Bridesmaids' Hair And Makeup: To Tip Or Not?

There are many expenses to consider when planning a wedding, and hair and makeup are some of the most significant. While the bride traditionally covers all beauty costs for her bridal party, this is not always feasible, especially for those on a tight budget. In such cases, bridesmaids may be asked to pay for their hair and makeup services, or the bride may choose to subsidise a portion of the costs. Ultimately, it is important to communicate expectations clearly to the bridal party and allow them to opt in or out of professional services. If the bridal party is paying for their hair and makeup, it is customary for them to also cover the tip, which is typically 15-20% of the total service fee.

Who pays for bridesmaids' hair and makeup?

There is no definitive answer to the question of who pays for bridesmaids' hair and makeup, and it often depends on the preferences and budget of the bride. Here are some options to consider:

Bride Pays for Hair and Makeup

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

Bridesmaids Pay for Hair and Makeup

Another option is to let bridesmaids decide whether they want to opt-in and pay for their own hair and makeup services. This approach gives bridesmaids freedom to choose their preferred stylists and can be more cost-effective for the bride, especially if she has a large bridal party. However, the bride needs to be flexible about the outcome, as not all bridesmaids may choose to have their hair and makeup done professionally.

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 while letting bridesmaids pay for their makeup, or vice versa. This can be a great way to pamper the bridesmaids without breaking the bank. It also takes into account the different levels of comfort and preferences that bridesmaids may have regarding professional hair and makeup.

Other Considerations

Regardless of who pays for the services, it is important to consider the financial burden on the bridesmaids, especially if they are already spending a significant amount on travel, accommodation, bridal showers, and other wedding-related expenses. If the bride expects the bridesmaids to cover their hair and makeup costs, it is not fair for her to dictate specific hairstyles or makeup looks.

Additionally, it is common for bridesmaids to tip hair and makeup artists, typically between 15% to 20% of the total service fee. If the bride requires certain beauty services, it is considerate for her to cover the cost of the services and the tip. However, if the bridesmaids are paying for their own services, they are usually expected to cover the tip as well.

Should bridesmaids pay for their own hair and makeup?

There are a few different ways to approach the question of who should pay for the bridal party's hair and makeup. Ultimately, it comes down to the bride's budget and preferences, as well as the expectations and financial situation of the bridesmaids. Here are some options to consider:

Bride Pays for Hair and Makeup

The most traditional arrangement is for the bride to cover all hair and makeup costs for the bridal party. This gives the bride more control over the beauty agenda for the big day and ensures a cohesive look for the bridal party. However, this option can be expensive and difficult to coordinate, especially with a large bridal party.

Bridesmaids Pay for Hair and Makeup

Another option is to let bridesmaids opt-in and pay for their own hair and makeup services. This approach gives bridesmaids the freedom to choose their preferred stylists and can be more cost-effective for the bride, especially with a large bridal party. However, it may not be feasible for all bridesmaids, especially if they are already incurring significant expenses for the wedding, such as travel and accommodation.

Split the Cost

The bride and bridesmaids can also split the cost of hair and makeup services. For example, the bride may offer to pay for hair, while the bridesmaids pay for their own makeup, or vice versa. This option can be a great way to pamper the bridal party without breaking the bank. It also allows bridesmaids to choose whether to opt for professional services or do their own hair and makeup to save money.

Offer a "Beauty Credit"

If the bride wants to contribute but cannot afford to cover the full cost, she can offer a "beauty credit" to each bridesmaid. For example, if makeup costs $75 per person, the bride might offer $25 to each bridesmaid to reduce the financial burden. This option allows the bride to show her appreciation while giving bridesmaids the flexibility to choose their preferred services.

Make Hair and Makeup Optional

If the bride is not able to pay for hair and makeup services, she can make it optional for the bridal party. In this case, the bride can simply inform the bridesmaids of the cost of services and let them know that they are not required to participate. This approach gives bridesmaids the choice to opt for professional services or do their own hair and makeup to fit their budget.

Regardless of who pays, it is important to communicate expectations and costs in advance so that everyone can plan and budget accordingly. Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so it is considerate for the bride to offer options and be flexible when possible. At the same time, bridesmaids should also be mindful of the bride's budget and the expenses she is already incurring for the wedding.

Should bridesmaids also cover their tips?

There are many different opinions on whether the bride or the bridesmaids should pay for hair and makeup services. Some people believe that if the bride is requiring professional hair and makeup, she should pay for it. However, others suggest that it is common for bridesmaids to pay for their hair and makeup, especially if they are given the option to opt out and do their own.

If the bride is requiring professional hair and makeup, it is generally expected that she will also cover the cost of tips for the stylists. This is because the bride is the one who has chosen to bring in professionals, and the bridesmaids may not have the budget to accommodate this expense. In this case, the bride can choose to cover the tips herself or divide the total amount between herself and her bridesmaids.

On the other hand, if the bride is giving her bridesmaids the option to get their hair and makeup done professionally, it is generally expected that the bridesmaids will cover the cost of the services and the tips. This is because the bride is not requiring professional services and is giving her bridesmaids the option to do their own hair and makeup if they prefer. In this case, the bridesmaids would typically be responsible for the full cost of the services and the tips.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, and it is up to the bride and her bridesmaids to communicate and decide what works best for them. It is important to keep in mind that being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so if the bride can cover some or all of the costs, it may be a nice gesture to help reduce the financial burden on her bridesmaids.

How much should you tip hair stylists and makeup artists?

Tipping hair stylists and makeup artists is a way to show your appreciation for their work and the effort they put in to make you and your bridesmaids look perfect on your big day. It is also a way to compensate for the money they might have lost by working at your wedding instead of at the salon.

The standard tip amount is typically between 15 and 20 percent of the service fee. If your hair stylist and makeup artist are travelling for your wedding, it is important to add more to the gratuity to cover hotel rooms, gas, and other travel expenses. If there are no service fees specified in your contract, it is important to tip each artist individually. If your artist is the owner of the company, it is still necessary to tip them as well.

If your bridesmaids are paying for their own hair and makeup, they should also cover the tip. The amount of the tip should be calculated based on the total amount of the service fee. If your hair costs more than your makeup, you should tip the hair stylist more.

There are also other ways to show your appreciation for your hair stylists and makeup artists besides tipping them. For example, if you are ordering breakfast for your bridal party, you can include your artists as well. You can also provide them with meals if they are staying throughout the day to do touch-ups. Another way to help out the artists is by leaving them a positive review or referring them to your friends and family members who will be needing hair or makeup services in the future.

How can bridesmaids save money on hair and makeup?

There are several ways bridesmaids can save money on hair and makeup. Here are some tips to consider:

DIY hair and makeup

One option for saving money on hair and makeup is for bridesmaids to do their own. This can be a good choice if they feel confident in their abilities and are comfortable with the idea. It can also be a fun and bonding experience for the group as they get ready together.

Choose one or the other

If bridesmaids are opting for professional services, they may consider choosing just hair or makeup to be done professionally and doing the other themselves. This can help reduce the overall cost.

Shop around for deals

Bridesmaids can look for deals and discounts when booking hair and makeup services. They can compare prices at different salons or with freelance stylists to find the best rates. Sometimes, salons or stylists may offer special packages or promotions for bridal parties, so it's worth inquiring about any available discounts.

Use a stylist's assistant

Another way to save money is to use the services of a stylist's assistant, as their rates are generally lower than those of a more experienced artist. This can be a great option if you're looking for a more affordable alternative without sacrificing quality.

Opt for partial services

Bridesmaids can also consider opting for partial services, such as an "eyes only" makeup application, where the stylist focuses on the most important and challenging part of the look. This can be a more affordable option while still ensuring they look their best for the wedding.

Discuss options with the bride

Communication is key. Bridesmaids can discuss options and concerns about the cost of hair and makeup with the bride. The bride may be open to covering some or all of the costs or finding alternative solutions to help reduce the financial burden on her bridal party.

Plan and budget in advance

Finally, planning and budgeting in advance can help bridesmaids save money. By knowing the expected costs ahead of time, they can set aside funds or look for ways to reduce expenses. Early planning also provides more time to research and find the best deals on hair and makeup services.

Frequently asked questions