Asking Bridesmaids To Cover Their Hair And Makeup Costs

There is no definitive answer to the question of who pays for bridesmaids' hair and makeup. It depends on a variety of factors, including the financial situation of the bride and bridesmaids, the wedding budget, the size of the bridal party, and the wedding location. Clear and early communication is essential to managing expectations and avoiding misunderstandings. Bridesmaids often incur significant expenses, including dresses, travel, and gifts, so it is important to be respectful of their budgets. If the bride requires a specific look or professional services, it is generally expected that she will cover the costs. However, if the bride is on a tight budget, it is reasonable to ask bridesmaids to contribute or opt for a DIY approach. Ultimately, the decision should be made with flexibility and consideration for everyone's circumstances.

Bride pays for hair and makeup

There are a few options for brides who want to pay for their bridesmaids' hair and makeup. Firstly, you could pay for all hair and makeup services as a gift to your bridesmaids, with either you or your bridesmaids tipping the hair and makeup artists. Alternatively, you could pay for a portion of the services as a kind of "beauty credit". For example, you could contribute $25 to each bridesmaid's $75 makeup cost.

If you're working with a tight budget, you could opt to pay for your Maid of Honour's hair and makeup only. This is a fairly common practice and will be a special gesture for your number one gal. You could also suggest that your bridesmaids do their own hair and makeup, and then pay for a professional artist to do your own. This way, you can ensure that you're happy with your own hair and makeup, and your bridesmaids can save money.

If you have your heart set on your bridesmaids having a certain hairstyle or makeup look, it's only fair that you pay for their hair and makeup. However, keep in mind that it can be expensive and difficult to coordinate everyone's schedules.

Whatever you decide, it's important to communicate your wishes directly and early on in your wedding planning process so that your bridesmaids can budget accordingly.

Bridesmaids cover their own costs

If you're working with a tight wedding budget, it may make more sense for your bridesmaids to cover their hair and makeup costs. This is a common approach, especially if your bridesmaids are financially comfortable and you're unable to cover the costs yourself.

Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so it's important to be respectful of your bridesmaids' budgets. They may already be paying for dresses, travel, accommodation, gifts, and other pre-wedding events. Adding hair and makeup costs on top of that could be a financial burden for some.

If you choose this option, it's essential to be clear about your expectations from the beginning. Let your bridesmaids know as early as possible that they'll be responsible for covering their hair and makeup costs. This will give them time to plan their budgets and avoid any last-minute surprises.

To make things easier for your bridesmaids, you can provide them with a detailed breakdown of the expected costs. Share price quotes from hair and makeup professionals, so they know exactly how much to expect. You can also suggest some budget-friendly options, such as local salons or stylists, or offer to subsidize a portion of the costs if you're able to.

Keep in mind that if you require a specific hair or makeup look that's difficult to achieve on their own, it's only fair that you cover the costs. However, if you're flexible and allow your bridesmaids to choose their own stylists and looks, it's more appropriate to ask them to pay.

Another option is to split the costs. For example, you could cover the cost of hair services, while your bridesmaids pay for their makeup, or vice versa. This approach balances the financial responsibility and ensures that no one person bears the full burden.

Remember, clear and early communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring your bridesmaids are happy with the arrangement.

Split the costs between the bride and bridesmaids

There are several ways to approach the cost of beauty services for your bridal party. While the bride covering all the costs is the most traditional arrangement, it can be expensive and difficult to coordinate. On the other hand, letting bridesmaids pay for their own hair and makeup gives them freedom to choose their preferred vendors but may not be feasible for everyone, especially if they are already paying for travel and accommodation for the wedding.

A good middle ground is to split the costs between the bride and bridesmaids. This can be done in several ways:

• The bride can pay for one service (such as hair) and let the bridesmaids pay for the other (makeup).
• The bride can offer to pay a set amount towards each bridesmaid's hair and makeup, and let them cover the rest. This could be a good alternative to a bridesmaid gift.
• The bride can pay for the maid of honour's hair and makeup as a special gesture.
• The bride can pay for hair and makeup for bridesmaids who can't afford it, regardless of her budget.

When asking bridesmaids to pay for their own hair and makeup, it is important to make it optional and give them plenty of advance notice so they can budget accordingly. It is also helpful to provide suggestions for local salons and stylists, especially those on the less expensive end of the spectrum.

• Consider the bridesmaids' circumstances: Are they students? Have they already spent a lot on travel and accommodation for the wedding?
• Communicate expectations clearly and in advance: Let them know how much they will need to pay and when.
• Be mindful of their budgets: If you require certain hairstyles or makeup looks, you should probably pay for them.
• Offer alternatives: Suggest group hair and makeup trials or doing each other's hair and makeup as a way to save money.
• Be flexible: Understand that some bridesmaids may prefer to do their own hair and makeup or use their own trusted vendors.
• Provide recommendations: Share a list of preferred hair stylists and makeup artists, along with price quotes, to help them make arrangements.
• Keep an open dialogue: Discuss options with your bridesmaids and be open to their preferences and concerns.

Remember, the most important thing is to ensure that everyone feels included and celebrated on your special day, regardless of their financial situation.

Ask a talented friend to help

If you have a friend who is talented at hair and makeup, you can ask them to help with your bridesmaids' hair and makeup. This is a great option if you're on a budget and want to respect your bridesmaids' budgets as well.

You could also consider asking your friend to help out any bridesmaids who are hair or makeup-challenged and can't afford to pay for professional services. This way, you can ensure that everyone feels included in the group and has a chance to get ready together on the morning of the wedding.

To make things easier for your friend, provide them with a clear idea of the look or style you want for your bridesmaids. This will help them know what to expect and ensure that everyone's hair and makeup is consistent.

Keep in mind that your friend's time and talent are valuable. While you may not be paying them, be sure to express your gratitude and consider giving them a small gift as a token of your appreciation.

Additionally, be mindful of your friend's comfort and interests. If they are part of the bridal party or would prefer to simply enjoy the day as a guest, they may not want to work during the wedding. In this case, you could ask them to recommend another makeup artist or hairstylist that you could hire.

Remember, the most important thing is to communicate clearly with your bridal party and be respectful of their budgets. Well-informed bridesmaids will be happy bridesmaids!

Let everyone DIY

If you're on a tight budget, you could make getting hair and makeup done professionally optional for your bridesmaids. This approach is more common when the bridesmaids are already paying for flights and hotels for a destination wedding. You could say something like: "I'm getting my hair and makeup done in the bridal suite by [hair stylist and makeup artist name], and if any of you would like yours done too, please let me know. It'll cost [cost], plus tip."

Do this as far in advance as possible so your bridesmaids have time to budget, and make clear that it's not required. You could also suggest some local salons they could check out, and provide a range of options to suit different budgets.

If you're happy for your bridesmaids to do their own hair and makeup, you could still invite them to get ready with you on the morning of the wedding. This can be a fun and special way to start your big day.

If you're worried about your bridesmaids' makeup skills, you could suggest they try out some online tutorials together for some pre-wedding bonding. You could also offer to pay for one element of their hair or makeup as a compromise.

If you're set on a particular hairstyle or makeup look, it's only fair that you pay for it. However, if you're happy for your bridesmaids to choose their own look, it's acceptable for them to pay.

Frequently asked questions