Bridesmaids' Hair: Who Pays For The 'Do?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. There are a lot of expenses to consider, from the dress and accessories to travel and accommodation. One of the biggest questions often left until the end is: who pays for the bridesmaids' hair and makeup?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on the couple's budget and preferences. If the bride wants the bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally, she may cover the cost as a gift. This is especially common if the wedding is a destination wedding, as the bridesmaids will already be paying for flights and hotels.

Another option is for the bride and bridesmaids to split the costs. For example, the bride may pay for makeup, while the bridesmaids pay for their hair. If the bride is on a tight budget, she may also choose to pay for her Maid of Honour only.

If the bride doesn't have the budget to cover hair and makeup services, she can still help by providing prices from hair and makeup stylists and offering to book these services for the bridesmaids. It's also an option for the bride to chip in a certain amount as a beauty credit towards each bridesmaid's hair and makeup.

Ultimately, if the bride requires the bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally, she should be prepared to pay for it. However, if it's optional, the bridesmaids can usually choose to pay for these services themselves.

The bride pays for hair and makeup if she requires a certain look

There are a few options when it comes to paying for bridesmaids' hair and makeup. If the bride is requiring a certain look or professional hair and makeup, it is customary for her to pay for these services as a gift to her bridesmaids. This can be a great way to thank them for their support and make it more affordable for them to be part of the wedding. However, this is not a requirement and the bride may choose to only pay for a portion of the services, such as hair or makeup, or offer it as an optional expense for the bridesmaids to cover themselves.

If the bride is requiring professional hair and makeup, it is generally expected that she will cover the cost. This is especially true if the wedding has a specific theme or colour scheme that the bridesmaids need to adhere to. By paying for their hair and makeup, the bride can ensure that everyone's look is consistent and fits within her vision for the wedding. It also allows her to have more control over the beauty agenda for the day and can create a fun and memorable experience for her and her bridesmaids as they get ready together.

However, requiring professional hair and makeup can be expensive, especially for larger bridal parties. In this case, the bride may choose to subsidise the cost, picking up a portion of the tab while the bridesmaids cover the rest. This can be a great way to reduce the financial burden on both the bride and the bridesmaids, while still ensuring everyone looks their best.

Alternatively, the bride may make professional hair and makeup optional, allowing bridesmaids to choose whether or not they want to incur this expense. In this case, it is generally expected that the bridesmaids will cover the cost themselves. The bride can provide suggestions for local salons or stylists and encourage everyone to make appointments in advance. This gives the bridesmaids control over their budget and allows them to choose services that fit within their comfort level and financial means.

Ultimately, there is no single right answer to the question of who pays for bridesmaids' hair and makeup. It depends on the bride's budget, the size of the bridal party, and the level of control she wants over their look. However, if a specific look or professional services are required, it is generally expected that the bride will cover the cost as a gift to her bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids pay for their own hair and makeup if it's optional

There is no definitive answer to the question of who pays for bridesmaids' hair and makeup. It is generally considered proper etiquette for the bride to pay if she requires a certain look, while the bridesmaids pay if it is optional. Bridesmaids can incur many expenses, so it is important to be transparent about financial expectations upfront.

If the bride is requiring professional hair and makeup, she should pay. However, if she is happy for bridesmaids to do their own hair and makeup, then it is their choice to pay for a professional if they wish. If the bride is requiring a certain look, she should cover the cost as a gift to her bridesmaids.

If the bride is working with a limited budget, she may ask bridesmaids to pay for their hair and makeup. This scenario is more appropriate if the bride gives her bridesmaids flexibility over their hair and makeup choices, such as letting them choose their hairstylist or using a friend who is a makeup artist.

If the bride has the budget, she may choose to cover all hair and makeup expenses for her bridal party. This is especially considerate if the bridesmaids are struggling financially or have already spent a lot of money on the wedding, such as on flights and hotels for a destination wedding.

There are a few other options to consider. The bride and bridesmaids could split the cost, with each covering 50%, or the bride could pay for hair while the bridesmaids pay for makeup (or vice versa). If budget is an issue, the bridal party could take a DIY approach to hair and makeup, which would be very low cost.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and the decision should be made based on the financial situation of the bride and her bridesmaids, as well as the cost of the hair and makeup services.

Bridesmaids may pay for one or the other if they can't afford both

There are many expenses that come with being a bridesmaid, and hair and makeup are just a couple of them. While there is no single answer to the question of who pays for these services, there are a few options that are commonly used.

One option is for the bride to pay for hair and makeup services as a gift to her bridesmaids. This is especially common in destination weddings, where bridesmaids have already spent a lot of money on flights and hotels. The bride may also choose to pay for these services if she requires her bridesmaids to have a specific look.

However, if the bride is on a tight budget, she may choose to have her bridesmaids pay for their own hair and makeup. This can be a more cost-effective approach, but it is important to communicate this expectation clearly to the bridal party.

Another option is for the bride and bridesmaids to split the cost of hair and makeup. This can be done by having the bride pay for one service (such as hair) and the bridesmaids pay for the other (makeup). This option can be helpful if the bridesmaids are unable to afford both services.

Ultimately, the decision of who pays for bridesmaids' hair and makeup is up to the bride and her budget. It is important to communicate expectations clearly to the bridal party to avoid any confusion or resentment.

The bride may subsidise the cost of hair and makeup

If the bride is requiring professional hair and makeup, it is generally expected that she covers the cost. However, if hair and makeup are optional, it is more common for bridesmaids to pay for these services themselves. In some cases, the bride may offer to subsidise the cost as a gift to her bridesmaids, or the bridesmaids may choose to do their own hair and makeup to save money.

There are a few different ways that the bride can subsidise the cost of hair and makeup. She may choose to cover the full cost of one or both services as a gift to her bridesmaids. Alternatively, she can offer to pay a portion of the cost, such as offering a "beauty credit" to each bridesmaid to put towards the services. This can be a great way to help reduce the financial burden on her bridesmaids while still allowing them to feel pampered and look their best for the wedding.

Another option is for the bride to bring in a hair and makeup team and offer the services to her bridesmaids at a discounted rate. This can be a win-win for both the bride and her bridesmaids, as it ensures that everyone's hair and makeup are done to a professional standard without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, the decision to subsidise the cost of hair and makeup for bridesmaids is up to the bride and will depend on her budget and preferences. Open communication between the bride and her bridesmaids is key to ensuring that everyone is on the same page and there are no surprises when it comes to financial expectations.

Bridesmaids may do their own hair and makeup

If a bridesmaid chooses to do her own hair and makeup, she may still want to join the bridal party while they are getting ready, which can be a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. It is important to communicate with the bride about what she envisions for her wedding crew and to be transparent about any financial constraints.

If the bride is requiring a specific look or professional services, it is generally expected that she covers the costs for her bridesmaids. However, if hair and makeup are optional, it is more common for bridesmaids to pay for these services themselves. Ultimately, there is no single right way to handle the costs, and open communication between the bride and her bridesmaids is key to ensuring a stress-free and joyful experience for everyone.

Doing hair and makeup themselves can be a practical option for bridesmaids, especially if they are comfortable with their skills and want to save money. This choice can also provide flexibility and reduce coordination efforts for the bridal party, as each bridesmaid can prepare at their own pace and location. However, it is important to consider the bride's preferences and the overall wedding vibe to ensure that DIY hair and makeup align with the desired look and feel of the wedding.

Overall, the decision for bridesmaids to do their own hair and makeup can be a cost-effective and empowering choice, allowing them to showcase their skills and personal style. It is essential to maintain open communication between the bride and her bridesmaids to ensure that everyone is on the same page and feels included in the wedding celebration.

Frequently asked questions