Who Pays For Bridesmaids' Hair And Makeup?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of who pays for bridesmaids' hair and makeup. It depends on several factors, including the financial situation of the bride and her bridesmaids, the cost of the services, and the expectations around payment. If the bride requires a specific look or professional services, it is generally expected that she covers the cost as a gift to her bridesmaids. However, if hair and makeup are optional, it is more common for bridesmaids to pay for their own services. In some cases, the bride and bridesmaids may split the cost or the bride may cover a portion of the expenses as a compromise. Ultimately, open communication and consideration of everyone's budget are key to navigating this aspect of wedding planning.

Bride pays for hair and makeup

There are several options for brides who want to pay for their bridesmaids' hair and makeup. The first is to cover all the costs for the entire bridal party. This option gives the bride more control over the beauty agenda for the big day, but it can be expensive and difficult to coordinate. The second option is to split the costs with the bridesmaids. This could mean that the bride pays for hair, and the bridesmaids pay for makeup, or vice versa. This option can relieve some of the financial burden on the bride while still contributing to the bridesmaids' glam. The third option is to pay for the maid of honour's hair and makeup only. This is a special gesture that shows appreciation for the maid of honour's support.

There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding who will pay for the bridesmaids' hair and makeup. Firstly, it is important to consider the bride's budget. If the wedding is a destination wedding, for example, the bride may choose to pay for beauty services since the bridesmaids have already spent a lot on flights and hotels. Secondly, it is generally expected that if the bride requires the bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally, she should pay for it. However, if it is optional, the bridesmaids can be expected to pay for it themselves. Finally, it is a good idea to communicate expectations clearly to the bridesmaids in advance, so they can plan and budget accordingly.

Bridesmaids pay for hair and makeup

There are several options for handling the costs of hair and makeup services for bridesmaids. Here are some approaches to consider:

Bride Pays for Hair and Makeup

The most traditional arrangement is for the bride to cover all beauty costs for the bridal party. This option gives the bride more control over the beauty agenda for the wedding and allows for more time with the bridal party while getting ready. However, this option can be expensive and challenging to coordinate, especially with a large bridal party.

Another option is to let bridesmaids decide whether they want to opt in and pay for their hair and makeup services. This approach can be more cost-effective and gives bridesmaids the freedom to choose their preferred stylists. However, it may require the bride to be more flexible about the outcome, as not all bridesmaids may choose to have professional services.

Bride and Bridesmaids Split the Cost

The bride may also choose to pay for a portion of the hair and makeup services, such as covering the cost of hair styling while allowing bridesmaids to pay for their makeup, or vice versa. This option can be a good middle ground, especially if the bride is on a tight budget. It allows the bridesmaids to feel pampered without putting the entire financial burden on the bride.

Make it Optional

If the bride is unable to pay for hair and makeup services, it is essential to make it optional for bridesmaids. The bride can simply inform the bridal party that she is getting her hair and makeup done and that they are welcome to join her if they wish. This approach ensures that bridesmaids are not pressured to incur additional expenses.

Offer Suggestions and Alternatives

The bride can also provide suggestions for local salons or stylists that offer more affordable services. This gives bridesmaids options and helps them find services within their budget. Additionally, the bridal party can consider doing their hair and makeup themselves or helping each other get ready, especially if they are confident in their skills.

Ultimately, there is no single right or wrong way to handle the costs of hair and makeup for bridesmaids. The decision should be based on the bride's budget, the size of the bridal party, and the preferences of the bridesmaids themselves. Open communication and consideration for everyone's budget are key to ensuring a positive experience for all.

Bride and bridesmaids split the cost

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to deciding who pays for the bridal party's hair and makeup. It is a question that the bride and bridesmaids must navigate together, taking into account their financial situations and the wedding budget.

Splitting the cost of hair and makeup between the bride and bridesmaids can be a great compromise, making the costs more manageable for both parties. This could mean going halfsies on the total bill, or the bride covering hair while the bridesmaids pay for makeup (or vice versa).

For example, Valerie Ericson, who got married in Detroit in 2013, wanted to treat her bridesmaids to something special but didn't have the budget to pay for both hair and makeup for all seven bridesmaids. So she decided to pay for their hair, leaving makeup as an optional extra. She explains:

> I know people have different levels of comfort with having their makeup professionally done... I got married in my mid-20s, and I had several bridesmaids in full-time graduate school at the time; just traveling to the wedding and buying a bridesmaid dress was a huge expense... I felt that covering hair services and leaving makeup optional was a great way to pamper my bridesmaids and not make anyone feel left out if they couldn't afford a service.

Splitting the costs can also be a thoughtful alternative to a traditional bridesmaid gift, especially if the bridesmaids are already spending a lot of money on travel, accommodation, and other wedding-related events. As Ericson points out, "No one needs more costume jewellery or monogrammed cosmetic bags, but most people love feeling extra pretty for an evening."

If you decide to go down this route, it's important to be clear about your expectations from the get-go. Create a group chat or send a detailed breakdown of what each bridesmaid will be expected to pay, including price quotes from hair and makeup artists, so that everyone can budget accordingly.

Remember, there is no single "right" way to handle these costs. Do what feels right for you and your bridal party, and try to preserve your relationships after the wedding is over.

DIY approach to hair and makeup

If you're going the DIY route for hair and makeup, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you and your bridesmaids look and feel your best on the big day.

Communication is key

First and foremost, communicate with your bridesmaids about their hair and makeup preferences and comfort levels. Some may feel confident doing their own hair and makeup, while others may want to hire a professional. It's important to have an open dialogue and be flexible to accommodate everyone's needs and budget.

Provide guidelines and suggestions

If your bridesmaids are doing their own hair and makeup, offer guidelines and suggestions to ensure everyone is on the same page. Create a mood board with hair and makeup inspiration, and provide a list of recommended hair stylists and makeup artists. This will help create a cohesive look while still allowing for individual preferences and styles.

Encourage trials and practices

Suggest that your bridesmaids do trials or practices of their hair and makeup looks before the wedding. This will give them a chance to perfect their techniques and ensure they are happy with the final result. It's also a great opportunity for bonding and can be a fun pre-wedding activity.

Consider gifts or contributions

If your budget allows, you may want to contribute to or cover the cost of certain aspects of your bridesmaids' hair and makeup. For example, you could gift them a set of false lashes or a specific makeup product that will enhance their look. Alternatively, you could offer to pay for a specific service, such as a professional makeup artist or hairstylist, as a special treat.

Be mindful of time and space

When planning for DIY hair and makeup, be mindful of the time and space needed. Ensure there is enough time for everyone to get ready comfortably, and consider providing a getting-ready space that is spacious and well-lit. This will help create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere on the morning of your wedding.

Emphasize long-lasting products and techniques

Encourage your bridesmaids to use long-wearing makeup products and techniques to ensure their looks last throughout the day and night. This may include using primer, setting spray, and waterproof mascara. Additionally, suggest that they bring touch-up products with them to the wedding, such as blotting papers, lipstick, and powder, to ensure they look and feel fresh all day.

Bride covers some of the costs

There are many ways to approach beauty services for your bridal party, and while it's usually among the expenses that bridesmaids pay for, there are a few options if you're thinking of covering some of the costs as a bride.

If you're looking to cover some of the costs of your bridesmaids' hair and makeup, you could pay for one service and let your bridesmaids pay for the other. For example, you could pay for their hair and let them decide whether or not they want to pay for professional makeup. This is a great option if you're working with a tight budget, as it will still make your bridesmaids feel pampered without breaking the bank.

Alternatively, you could subsidise the costs. One way to do this is to ask your bridesmaids if they can afford to pay a portion of the total cost, and then pick up the rest of the tab. For example, if hair and makeup services cost $150 per person, you could ask your bridesmaids to pay $50 each and cover the remaining $100 yourself. This option saves you money while still taking some of the financial burden off your bridesmaids.

Another way to subsidise the costs is to offer a "beauty credit". For example, if makeup costs $75 per person, you could offer to pay $25 for each bridesmaid. This way, the service is more affordable for your bridesmaids, but you're still able to show your appreciation and contribute to their beauty services.

If you're unable to contribute financially, you can still help your bridesmaids by procuring prices from hair and makeup stylists and offering to book their services. This will save your bridesmaids time and effort in researching and booking stylists.

Other considerations

If you're requiring your bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally, it's generally expected that you cover the costs. This is especially true if you're requiring specific hairstyles or makeup looks. Keep in mind that being a bridesmaid is already expensive, so if you're requiring certain beauty services, you should be prepared to pay for them.

If you're working with a tight budget, you could make getting hair and makeup services optional. Simply let your bridesmaids know that you're getting your hair and makeup done and give them the option to join you if they'd like. This way, there's no pressure on them to pay for something they might not be able to afford.

Remember, there is no "right" way to handle the costs of your bridesmaids' hair and makeup. You can decide to cover all, some, or none of the costs, depending on your budget and preferences. The most important thing is to communicate your expectations clearly to your bridesmaids so that they can plan and budget accordingly.

Frequently asked questions