“Mark, thank you for making our wedding day extra special! Guests were raving about you and your work. It made the whole experience of the day so much more perfect!” – Jillian & Alex
Okay — you’re planning your wedding reception and you want it to be extra fun and memorable, right? You want your guests smiling, laughing, and taking home a special keepsake. You want everyone to have something to DO besides eat and drink. Look no further–I can help you accomplish ALL of that!
I’ve drawn at countless weddings for 30 years. It doesn’t matter how glamorous or casual your reception plans are. I’ve drawn at stunning Newport mansions, little Italian restaurants, hotels of all kinds, and intimate backyard gatherings. Whether your guests are wearing tuxes or T-shirts, the reaction to my caricature service is always the same; it’s a pleasant surprise, and everyone LOVES getting drawn. They line up!
Why book me for your wedding?
When you hire me, you’re getting 30 years of professional event experience. I’m an art school graduate and a published book author/illustrator. I’m truly honored when someone invites me to draw at their wedding. At your reception, I represent you. I show up early, dressed for the occasion. I’m friendly with everyone and draw fun and accurate likenesses fast. It’s guaranteed to make everyone laugh and smile. Whichever artist I bring to assist me, rest assured we share the same standards. Not all caricaturists are professional, and I’m very selective. My associates have years of wedding experience, are friendly, talented, and draw in a style that will make your guests smile.
“We cannot thank you enough for your service at our wedding last night. Guests absolutely adored you and we are so glad everything worked out so well!” – Alexa (the bride)
Consider all you get when you use my caricature service…
I help you create amazing memories and happy feelings for years to come.
You get fun entertainment, a unique guest activity, AND creative take-home favors, all rolled into one, for a great value that’s far more affordable than if you paid for each part separately.
Your guests will praise you for coming up with “such a great idea”.
My drawings will be an ice-breaker and fun conversation starter for your family and friends.
Answers to questions you probably have:
Mark, I’d love for you to draw at my wedding. What do you charge? How does it work?
You hire me to appear for the event, and the caricatures are free to your guests. Since every wedding is different, I need information about your event before I quote prices. So first, contact me – tell me the date, location, hours, and expected guest amount. I’ll get back to you right away with pricing and my best package recommendations. Since most weddings have 125+ guests, I usually have a “2 artists for a 4 hour appearance” package–that’s me and one of my talented associates drawing your crowd. I hire the additional artists for you and manage the whole thing. That said, my package suggestions and rates will be tailored to your specific wedding details, because I know what you’ll need for everything to be awesome. It’s best for you and everyone to have multiple artists because the caricatures are VERY popular. More guests will get drawn with less waiting.
Mark, should you start drawing during cocktail hour, or later?
Whatever you prefer! It depends on your budget. I have noticed that guests usually need to “loosen up” with drinks and food first. Sometimes it’s better to start me after cocktails, but not always–it depends on your desire, budget, and the crowd. But once they’ve been fed and they’re feeling happy and buzzed, your guests will be in serious party mode, and that’s when they come pose with their significant others and friends, and I stay busy all night!
Mark, do you need seating provided at my wedding?
Yes. I’ll need you to ask the venue to provide tables and chairs, next to electric outlets. Most places have these readily available. (I’ll provide details after you book me)
Mark, do you draw in color or black and white?
It’s your choice, however, I do black-and-white drawings 90% of the time, and the guests love it. (They’re getting something for free, after all.) The reason is, it’s faster and gets twice as many people drawn than if I did color caricatures, which take twice as long. The idea is to draw as many of your guests as possible in the allotted time. If, however, you have the budget for 3 or 4 artists, color drawings might be a more realistic option. I can offer you black-and-white with a “splash” of one color for a little extra “pop”. Simply request it! Just please decide before the event.
Mark, what’s the process for booking you?
After we’ve discussed the details of your wedding and you decide to hire me, I email you a 1-page contract and request a 50% reservation deposit with the balance due 7 days before your wedding. I accept Venmo, Paypal, or checks. (Deposits are considered non-refundable within 3 months of the event.)
I’ll be happy to answer any other questions you have about hiring me to draw at your wedding reception. Email me at mark@markpenta.com and tell me the date, hours, location, and amount of guests, and let’s make it happen! (My other contact info is here.) Thanks for considering inviting me to draw on your special day!