Paying for bridesmaids' Hmu?

I'd make it optional, and let them pay if they want. Or you could pay for one service (if they want). Then if girls would rather do their own, just put the extra $ towards their gift. We paid for all the bridesmaid's & mom's HAMU and it was an additional $1,800.

The general rule is if you're making using your artist mandatory, you pay. Otherwise they have the option or they can figure out their own makeup. I'm opting to pay for my girls, but I only have 2.

I would make it optional. You aren't required to pay unless you are making them get their hair and makeup done professionally.

Overall we paid for professional hair and makeup for all the bridesmaids + HMU bride + HMU for 1 mom and just makeup for the other 2 moms (1 pixie cut and 1 extremely curly so they wanted to do their own) for an overall cost of $1250.

Like the previous comments, if paying for all of it isn't in your budget I would suggest covering one of the services or a portion of each service (ex: if you can pay 80% they cover the 20%). If your look is more simple, y'all can start getting ready at a Blow Out Bar which can do simple blow outs, half up/down, some braids typically for a lower price. Two major things you'll want to consider when deciding:

1. What is the look you're going for on the big day? An intricate up-do or super glam makeup may not be realistic to DIY...there are def some makeup wizards out there, I'm just not one of them lol

2. Will the look be cohesive when all the girls line up if you have some opt to have a pro do it and some DIY?

As a bridesmaid, I'd personally be fine to have a smaller gift and get to spend the morning relaxing and getting my HMU done professionally!

I am making them pay for their hair services and I am covering their makeup. I gave them plenty or notice of the price so it’s not like it will be a last minute charge.

As PP’s have stayed, if you’re making it mandatory, you pay.


We are paying for professional H&MU for myself, my bridesmaids, and the MOB & MOG. It is a significant expense but I feel it’s worth it. It’s also a really nice gift.

Hi Sarah,
Congratulations, i'm paying for my bridesmaids dresses, shoes, hair and the makeup artist, so that's their gift, I love the dresses because I don't think they're one and done!
jjshouse, style 105912 if you care to see it!

I could really care less if my ladies got professional hair and makeup. I casually floated the idea about hair and makeup and everyone immediately said YES and seemed excited about wanting to get it all done. When I booked the services I just decided to cover the cost for all of them including my mom and sister in law. I won't consider it as part of their gift, but I really wanted them to feel pampered on the day of and figure it will be fun. They were all really shocked I was doing that and they genuinely were so touched.