that’s guest illustration, but what about moment illustration?

Here are some key moments that make wonderful wedding illustrations

First look

Ceremony- of course!

Announcement into the wedding breakfast

Cake cut

First Dance

Golden hour

A tip from me though, is that however you choose your live moment illustration to happen on your day, make sure you schedule enough time for the illustration to happen!

Some of these beautiful and incredible moments happen in the evening, and therefore this illustration can’t happen until the evening! Evening bookings and studio time options are great for these moments, so you can have exactly the experience you hope for.

I hope this has been helpful for planning and scheduling live illustration, ticking off a few of your questions along the way. And… if you’re looking for a live illustrator or event artist and you like my style of artwork, I’d love to hear from you!

Every booking with me starts as a get-to-know-you consultation video call, we have a friendly chat about your wedding, what you’re looking for in live illustration, how you want the experience to feel for you and your guests and so much more. Together we’ll create something truly special, with your wants and my expertise at the heart of it.

I really can’t wait to hear from you!

Stay creative, stay kind,

Lauren x

Live Illustration: Also known as live portrait painting, live sketching, live event artist, live painter