What Every Couple Should Know Before Booking a Live Wedding Painter
- missmegansstudio
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
When couples think about hiring a live wedding painter, they often assume we all offer the same service: show up, paint the moment, deliver the artwork. But the truth is—there’s an entire spectrum of styles, materials, processes, and experiences, and understanding these differences is key to hiring the right artist for you.
Live Wedding Painter: Oils vs. Acrylics
Some artists paint in oils. Some use acrylics (professional or student/craft). Some use both! I work exclusively in professional-grade acrylics on thick, gallery-wrapped canvas. Some artists finish the painting on-site, while others (like me) take the piece back to the studio to refine and perfect every detail. Some artists will ship your painting back to you and some will hand deliver it. If hand delivery lines up with my travel schedule this is the delivery method I prefer, because it ensures that the painting arrives to it's intended destination safely.
Canvas Quality
Another detail that many couples don’t think to ask about—but absolutely should—is the thickness of the canvas your artist uses. It may seem small, but it has a big impact on the final presentation. I paint exclusively on thick, 1.5” gallery-wrapped canvases, which offer a sturdier, more professional foundation. Thin canvases—those under 0.75"—can feel a bit flimsy and, frankly, don’t do the significance of the moment justice. They often use lower-quality materials that are more prone to warping over time, especially if exposed to humidity or changes in temperature.
With a gallery-wrapped canvas, not only is the structure more durable and substantial, but I also get to paint the edges to create a waterfall wrap-around effect—something I love doing to make the piece feel immersive from every angle. It allows the painting to be displayed beautifully even without a frame, which many of my clients prefer for a modern look.
That said, if you’re planning to frame your piece in a standard retail frame, thinner canvases might fit more readily into off-the-shelf options. Gallery-wrapped canvases, while better suited for custom framing, give your painting a museum-quality presence—whether framed or unframed.
Artist Portfolio
Always look at an artist’s portfolio before reaching out to book. It’s one of the most important steps you can take to ensure you’re hiring someone whose style truly resonates with you. I can’t emphasize this enough: every live painter has a unique artistic voice. I’ve occasionally received reference images of another artist’s work with a request to replicate the style and composition—and while I understand the intent, it’s a clear sign that the client may not be aligned with my particular approach. It’s not just unrealistic—it’s unfair to both artists involved. A successful live painting experience is built on trust and appreciation. Book the artist whose work you genuinely love, and you’ll get something far more meaningful than a copy—you’ll get something original, crafted just for you.
Deposits & Payments
Booking policies vary too—some require full payment upfront, others, like me, require a 50% deposit to secure your date.
Bottom line? Book the artist whose work speaks to you. That’s how magic happens.
Miss Megan’s Studio | Megan McArthur | Live Wedding Painter
Serving couples across the West Coast and beyond—including Temecula, Livermore, Paso Robles, Half Moon Bay, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, and popular wedding destinations nationwide.
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