What to Do with Extra Wedding Budget: Invest in Guest Experience
Okay, real talk: once the big-ticket wedding items are locked in (planner, venue, catering, DJ, photographer, videographer, glam team, and of course—the outfit), some couples are surprised to find they have a little wiggle room left in the budget. If that’s you, first of all, YAY! But now you might be wondering... Where should that extra cash go?
Let me introduce you to the concept of ‘live guest experience’.
Here’s a quick look at what we’ll be chatting about:
Why guest-focused details are worth the splurge
The value of live event art (like watercolor portraits or calligraphy)
Keepsake vs. clutter: what your guests will actually remember
How personalization brings the magic back into weddings
About the Artist
Hey, I’m Danison—artist, bowtie enthusiast, and the creative behind Bowtie & Brush. I specialize in live watercolor guest portraits, calligraphy, engraving, and thoughtful artistic details that turn weddings into unforgettable experiences. I’m also a proud gay dad, a sucker for sentimental moments, and passionate about creating art people actually want to keep.
Visit my about me page to get know my enneagram type!
Why Guest-Focused Details Are Worth the Splurge
Look, I know weddings add up fast. But if you’ve got extra budget, consider using it to give something back to your guests. They’ve shown up, dressed up, and are there to celebrate YOU—so why not thank them with an experience that feels luxe and personal?
Adding live event art is one of the best ways to create this kind of moment. Whether it’s watercolor guest portraits or custom engraved glasses it brings your wedding to life in the moment and gives your guests something special to take home.
Don’t believe me? Read about A Magical Night at Epping Forest Yacht Club when Julia and Jesse decided to bring the magic of watercolor guest portraits to their big day!
The Value of Live Event Art
Live event art = entertainment + memory + keepsake. It’s that perfect trifecta. These aren’t trinkets. These are handcrafted moments frozen in time. Your guests will remember where they were when they received it—and they’ll want to show it off.
Watercolor Guest Portraits: These aren’t caricatures—they’re fashion-illustration-style pieces of art that make your guests feel like runway models. They’re chic, personal, and frame-worthy.
Live Calligraphy or Engraving: Think coupe glasses, ornaments, luggage tags, or even perfume bottles. Guests can get their name, initials, or something meaningful engraved live at the event.
What Guests Actually Keep (and What Gets Tossed)
Let’s be honest: most favors get left behind, or tossed later. Even the cute ones. But when it’s a piece of real, custom art—created in front of them? That hits different.
Guests keep what feels intentional:
Personalized drinkware (especially if it was engraved just for them)
Watercolor portraits that capture their amazing fashion choices
Items that they can use or display again and again
Meanwhile, photo booth strips? Super cute for your wedding scrapbook, but guests usually toss theirs once they get home. (No shade, just facts.) I literally do not know where any of mine are.
Personalization Is the Future of Weddings
We’re living in a time where human connection matters more than ever. After years of social distancing and screen time, guests crave something that feels warm, tangible, and real. That’s why interactive experiences like live art are on the rise.
Plus, your guests will be telling everyone about it. Imagine this: someone asks, "Where’d you get that gorgeous glass?" and they say, "Oh, it was engraved live at a wedding I went to!" with chin raised a little hair flick embracing the fact that they sound super fancy.
Or every time they sip from their custom glass or walk past their framed portrait, they smile and remember you.
FAQ: Investing in Live Art for Weddings
1. What if I don’t have a huge budget?
Live event art can be scaled! I offer different packages depending on guest count, timeframe, and add-ons. It’s more accessible than you think when you do the math!
And if you really can’t afford it, I do offer one-off portraits! You just need to send me a reference photo, and I’ll handle the rest!
Visit the Custom Shop to get yourself (or gift to your wedding party) after the big day!
2. Do people really keep these pieces?
Yes! I’ve had guests message me months (even years) later saying their portrait is still framed on their mantle or desk. And don’t worry they’ll be messaging you about it too!
“Bowtie & Brush was a HIT at my wedding! Everyone was floored by the awesome work he did! All my guests just kept telling me how cool this was and couldn’t wait to go home and frame their portraits!”
— Bride, Michaela B.
3. Can I personalize what guests get?
Absolutely. You choose the items, the message, the vibe—I just bring it to life with art. During our consult call, we’ll talk all the logistics and details of what’s possible and not possible!
4. What are some ideas besides portraits?
Engraved coupe glasses, perfume bottles, ornaments, luggage tags, compact mirrors, and more.
5. Is this worth it even if I already have a photo booth?
Yep! Think of this as a different kind of memory. Photo booths are fun, but these keepsakes have staying power.
More Blogs about Live Watercolor Guest Portraits
How to Choose the Perfect Spot for Live Watercolor Guest Portraits at Your Venue
Fashion Illustration Watercolor Guest Portraits: Embracing a Unique Style
Live Watercolor Wedding Guest Portraits: A Unique Keepsake for Your Big Day
Behind the Scenes: The Creation Process of Live Event Portraits
Let’s Give Your Wedding That Final Bowtie Touch!
If you’re sitting on a little extra budget, don’t just spend it. Invest it—in something your guests will remember, cherish, and talk about for years to come. Live event art isn’t just decor or entertainment; it’s connection through creativity.
So whether it’s portraits or engraving, let’s make your big day even more beautiful.
Contact me today and let’s create something unforgettable together. ✨
