South Asian weddings are some of the most colourful and atmospheric celebrations a painter can capture, from the reds and golds of bridal outfits to flower-covered mandaps and the light inside a gurdwara (see also how culture makes a wedding). They also tend to follow a different structure from a typical UK ceremony, so a little extra planning helps. Here’s what to think about.
For an Anand Karaj, it’s worth checking the gurdwara’s guidance with your painter in advance. A respectful painter will cover their head, remove their shoes in the darbar sahib, and set up where they won’t interrupt the ceremony. Some painters capture the ceremony discreetly and complete the painting later in the day at the reception venue. Ask how your painter plans to work around the ceremony (our step-by-step guide explains how a typical day runs) and whether they’ve painted at a gurdwara before.
A Hindu ceremony has many meaningful moments, from the varmala to the pheras. Because so much happens in a short space of time, it helps to agree beforehand which moment should be the centre of the painting. That lets the painter position themselves in the right place from the start.
Many South Asian weddings move between a ceremony venue and a reception venue, and celebrations can stretch over several days. Talk to your painter about which part of the celebration the painting should focus on, whether they can travel between venues, and how that affects timings and cost.
Family is often central to these celebrations, and many couples would like parents or grandparents included in the painting. Most painters charge per extra person (more on costs here), and larger groups need a larger canvas so everyone can be painted with care. Mention this early so your painter can recommend the right size.
With hundreds of guests, live guest illustrations are a popular addition, giving relatives a personal keepsake to take home. For large guest lists, look for an illustrator who can bring a second artist, or a team such as Cupid & Co, so more guests can be painted.
With so much colour and detail at a South Asian wedding, it’s worth looking at how different painters handle it. Some love capturing the whole scene, guests and all; others focus closely on the couple. Look at painters’ previous work at similar weddings and choose the style that feels right for you and your families.
Katie Bowden Art has painted South Asian weddings at gurdwaras in Birmingham, Derby, Nottingham and Bedford. You can see more on the venue map.
