Make up artist booking fee

It may just be her equivalent of a non Refundable deposit. If her prices are otherwise reasonable for her services, I wouldn't worry too much about it. It sounds like it might just be a wording thing.

I put a $50 deposit down but it does towards the services.

But it could be a non refundable deposit which is why it doesn't go towards the actual service.

Hi!! The salon I used did have a $200 deposit however it did go towards my bill. It’s not how my salon worked, but perhaps this is to support the coordination of the taking temperatures, sanitation of the chairs, etc.?

View Quoted Comment That makes sense but she is going to our bridal suite. We’re not going to her salon. So weird that it doesn’t go towards the services. Thank you for you input, Katie!

View Quoted Comment Thank you for responding, Connie! I guess it is. I just have not talked to a make up artist that has asked for this. It always goes towards the services. But their prices are really good compared to the others I’ve talked to and really fits my budget so I might just go ahead and do it.


Thanks again!!!

View Quoted Comment Yeah having it go towards the services makes sense to me. All my wedding vendors have non refundable deposits but again they all go towards the final balance. So weird.


Thanks for your response, Michelle!

I encountered this, except for it was labeled a "deposit," which was highly unusual and misleading. My personal opinion on your post? I think the practice of charging an extra booking fee is weird, and it seems so unnecessary (can't they just increase their other prices so it's easier to compare vendors' prices??), but at least the MUA is transparent about it. As far as what it's for? No idea....the MUA I was talking to (but didn't end up booking due to the aforementioned refusal to re-consider or re-state her $100 "deposit" aka fee) said it was to 'reserve the date on her calendar' so she didn't book another wedding/job. Not sure if that info is helpful, but I wish you the best of luck in your decision!

That seems pretty standard- I seen lots of that when I was looking for an artist.

Since she is traveling to you, could it be part of her "travel" or "off site" deposit?

View Quoted Comment She is in the same area as my wedding venue so she said there is no travel fee. I’ve only been searching for makeup artists within my venue’s area to avoid travel fees.


It’s just weird cos I talked to a number of make up artists to compare and none of them have ever asked for a fee that doesn’t go towards the services. Even my original make up artist asked for a non refundable $100 too as a deposit and to secure the date but that would go to the final balance. Although now she’s ghosting me so I just lost $100 lol
Thank you for you responding, Molly!

It sounds like it’s your deposit to save your date. Your venue, photographer, etc., likely did the same thing or something similar.