Hair And Makeup: Guiding Bridesmaids To Harmony

Planning a wedding can be a stressful process, and there are many logistics to consider, including who pays for the bridal party's hair and makeup. While there is no definitive answer, it is important to consider the financial situation of the bride and bridesmaids, the cost of the services, and the expectations of payment. The bride typically pays if she requires a specific look or professional services, whereas bridesmaids often cover the costs if it is optional. Communication is key, and setting expectations early on can help ensure a stress-free and joyful experience for everyone involved.

Who pays for hair and makeup?

There is no definitive answer to the question of who pays for bridesmaids' hair and makeup. It is generally considered the bride's responsibility if she requires her bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally, or if she has a specific look in mind that would be difficult to achieve without professional help. However, it is also acceptable for bridesmaids to pay for their own hair and makeup, especially if the bride is unable to cover the costs or if the bridesmaids are happy to opt-out.

If the bride is unable to cover all the costs, she can choose to pay for just one service (hair or makeup) and allow her bridesmaids to DIY the other, or pay for the services of a talented friend to help those who need it. She could also provide styling tools and products for her bridesmaids to use if they wish to do their own hair and makeup.

If the bride is requiring professional hair and makeup, she should pay for it. However, if it is optional, then it is the bridesmaids' choice to pay. The bride can also choose to subsidise the costs, or offer to pay for one service and allow her bridesmaids to pay for the other.

The bride should be mindful of her bridesmaids' financial situations and other costs they may be incurring, such as travel, accommodation, gifts, and outfits. If the bride is unable to cover all the costs, she can still help by providing price quotes from hair and makeup stylists and offering to book the services.

What if there's a disagreement over who pays?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to determining who pays for bridesmaid hair and makeup. It is essential to consider the financial situation of the bride and the bridesmaids. If the bridesmaids are struggling financially, the bride may cover their hair and makeup costs. On the other hand, if the bride is on a tight budget, it is reasonable for the bridesmaids to cover their own expenses.

If the bride insists on using a more expensive hair and makeup team, it is only fair that she pays for the services. However, if the bridesmaids are given the freedom to choose their stylists, they should be expected to cover the costs.

In the case of a destination wedding, the bride may consider paying for her bridesmaids' hair and makeup as they have already incurred significant travel expenses. Similarly, if the bride requires a specific look that is challenging to achieve without professional help, she should offer to pay for these services.

If there is a disagreement over who should pay, the bride can explain her financial situation and express her desire or need for the bridesmaids to cover their hair and makeup costs. Ultimately, if the bridesmaids refuse to pay and the bride cannot afford to, she may have to let them do their hair and makeup themselves or, if this is a deal-breaker, they may not be able to be part of the wedding party.

To avoid any misunderstandings, it is best to decide early on who will pay for hair and makeup services and communicate this clearly to the bridal party.

Where do you get ready?

Now that you've decided who's paying for what, it's time to think about logistics. If you're getting your hair and makeup done professionally, you'll need to decide whether you want to go to a salon or have the hair and makeup artists come to you. If you choose the latter, you'll need to make sure you have a space that's big enough for everyone to get ready comfortably. A hotel suite or a getting-ready room at the venue can be a great option, but make sure there are enough outlets and good lighting.

If you're having multiple people get their hair and makeup done, you may need to book more than one hair and makeup artist to stay on schedule. This is especially important if you have a tight timeline for the day. You don't want to be rushed or stressed on your wedding day!

If you're getting ready at a hotel, keep in mind that out-of-town bridesmaids may not have a car. Be sure to coordinate transportation for them to and from the salon if needed.

It's also a good idea to provide breakfast or lunch, drinks, and some fun music to make the getting-ready process even more enjoyable.

Should you book separate hair and makeup people?

When it comes to bridesmaid hair and makeup, there are a few options to consider. Here are some factors to help you decide whether you should book separate hair and makeup people or not:

Number of Bridesmaids

If you have a large bridal party, booking separate hair and makeup artists may be more efficient in terms of time. This way, you can divide and conquer, ensuring that everyone's hair and makeup is done on time. However, if you only have a few bridesmaids, one artist for each service may suffice.

Complexity of Looks

Consider the looks you and your bridesmaids want to achieve. If you're going for intricate hairstyles and complex makeup looks, separate artists may be a better option. They can focus on their respective specialties and ensure that each aspect is given the time and attention it deserves.

Budget Constraints

Discuss your budget with your bridal party. If you're working with a limited budget, you may want to opt for one artist for hair and another for makeup to save costs. Separate artists may charge lower rates, especially if they are less experienced or are building their portfolio.

Location and Convenience

Think about where you and your bridesmaids will be getting ready. If you're all in one place, such as a hotel suite or bridal prep room, having separate hair and makeup artists come to you can be more convenient and time-efficient. They can work simultaneously, and you won't need to worry about travelling between different salons.

Artist Availability

When booking artists, consider their availability. If you're set on a particular hair or makeup artist, but they are only available for a limited time, booking separate artists may be necessary to ensure that everyone's hair and makeup is completed on time.

Trial Runs and Consistency

Booking separate hair and makeup artists may allow for trial runs with each artist, ensuring that you and your bridesmaids are happy with the results. Additionally, separate artists can bring their own unique skills and styles, catering to the diverse preferences and needs of your bridal party.

Ultimately, the decision to book separate hair and makeup artists depends on your specific circumstances, including the size of your bridal party, the complexity of the desired looks, budget constraints, location, artist availability, and the desire for trial runs and consistency in styles.

How far in advance should you book?

It is recommended to book hair and makeup services for bridesmaids as far in advance as possible, especially if you already have a makeup artist or company in mind. Some brides have reported booking their hair and makeup artists as early as 14 months in advance, while others have managed to find artists as late as one month before the wedding. However, it is worth noting that the earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure your first choice of artist.

The timeline for booking can also depend on the time of year, with some artists being in higher demand during busy wedding seasons. Additionally, if you are getting married in a competitive area with many talented and affordable artists, it is advisable to book early to secure their services at a lower price.

It is also important to consider the number of people who will require hair and makeup services. If you have a large bridal party, it is advisable to start looking for artists and booking trials as early as possible to ensure availability.

When booking, you can provide a rough estimate of the number of people who will want services, and then confirm the details a few months before the wedding. This gives you time to finalise the number of bridesmaids, the mother of the bride, and anyone else who may want their hair and makeup done.

It is recommended to have your hair and makeup trials a few months before the wedding, in case there are any changes to your hair or skin, or if you want to experiment with different styles.

In summary, booking your hair and makeup artists as far in advance as possible will help ensure you get your preferred artist at your desired price, and will also give you time to plan and prepare for your big day.

Frequently asked questions