Hair/makeup/dresses

It's not uncommon for bridesmaids to pay their own hair/makeup costs, as long as it is optional. If you are requiring it, you should cover the cost. Did you let them know pricing ahead of time before booking? If not, maybe ask what their budgets are for hair/makeup, and then you cover the difference (if any) between the cost and their lowest budget? So for example, if the person you booked charges $80 for hair and $80 for makeup, and your bridesmaids' budget is $60 for hair and $60 for makeup, you could cover $20 towards each and they cover $60 for each?

View Quoted Comment Thank you thats kind of what i was thinking!

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I think this is a great suggestion/compromise!

The ones who said yes to H&MU: did they say yes thinking you would cover the cost? If you turn around and ask them to pay, some may change their minds and decide to do their own instead. So definitely make it clear to them whether it's optional or not.

It depends. If they said yes under the idea you would cover it then I think it’s rude to ask them to cover the rest. Especially if they had no say in who you picked and the price of that person

Sure but you should get there agreement ahead of time. Don't just assume they want it . If you are requiring for your wedding you should pay.

Not uncommon at all. I'm gifting my bridesmaids getting their hair done and then they can decide if they want to pay for professional makeup. I'm doing my own.

All monetary expectations including individual budgets need to be laid out transparently when you ask them to be bridesmaids no earlier than 6 months before the wedding. That way there is no confusion later what they are responsible for paying.



Unless the bride is requiring a certain look or bridesmaids must use the hair/makeup artists provided, in which case the bride is responsible for the entire bill if she is requiring either of those, then it’s typical for the bridesmaids to pay for everything themselves. Are they aware of the costs? Can they afford it?

Usually if the bride requires everyone get their hair and makeup done by their hair and makeup artist then the bride pays. If its optional the girls pay. That being said I have been a bridesmaid and had it be required and had to pay for it so its not unheard of.