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?
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, also, have a basket and paint case to hold my materials. I try to keep my materials tasteful and at a minimum, so they do not clash with wedding décor. I arrive about 1-2 hours early to begin painting the background.
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 your deposit (either via Pay Pal, Square Space, or Etsy).
Finalizing Details: Closer to the date (2-4 weeks out), we’ll touch base finalizing details. I will ask you if there’s anything special, you’d like me to capture from your décor, what you’re hoping for the background, what pose I’ll be capturing, etc. I will, also, inquire if there is an event coordinator or planner, I should reach out too. Around this time, I prefer the remainder of your balance to be paid in full.
Day of the Wedding: Depending on whether I’m booked for a ceremony or reception, I arrive 1-2 hours prior to the scheduled event to set up supplies and begin painting the background. Usually, I’m on site for about 6 hours, which includes at least 4 hours of Live Wedding Painting. When that special moment occurs, I grab a few reference pictures on my phone to work from to complete the scene. Painting in the bride and groom is one of the most exciting parts of the evening and something your guests are sure to love! I enjoy chatting and getting to your guests. All compliments and comments are welcomed with a smile.
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 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. Lastly, additional fees may apply if the time I am required to be at an event extends beyond 7-8 hours.
Are there any extra fees?
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. A custom floating frame with the appropriate hanging can, also, be included in your purchase. You can choose from a variety of stains, so it matches perfectly with your home décor.
What is the turnaround time?
Usually, it takes about 8-10 weeks 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.