make-up / hair prices - sticker shock!!!!

$150 for both might be more realistic but I know how you feel. It took me forever to find a make-up artist that did not charge an arm and a leg (she charges $70 total for a pre-session and day of)!!

I would check on craigslist..there are quite a bit of affordable people on there that have quality service.

I would also get wedding wire to match you...just put in your max price.

Im very interested where you live. Im getting my hair/makup done at a salon on long island (VERY close to NYC prices) My hair is $85 and my makup will be about $120 just because im getting lashes and airbrushing. I though THAT was steep. Are you getting your hair/makup done at a salon, or are the people coming to you??? I find if they come to you its VERY expensive!

I've found people on craigslist, but they don't respond to e-mails. PLUS, the ones that DO respond don't have any pics where I can see their work. I'm in Morris County, NJ....and haven't decided where I'll have it done. My hair is really short - so it's not like I'm having an elaborate updo or anything.

While i don't know the first thing about makeup lol one suggestion is to NOT shop just by price. See what products the people use, and how experienced they are. I can't tell you how many brides i've been filming that complain about the cheap makeup later in the day. Better quality makeup won't streak, or run down your face, or get blotchy. I'm not saying that more expensive is always better, but do you want to look at your photos and video after the wedding and think about kicking yourself because you saved that $50? Or do you want to constantly have to run to the bathroom or bridal suite to re-do the makeup? Bottom line is just make sure you're going to get a quality service.

Kevin

I know what you are going through

Kevin/Anthony S. does have a good point about quality products.

However, don't let prices scare you too much. When you find vendors closer to your budget----NEGOTIATE. Don't be afraid to calmly, nicely ask about lowering the price (with any vendor), and tell them you are on a tight budget, etc. If you talk with them, complement them on their work, if you've seen it, and get them to like you, that will set the stage.

Vendors are negotiable (to a point)----it is your hard earned money---you have the power. Be reasonable when negotiating, which is why you can try vendors with offers slightly over your budget (or within it).

My fiance and I are pretty much paying for the wedding on our own, and we are on a very tight budget, and I AM NOT GOING OVER THE BUDGET. If I have to ask for price negotiations or skimming down on packages to shave off costs, I will (reasonably and nicely)!

Good luck hun!

Check out Little Touches of NJ. She is great and is affordable.

You are right. I feel like the stylists are getting paid more hourly than a brain surgeon, and sorry, but that just isn't right. I'm not saying they should do it for next to nothing by any means, because that's their job, but let's be reasonable people. Even when you go to the salon instead of having them come to you...it's like, ohhh it's a bride, mark up the price!!

**Price list**

Regular person up-do and make up: $120

BRIDE up-do/make up: $375, plus minimum of 3 brides at $150 (because they're not regular people either apparently), plus travel, plus I have to be done by 11 so I can squeeze in another sucker bride or two that day.

I know it's supply and demand...and they can only get away with charging it because we pay it!! sorry for my rant and if I offended anyone...but you're the one that charges too much.

My point exactly, Lauren! Would be curious if any MA or Hair stylists are out there that want to chime in???

Hi there,

I understand your frustration. I am a makeup artist but was also once a bride. I agree, there are some artists/stylists who charge an arm and a leg. Often, they've been in the industry forever, and their price includes all their experience. My suggestion if for you to shop around, ask around. If you don't want to go over your $100 budget, then know that most likely you'll need to go to your stylists instead of having them come to you. That's with any service whether it is bridal or not. Go to a makeup counter at the mall and make an appointment. Often, you'll just need to purchase some products and not pay for the makeover itself. Going to a salon to get your hair done will also be less costly, or ask your friends, someone always has a cousin, aunt, etc. who can do hair. I charge $150 for the airbrush makeup package. This includes your trial, lashes, and touch up kit. I also come to you the day of your wedding.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Carmen

I agree about the experience bit. I'm actually going with my hairdresser (who also does makeup) that I've been going to since 1995, and she used to work at an upscale salon on Newbury St in Boston. She is charging me around $350 including 4 hrs of travel round trip...and she knows me and has lots of experience. So in this case, I think that is very worth it.

I also got a price quote from a girl I know...that's been doing this for maybe 2-3 years, no great experience to speak of other than she went to beauty school...and is charging the same price PLUS travel! And my MOH is one of her best friends! Just seemed off to me and didn't know how she could justify that.

Hi Future Mrs Han-I am in New York City, and your proximity is probably why you are getting such high numbers for hair and makeup. I charge 120/150 for the bride, and 75/85 for the party per person. We charge what we do because training and products are expensive. I have a huge kit I need to maintain and am constantly having to replace products I am using on my clients. I also travel directly to my clients, so that convenience is figured into the cost. Ideally, a hair dresser or mua will charge you less if you go to them. If you have any other questions, please feel free to shoot me an email! Good luck with your planning!

Hello sorry about your troubles I'm a makeup artist as well and I can agree with make up artist comments make up is very expensive and truthfully you get what you pay for.

I understand the frustration that you feel when there is a different price for bridal clients vs. regular clients, but there is a difference in products used and application that can account for a sm. increase. (Some take advantage though!) Bridal clients are going to go through more factors that are damaging to the end product (sun, heat, stress, sweat, oil, humidity, etc) that higher grade products/more products are required. These aren't cheap. Also, some pros charge the prices they do b/c 1. they have the experience and clientele willing to pay for it, or 2. they do a limited number of weddings a year and weed out "budget brides" who do not make the job profitable for them. Just b/c someone has a "kit" and calls themself a MUA/hairstylist doesn't make them a professional, either. Look at books, get references, etc and book the person who gets the job done to your satisfaction. If it's not important to you, don't spend the money. If it is pay the price knowing it's worth it to YOU.

500?!?!?!?! are they like someone famous?!?! good grief thats alot!!! ok the 100 i could understand...... ok, is there a way to do your makeup by yourself? i honestly thought about having someone do it, but youd have to pay them on there time, what if they mess up or something......is there like a family member or friend that does hair that can do it? my mohs sister is doing mine, my moh and my one bm hair shes only harging 35. (im goin to pay for tem of course). idk thats just my opinion thats ridicculous on what they charge! what are u hving done to your hair?

Steeler - no, no one famous - just very very pricey! I think I may see if one of my girlfriends can do it. As for my hair - with it so short, not a whole lot I CAN do with it - just add some curls here and there. After all, I DO want to look like me - only better and not someone I'm not (if that makes sense).

I have an excellent person for you to do makeup only. I work with her all the time, she is based in Northeast Philadelphia so she may charge a little more for travel. But her normal rate is $150 for the bride and $75 for anyone else getting makeup done. That includes a consultation before your wedding date. She is amazing and really helps enhance everyone's natural beauty. You can view samples of her work on my webpage: Make-up Artist

Kenneth Huber

********@*****.***

Ken's Entertainment Group

Your wedding specialists!

Do you have a regular stylist? What would she charge? I am doing my "practice" hair on Sat. I don't have a price yet, but I know it won't be too crazy. But as I am sure other people have told you, put your money toward what you really want...I paid a ton for my invitations, but almost nothing for my dress. It is all in what matters most to you. Good Luck!

Has anyone here had their stylist charge them the full "wedding day" price for the trial run???

I am from Morris County, NJ too though I don't live there anymore and I have heard that DiPasquale Salon on Route 10 is really good. I have never gotten my hair done there (only a massage) but I know people who have and really like their services. They may be a little pricey, but I'm not sure as I haven't checked, but just a suggestion.

I spoke to 7 different make up artists in Dallas and they all wanted a minimum of 3 hair and make-up bookings for a min of $500. I found one who would do it for $150 day of and $80 for test run. The test run did not go well but I learned a few tricks for doing my hair. I later booked appointments at Neimans with the make-up counters there and had them teach me how to do my make up. I bought great make-up brushes and some of their make up and did my own make up and hair the day of. It ended up beautiful and I now have the brushes to carry out the look again and again. I was very shocked at the prices as well, but just worked around it.