This is a tale of the couple who said “Must we hire a caricaturist?” when they should’ve said “We must hire a caricaturist!”
Recently I attended a wedding, where the parents had hired my services and the happy couple simply said “Must we…?” which meant that they did not follow my simple suggestions or prepare in any way for my performance. The evening kicked off with speeches starting late, despite keeping the guests waiting for 30 minutes after their meal, which is not great etiquette. This in turn made me 30 minutes late.
- I was not greeted, by my client, Bride & Groom or any staff member and so left waiting without cue, feeling unwelcome.
- I was un-anounced and un-expected, so people ignored me and even avoided me as I wandered in.
- I was not paid on arrival and so had to search for my fee later in the already late evening.
- I started at the head table to find my first (important) subjects, but had no guidance and had to pick on a random guest, as the table dispersed.
- I was working in the main ballroom, with the Disco, which was noisy with bad lighting, so banter was not an option.
- I was forced into a corner near the bar, where I was monopolised by one table for upto an hour, producing their family portraits, due to it being the only lit area.
- The Bride & Groom avoided me until 10 minutes before I finished my stint, when they sat for their drawing, only to find all the lights went out for the Disco.
- There were 100 day guests, plus evening extras and so I had to turn away at least 60+ people who I didn’t have time to draw. Two hours is not enought to keep 100 guests happy.
I did my best as a professional entertainer, I do love entertaining and making new friends, but as the evening descended into darkness, I went largely un-noticed until I finished my stint and had to leave, with a feeling of under-performing, due to circumstances. If only they had followed my simple tips which I give every Bride & Groom upon booking;
- Please greet me and help me become acquainted with the venue and guests.
- Tell everyone I am coming; it will generate excitement and a buzz of anticipation!
- Please pay me on arrival, so we don’t play ‘hunt the wallet’ when everyone is drunk or absent later.
- Offer guidance as to who I am to draw, so not to miss the important people.
- Disco are dark and noisy so unsuitable for me to draw close-up caricatures in.
- Please find a well lit area for me to perform or instruct the venue to keep lights on until I am finished.
- Bride & Groom, step up as soon as possible so you don’t miss out (drawings done after the event are chargeable).
- I recommend that Weddings with 70+ guests should always choose a 3 or 4 hour package, to make sure I maximise the numbers drawn.
Follow these steps and I can develop a rapport with your guests and maximise their entertainment value, helping make me one of the most memorable investments on your big day! Just say “We MUST hire a caricaturist… The Wedding Artist!”
