Hello! Sam here 👋🏼 . As your resident artist, I’m super excited to bring this topic to you so let’s chat beautiful options for your big day!
As we’re all aware, art comes in many styles. This can be more traditional like painting or in the form of food decoration or photography. Whichever is your preferred medium, art is a beautiful way to show self expression and style. Also, as more and more weddings focus on guest experience, this is great way to get creative and wow your guests. So let’s dive in to a few specific ideas:
hire a live painter
This is the most obvious idea, as it concentrates on the traditional idea of “art”. You can hire an artist to come to the wedding and paint a scene from the ceremony, first dance, etc. They usually spend a few hours on it on site and then will finish it up back home in their studio. This is the perfect blend of a memento (for you as the couple) and experience as guests will love seeing this come to life throughout the night.
Option number two, is a live guest artist. This is what I personally specialize in and guests absolutely LOVE walking away with a custom piece of art created just for them. I have an entire blog post going over how all of this works, so check that out here.
2. custom place cards
Piggy-backing off of the point above, getting custom place “cards” for your guests is another way to gift them something personal. I would say this is a better option for the rehearsal dinner or welcome party as opposed to the wedding, but that really depends on your guest count and budget. These cards or place settings can be anything from custom sketches to mini embroidered hoops to personalized letters. I personally love this option as it acts as the wedding favor as well instead of gifting something generic that they don’t want anyway.
3. Interactive guest book
I will scream this from the rooftops for the rest of eternity: SKIP THE TRADITIONAL GUEST BOOK. The likeliness of you reading it ever again after (maybe) your first anniversary is very low. So, why not have an option that you’ll actually be able to see and admire after the wedding day? Guest “book” ideas can honestly be giving people anything they can write on, but if you want to be able to display this with pride in your home afterwards, signing art is going to be the way to go. Such as: a custom illustration of the two of you with (or without) your date underneath on canvas or oversized paper with plenty of space for guests to sign around it (click here to learn more about this). Or even something special carved out of wood or etched on glass.
We also did a blog post on the many guest book alternatives. Click here to look into more options.
4. portrait photographer
This is a very new option that I am SO excited is starting to trend. Imagine instead of a photo-booth, you had an actual photographer taking family/couples photos in that cute little sitting/backdrop area you already know you’re going to have somewhere (or at cocktail hour!). Because there’s nothing like a professional making sure you look best in photos. Plus, the photographer would gather guests’ info to send them the photos post-wedding. Wins all around.
5. Get literal
For all my fellow creatives, this one’s for you. If you want a little nod to your artsy side, here’s a couple options:
Mini easels and canvases as table numbers
Pantone cards for your seating chart (or table numbers)
Hand-painted veil or dress/outfit
Grazing table with food on (unused!) paint palettes
6. Painted food
Don’t worry, it’s still edible! If you want a more “temporary” art direction then go for the cake. Watercolor cakes are absolutely gorgeous and can really bring a non-traditional, romantic vibe to the dessert selection. Not having a cake cutting moment? Get famous paintings replicated on a bunch of mini cakes!
7. get it on paper
When all ideas fail, you really can go all out relying on your paper goods. It’s a great way to kick off your wedding journey as the invite suite will be guests’ first peak into your style. Here’s a few options:
Get an illustrated map to introduce guests to your area for the weekend (especially if your weekend activities are split between multiple venues)
A watercolor or pencil drawing of your venue for the envelope lining
An illustration of the couple for the save the dates or thank you notes
Food illustrations for a buffet sign or individual menus
A custom drink sign for your signature cocktails
Chocolate cards aka a delicious chocolate bar inside a custom decorated card aka the sweetest take home favor for your guests. Shoot me an email to learn more and get a quote!
As I usually end most of my blog posts, I love reminding you that your special weekend or day is just that: YOURS. So make it as unique as your love with your partner and let your personality shine through art. I would love to know, which idea did you like best? Tell us in the comments below!
Happy Planning!
Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn
