Your wedding day is one of those once-in-a-lifetime occasions when you want to look your best. You want your outward appearance to reflect your inner greatness, not only because you’ll be immortalized in wedding photos for all time, but also because it’ll be one of the happiest days of your life. If you want to put your face in the hands of a fabulous wedding hair and makeup artist, you’ll need to budget for hair and wedding makeup costs.
The average cost of wedding hair and makeup services is as follows:
Bridal Hair and Makeup Costs: Hair and makeup for a wedding can cost anywhere from $150 to $600. Brides typically pay around $300 for hair and makeup, depending on the type of hairstyle, products, and wedding makeup used.
Bridesmaids’ Hair and Makeup: Each bridesmaid in your bridal party will cost around $150. Makeup costs $75 on average, and hairstyling costs $50-75.
You can find out exactly how much wedding hair and makeup should cost by using our comprehensive guide below.
We have a long list of the best wedding hair and makeup artists.
How Much Does Wedding Hair and Makeup Cost?
The cost of wedding hair and makeup varies greatly depending on where you are, how many people and/or services you want to hire, and how complex your styles are. On the low end, wedding hair and makeup artists may charge around $60 for a single application, but in major cities, bridal hair and makeup can cost more than $1,000. Most couples spend $300 on wedding hair and makeup, with prices ranging from $150 to $600.
If a wedding hair and makeup artist is required to travel to the event (or to your getting-ready location), the cost of the service may increase. You’ll have to pay more if you want your stylist to stay on-site for touch-ups: Most wedding hair and makeup artists charge by the hour to stay at your wedding venue, with rates ranging from $30 to $125 per hour.
What Factors Influence Wedding Hair and Makeup Prices?
You are primarily paying for the time of your wedding hair and makeup artist, as previously stated. The more hours you need to book with your stylist, the more expensive it will be. Although the majority of the tools and materials needed to create your wedding hair and makeup look are included in the price, some hairstyles, products, and makeup applications are not:
Updos cost about $45 more than blowout hairstyles at weddings ($51 for a blowout versus $95 for an updo).
Airbrush wedding makeup is more expensive than traditional wedding makeup. Airbrush makeup costs about $50 more per face than traditional makeup, with an average cost of $155 per face compared to $100 for traditional makeup.
Some artists provide complimentary consultations and/or hair and makeup trials prior to the wedding; however, some artists charge $50 to $150 for trials. More details about trials can be found in the sections below.
Is there a fee for bridal hair and makeup?
Some of the “hidden” or “add-on” costs associated with wedding hair and makeup have already been discussed. Here are some of the extra costs you might incur if you want fancier styles, more expensive products or applications, or simply more complicated logistics:
False eyelashes, updo hairstyles, and airbrush makeup tend to be more expensive.
Travel fees may apply if your hair and makeup artist(s) are required to travel to your location. Include long-distance mileage and, if applicable, parking fees.
Hair and makeup trials for your wedding could range from $50 to $100 per trial.
Bridesmaids and the mother of the bride are two examples of extra people who will undoubtedly raise your expenses. A second stylist or assistant may be required by your hair and makeup artist.
Extra hours after the initial styling (for example, if you want touch-ups later in the evening or a different hairstyle for the reception) will be more expensive because your hair and makeup artist is paid by the hour to stay on-site.
Tipping your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) is customary, as it is with any other salon appointment.
Is it appropriate to tip my bridal hair and makeup artist?
Tipping is customarily expected for wedding beauty services, just as it is for salon services. If you think your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) did an excellent job, give them a tip of 15 to 25% of the total bill for their services.
Do you have any prior experience with wedding makeup? Do you have any wedding makeup experience? 15 Interview Questions for Makeup Artists Do you have any wedding makeup experience?
Wedding makeup artists are not the same as fashion or editorial makeup artists (though a professional can do both) and will know how to make you look beautiful and natural in your wedding photos, no matter what the lighting is like. Some makeup artists specialize in wedding makeup, so they will understand exactly what the bride desires and how to make you look stunning on your wedding day.
Is it possible to see photos of brides whose makeup you’ve done?
You should consider whether the artist’s style is similar to yours and whether you can see yourself wearing one of their looks on your wedding day. Doing your research before hiring the makeup artists who will be working on you is always a good idea; looking at photos of other brides can help clear up any confusion.
Is it possible for me to get in touch with them and ask for a list of references?
You should hire a wedding makeup artist if you want someone to keep you calm and relaxed on the most exciting morning of your life. Previous brides are the only way to determine whether or not the artist is a calming presence.
You can repeat this step by reading the reviews on the Bridebook profiles of your favorite makeup artists!
Do you want to hire the best wedding hair and makeup artist? You’ve arrived at the right place!
What exactly is included in your price?
Examine the total price to see if it includes a makeup trial. A makeup trial is necessary because it will assist you and your makeup artist in determining any dos and don’ts, as well as alleviate some of the stress of “will I look perfect for my wedding?” Inquire about makeup costs for the Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids – organizing their makeup is a great team gift!
Is it possible for you to come to my house?
Most artists will charge you more if they have to travel to your location, so make sure you know how much you will have to pay in advance.
On any given day, how long will it take you to apply makeup?
This information will be needed to determine your precise timing for the day, such as when the makeup artist should arrive, and so on.
How long do you intend to spend the day?
Because you’re almost certain to cry during your ceremony, having someone touch up your makeup or leave a touch-up kit is a good idea. Not only that, but if your makeup artist is going to be there for an extended period of time, make a special meal or snack for them!
How long will the makeup trial last? Is it necessary for me to prepare for the trial, and, if so, how should I go about doing so?
The longer the trial period, the more looks you’ll want to try, but some artists only have limited time slots available. Wear a white top to the trial to see how your skin will look next to your wedding gown; however, your makeup artist will advise you!
Is a fake tan going to mess up my makeup?
Let the artist know if you plan on bronzing in the weeks leading up to your wedding so they can prepare the appropriate colors and shades! They can also give you advice on which fake tan to buy and how to make sure it’s the right fit for you and your makeup!
What kind of cosmetics do you like to wear?
Your wedding artist’s products should be allergy-tested and of the highest quality. It’s always a good idea to find out what products they use and if you’ll need to bring your own concealer (more on that below).
Is it okay if I apply my own makeup?
Some brides, especially those who have sensitive skin, insist on doing their own makeup. Inquire about the artist’s previous experience with these products as well. Bring them to the trial and decide what you’ll use from her and what you’ll do yourself, and remember to bring your makeup (if necessary) on the day!
Is your makeup/application method suitable for my skin tone?
Your potential artist should be knowledgeable about skin types and products and should be able to recommend the best products for your skin type. It is critical that you understand this right away: some makeup artists are not trained to work with all skin tones, so this is a critical question!
Do you also do wedding hair?
It’s fantastic to find a makeup artist who can also do hair (or a team of hair and makeup that work together). If not, ask if they’d be willing to collaborate with your hairstylist, or get some recommendations if you haven’t already!
If you’re willing to travel to my house, do you have any specific space requirements for the trial and wedding day?
The majority of makeup artists will need to work in an open space with plenty of natural light. Make sure you’ll be able to provide this during the trial and on the big day (if the artist is travelling to you). Notify your wedding venue as well, in case they need to make room for it on the big day.
What if you can't make it to my wedding?
Reputable artists will always have a professional on hand to ensure your wedding day looks perfect. Make a contingency plan in case something goes wrong.
What Is the Price of Bridesmaid Makeup and Hair?
A bridesmaid or mother of the bride’s wedding makeup costs around $150 per woman, or $75 for makeup and $50-$75 for hairstyling (blowout versus updo). This figure may vary depending on the location and the complexity of the style or logistics.
Who is in charge of the bridesmaids' hair and makeup?
If the bride wants her bridesmaids to have professional hair and makeup done, she (or her parents, depending on who pays for the wedding) is expected to cover the costs. Bridesmaids should budget for their own hair and makeup if professional services are not available. As an alternative to or in addition to the traditional bridesmaids’ gift, a bride may wish to pay for her bridesmaids’ hair and makeup.
When is the best time to hire a wedding makeup and hair artist?
It is best to book your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) at least three months ahead of time. Of course, crossing this item off your Wedding Planning Checklist as soon as possible is ideal—you’ll want to give yourself enough time to carefully select your wedding hair and makeup artist(s), get to know him or her so you’re completely at ease on the big day, and schedule a trial run to iron out any kinks before the wedding-day timeline begins ticking. Now is the time to visit Zola Inspiration to find wedding hair and makeup artists in your area!
We've compiled a list of the best wedding hair and makeup artists:
MAKEUP FOR A WEDDING IN SIX EASY STEPS
Brides, your wedding should be classic, elegant, and timeless. Wedding makeup can be more daring than everyday makeup, but this is not the time for bold smokey eyes or dramatic trends. You’ll be sorry when you look back at your photos.
The key is to maintain as much naturalness as possible while improving it. Remember that makeup shows up less in flash photography, so apply it more heavily than usual. Photographers can also offer digital photography airbrushing services. Consider using this service, but remember that you will be charged for the time it takes them to make these changes. To avoid surprises, practice applying your wedding makeup a few times before the big day!
Allow your moisturizer to absorb for a minute or two after cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your skin before applying your makeup base. On oily skin, use an oil blotting toner to keep shine at bay and skin matte. Floating powder should be visible at the bottom of the bottle. This absorbs oil and helps makeup stay put. As a foundation base, a primer is recommended. It will also help your makeup last longer.
Use a Solid Foundation – If you haven’t done so already, try powder foundation or oil-free cream base foundations. They give a more natural-looking finish. Use liquid foundation sparingly. They resemble masks and do not last as long on the skin, which is especially important if your wedding is in the summer or in a hot climate. They may streak and run as a result of perspiration.
It all comes down to how you present yourself! – Before applying the shadow, apply an eye shadow base to the bare lids. There are only three colors available. Colors from the same family should be used in varying shades of light, medium, and dark. Grays and browns are classic neutrals that never go out of style. Begin by applying the lightest shade to the brow bone, followed by the medium shade to the lid, and finally the darkest shade to the crease and outer corners (in the shape of a sideways “V”). Apply a small amount of the darkest color to the crease (avoiding the inner corners of the eyes; stop at the pupil) and, for more definition, use a dampened skinny brush to run a thin line on top of your eye pencil at the lash line. Begin by sweeping your eyes in a semicircle from the outer corners inward. Use waterproof eye pencil and mascara formulas to extend the life of your look. Consider the following items: Cosmetics by Benefit Keep your Sephora Waterproof Eye Pencil Kohl and Lemon-Aid Eye Shadow Primer on hand! Keep Black Waterproof Liner (drugstore), Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner, Sephora Waterproof, and Waterproof Mascara.
Make the necessary preparations – Use a loose powder with a soft finish to set your makeup base.
My cheeks are the color of My World Is Colored. A gentle touch is ideal for a glowing bride. A soft matte rose or peach color is a good choice. Pink flatters blue and brown eyes, while peach flatters hazel and green eyes. Skin tones ranging from fair to medium are ideal. Bronze highlights the best features of darker skin tones.
Giving Lip Service – Buff rough, dry lips with a creamy, grainy exfoliant. Lip color will look better and last longer on healthy, smooth lips. A dry toothbrush and a small amount of olive oil mixed with a pinch of sugar are a quick and low-cost option. Another makeup tip for extending the life of your lipstick is to line the lips and fill in the rest of the mouth with a neutral, flesh-toned lip pencil before applying lipstick. Finish with a semi-gloss lipstick, which lasts longer and makes your lips appear softer and younger than regular lip gloss. It also looks fantastic in photographs.
