Question 1

How much are LIVE illustration packages?

Accepted Answer

I understand this is a common question! However, I provide exact quotes only after an enquiry, as pricing depends on several factors, including the year, venue, guest numbers, hours, and inclusions.

To give you an example to know if you can afford illustration as part of your budget, here are estimated 2026-2028 prices  (subject to change, demand and differences according to your enquiry (venue, date, availability and sale offers).

EXAMPLES ESTIMATION: 2026-2028 Estimations

CUPID: £400-£600 (up to 40 people illustrated)

HERA: £600 - £800  (up to 60 people illustrated, A4 frame wedding portrait, glitter applied, custom printed details, A4 Venue Illustration)

APHRODITE: £800- £1000 (up to 80 people illustrated, A4 frame wedding portrait, glitter applied, custom printed details,  A4 Venue Illustration, ALL wedding content the day after, bonus illustrations, additional incomplete illustrations)

To help me give you an accurate quote, please include as much information as possible when making an enquiry. I will provide the prices for all three packages, and if you're looking for something more tailored, I can also create a custom package just for you! 😊

Question 2

What time will you arrive?

Accepted Answer

I will discuss with you (closer to your wedding or event date)for the best time for us to arrive. However, most brides tend to book for just before their ceremony so we can be there mainly during their pre ceremony and post-ceremony cocktail hour, through the afternoon and finish during the wedding breakfast. But honestly, we will work with you to come at your desired time, we could come before the ceremony, after, or in the evening, totally your preference and booking. 6/8 hour packages is best to come before a ceremony to start illustrating as many guests as possible.

Here is an example of a 6 hour package:
Ceremony 1:00 
12.00PM- We would arrive early to set up the table (11:45) and start photographing guests as they arrive before your ceremony and already have a few illustrated. Also before the ceremony is good for capturing cute content moments!
1:00 -4:00 - Keep illustrating through the ceremony and when guests come out there will already be samples on display and we can keep photographing and illustrating after the ceremony entertaining your guests who keep checking.
4:00PM - Guests go to dinner and we continue to illustrate whilst your guests are listening to toasts and dining. 
5-6PM PM- All guests illustrated within 6 hour booking complete, content taken, EllysiumIllustration begin to pack up and leave illustrations to collect at the end of wedding breakfast, either left on the table of collect from our display if we are still there!

note: for evening bookings maximum stay time is till 10:30 to accommodate for return travel unless in local area.

Question 3

How many guests can you illustrate in the allocated time?

Accepted Answer

I typically illustrate around 10-12  guests per hour depending on intricacy of outfits, guest interaction or any unforeseen interruptions of the day.

I often get asked is it 40 GUESTS or 40 ILLUSTRATIONS?  My numbers are based on GUESTS as some people may be illustrated alone, or in couples (usually) or in small groups 3-4, so I don't estimate on how many illustrations (paper) its based on guests, so book the package closest to your guest count.

If you have large guest counts it would be good to let us know and we can see if my assistant can also attend to speed up photographing, packing times and get more guests illustrated.

This estimate is based on previous LIVE illustrations, but I always strive to illustrate as many guests as possible to ensure everyone has a great experience.

If you have a larger guest count, I recommend booking a longer time slot to accommodate more illustrations and avoid any disappointment.

Question 4

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

If you have your date and venue booked and are super excited for live illustration, I would say as soon as possible. My wedding season dates usually get fully booked a year atleast in advance.

My diary is usually from the current year and then 2 years above this so I have plenty scope to add in dates.

All I require is a small deposit to secure your date!

Question 5

Do you travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I am based in the North-East of England, and I offer free travel within my local area, including( Gateshead, Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Northumberland, Carlisle, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire (anything under or around 1 hour from Blaydon)

If you are located outside this region, I am still happy to travel to you! 
However, an additional fee will apply to compensate fuel and travel time.

For locations more than 2.5 hours away, I may also require accommodation depending on hours worked, which I will include in your quote as part of your enquiry.

Question 6

Is it worth enquiring last minute?

Accepted Answer

YES! Of course, I take an average of 9 weddings a month before my diary closes, but I have space for one last minute wedding a month (depending on if your date is still available)  so if your month is a few months out and you've decided last minute that you may want an illustrator - it's still worth enquiring to see what we can do for you!

Question 7

Will you illustrate everyone?

Accepted Answer

That is always the goal! I aim to illustrate as many guests as possible during the booking.We  will take photos of guests to help keep the process smooth. Some guests may be a little camera-shy at first but with encouragement and explanation of our services we photograph as many as possible as we do our best to capture everyone!

If only a small number of guests (5-10) remain at the end of the booking, we will always try to complete them at the venue out of goodwill if time allows
.
As the event nears its final hour, if new guests arrive wanting an illustration, we will take their photo and let them know we will try to complete it in time. If we are unable to, we can arrange to have it posted to them. However, to avoid disappointment, we may have to turn later guests away in the last few hours of booking if time does not allow for more illustrations due to a backlog still remaining to be completed ( this is usually for weddings over 80 guests).

If you have specific guests you would like prioritized (typically all-day guests), please let us know in advance so we can ensure they are illustrated first.

For larger guest counts, if we run out of time, there are a couple of options:
If my schedule allows, I can stay longer for an additional hourly fee to complete more illustrations on the day.
Alternatively, I can complete the remaining illustrations at home and post them. This would be an additional £70 per 10 illustrations (covering approximately 20 guests) which would be posted to you afterwards.

8 hour packages include *some additional if not finished so will complete and post these afterwards as part of your package.

Question 8

Can guests have more than one illustration?

Accepted Answer

We try to prioritise each guest getting one illustration (this is why it works best as couples or singles as you will normally get one) if people request an additional, we will inform them this will be done if there is time, if not they could order one seperately from the etsy shop afterwards. As live illustration is used as a favour, we know that the wedding couple wants everyone to experience a copy rather than one guest get five different versions.

Question 9

How many people can be in an illustration?

Accepted Answer

This works best as TWOS (couples, best friends,brother and sister, etc) or SINGLES. Three is the preferred group  I can do on the 5x7 paper and even this is a squash!

If you know your wedding has a lot of families in, please let me know so I can bring A5 or A4 and the amount of families so I can print custom details on the paper too! ( If only a few are needed there is no additional cost for larger paper). ❤

If you do not inform me of larger guest portraits, I may not be able to do them on the day. We will inform your guests of this, if they have to be in a 5/6 we will inform them they may not be complete.

We often get friendship groups/bridesmaids wanting a 6-8 person illustration and this is not possible, but could be placed afterwards on our etsy shop, or I can illustrate them as 3 x pairs and this means they will be illustrated on the day!

Question 10

Can you illustrate pets?

Accepted Answer

OF COURSE! I love illustrating pets and wedding dogs on the day! They are actually the VIPS of the event (very important puppers)

Question 11

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

You can book in a number of ways! Simply drop me a message on Instagram or send me an email or an enquiry confirming that you'd like to book.

Once you're ready, I will send you an email with a wedding contract outlining all the details we've discussed. As soon as I receive your deposit, your booking will be secured, and we will keep in touch leading up to your big day!

If you are emailing please check your junk!

Question 12

How does my deposit and payments work?

Accepted Answer

To secure your date and prepare resources, I require a non-refundable deposit, which will be quoted based on your package.

The full amount must be paid the 1st of the month before your event date (unless your wedding or event falls within 7 days of this then you will be contacted 2 weeks prior). Once contacted for outstanding balances, we will discuss customisation and timings.

All payments are non-refundable unless cancellation is made by me, the illustrator. In the unlikely event that I need to cancel, all payments, including your deposit, will be refunded in full.

Question 13

Do you need breaks or refreshments provided?

Accepted Answer

6-8 hour bookings meals are preferred as I will be working all day non-stop ( I tend to eat whilst working too!) I will take breaks when required but this is rare as I like to work none stop to ensure coverage.

Question 14

Do you do discounts and sales?

Accepted Answer

Yes I regularly do discounts and sales over on social media @ellysiumillustration.The discounts apply to LIVE illustrations and custom orders on etsy.

Question 15

Do you do NHS/Teacher Discount?

Accepted Answer

Yes!

We offer 10% off 6/8 hour Live Illustrating services and Etsy orders* with proof of occupation.

*Please note: This discount cannot be combined with other active sales. Proof of occupation (such as an ID card) is required on BOOKING. Be sure to check out our social media for the latest sales and offers!

2027-2028 DIARY OPEN

Frequently asked questions