Frequently Asked Questions
Live wedding painting is far from common, so I’m sure you have questions. Good! Because my more than one decade of experience has allowed me to refine and perfect my process. If you do not see your question addressed below, please email me at info@lauratheweddingpainter.com.
What is live wedding painting?
I come to your wedding and paint whatever special moment you’d like me to capture in real time! I bring all my canvas, paint, brushes, set up at the celebration, and paint a scene that includes newlyweds, guests, and décor.
Do you do live guest illustrations?
Yes, I offer this service as well! Pricing will depend on the number of guests. On average 8-15 portraits can be produced an hour. There is a 4-5 minimum for hiring just this service. Feel welcome to email me with any questions!
Are you willing to travel to my wedding?
Yes, I am willing to travel! However, I do charge an additional travel fee for any location more than an hour’s drive from the St. Louis region. I, also, charge extra for venue changes during an event. For example, if I start the painting at the ceremony and finish at a reception in a different location.
How do I book your services?
The first steps involve you contacting about the availability of your date! From there you can ask questions, and we can discuss any other details about the big day. Once you are ready to move forward in booking, you will get an invoice for a $300 nonrefundable retainer. I will ask for information about name of the venue, planner contact info, etc.
What does your setup look like?
For set up, I bring a portable easel, table, and chair, along with painting all my painting supplies (acrylic paint, brushes, and jar.) I try to keep my materials tasteful and at a minimum, so they do not clash with wedding décor.
What is the process?
Booking: First, reach out and ensure that I have your date available! Once I’ve confirmed I’m available for your special day, you can place a retainer (either via Venmo, Pay Pal, or check by mail.)
Finalizing Details: About 2-4 weeks from your event date, we’ll schedule our last phone call. During that time, we’ll nail down your vision for the painting by discussing your decor, the scene you’d like captured, and the theme of your wedding. I’ll request the contact info of the venue/ planner, so I can reach out and coordinate with them about my setup/ timeline. The final balance will be due 5-7 days before the event date.
Day of the Wedding:
Depending on whether I’m booked for a ceremony or reception, I arrive 2-4 hours prior to the scheduled event to set up supplies and begin painting the background. I’m on-site anywhere from 6-10 hours, which includes at least 4-5 hours of Live Wedding Painting.
By the end of the evening, I have a “finished” painting. However, I will take it home unless requested otherwise. This allows me to do any touchups in my home studio and apply varnish to protect it for years to come.
What does it cost?
Please refer to the Book Me webpage on this site for the current rates.
Are there any extra fees?
My pricing is straight forward! Most additional fees will be anything extra you’d like regarding your painting, which will be laid out in a contract before your big day.
Additional costs for traveling would include a small travel stipend, airfare, car rental, and 1-2 night hotel accommodations.
For an additional fee, the painting can be made into high quality prints for family members and can be formatted for stationary or “thank you” cards.
What is the turnaround time?
Usually, it takes about 4-6 months to do touchups, apply the varnish, and deliver/ ship to a client’s home. Before I seal the painting with varnish, I will send a picture of the final image for approval.
Do you do custom commissions of pets or people?
Yes, I do custom painting commissions. However, my books are often filled months in advance. Please check out my Commissions page on this site to see when I am next available to paint your pet or person.