Wedding Hair & Makeup

In general, your wedding hair and makeup cost will include your stylist’s or makeup artist’s time on your wedding day. Most hair and makeup pros charge by the hour, so the longer you need your hair stylist and makeup artist to be present during your wedding, the more you’ll pay. Also know that for hair stylists, wedding updos tend to cost more than blowouts—in fact, the average cost of a bridal updo is $100 and the average cost of a simpler blowout is $55. When it comes to makeup, airbrush makeup typically comes with a higher price tag than traditional application. The average cost of airbrush makeup is $115 while the average cost of traditional makeup is $100. Some pros include a hair or makeup trial in their bridal makeup prices or wedding hair prices, but some do charge extra.

We recommend booking your wedding hair stylist and makeup artist at least three months before your wedding. Start by reading online reviews of beauty pros near your wedding location, and then reach out to a few to find out availability and pricing. You may want to interview several wedding hair stylists and makeup artists to find someone you’re comfortable with, and whose style and vision matches yours.

Depending on your style, needs, and budget, there are many different possible add-ons to bridal makeup packages or to your wedding hair cost. A few examples:

• Extra services: There are certain makeup techniques and styles that might add dollars to your bridal makeup cost. For example, false lashes may cost extra, as can airbrush makeup. When choosing your wedding-day makeup style, be sure to factor in these additional costs.
• Travel: If your wedding hair and makeup pros work out of a salon, you may have to pay extra for them to travel to your wedding location. And if it’s an especially long distance, you may have to pay even more for mileage.
• Additional people: If you’re planning on having your hair stylist or makeup artist also provide services to your bridesmaids, mom, etc., you’ll have to pay more. Your hair stylist or makeup artist may choose to bring an assistant to help speed things along on your wedding day—another add-on to your wedding makeup cost or wedding hair cost.
• Additional hours/touch-ups: Want your hair stylist or makeup artist to be on hand at different times throughout your wedding day to provide touch-ups or even a new ‘do for your reception? The more time you have your beauty pros on hand, the more you’ll pay for your wedding hair and wedding makeup prices.
• Trial: As mentioned, many wedding hair stylists and makeup artists charge extra for a trial run.
• Tips: Many couples forget to factor tips into their wedding-day budget. We recommend tipping your hair stylist and makeup artist as though it was a regular appointment—15 to 20 percent of the total cost for each professional.

A wedding hair and/or makeup trial allows you to meet with your hair or beauty pro a few months before your wedding, and see how exactly your hair and makeup will look on your wedding day. You can also make any tweaks or adjustments if necessary. If your hair stylist or makeup artist charges extra for a trial, the average cost is $75 per service.

It’s a good idea to have your bridesmaids’ makeup professionally done—they’ll feel more confident and look even better in photos! The average wedding makeup cost for bridesmaids is $75 per service.