Bridesmaids, Get Your Hair Done And Pay For It!

There are many expenses to consider when planning a wedding, and hair and makeup for the bridal party are some of the most significant. While there is no definitive rule, the general etiquette is that the bride pays for hair and makeup if she requires a specific, professional look. If left as an option for bridesmaids, they may pay for themselves. However, it is essential to be mindful of budgets and clearly communicate expectations to avoid any confusion or financial strain on the bridal party.

If you're requiring it, you should pay

If you're requiring your bridesmaids to pay for their hair, it's essential to approach this topic with care and consideration. Here are some detailed suggestions to navigate this situation:

Be Mindful of Their Finances

It's important to acknowledge that being a bridesmaid comes with significant financial commitments, from the dress and accessories to travel expenses and gifts. Before requiring your bridesmaids to cover the cost of their hair, consider their financial situation and whether they can realistically afford it. Be open to honest conversations about their budget constraints and try to be accommodating.

Cover the Cost as a Gift

If you're set on a specific hairstyle or look for your bridesmaids, it's considerate to cover the cost as a gift to them. This approach ensures that you maintain some control over their hairstyle while showing your appreciation for their presence on your special day. It's a way to thank them for their support and contribution to your wedding.

Offer to Split the Cost

Another option is to offer to split the cost of hair services with your bridesmaids. This approach can be an ideal middle ground, especially if you're on a tighter budget. By offering to pay a portion, you're still contributing to their glam while easing the financial burden on them. This gesture acknowledges that being a bridesmaid is expensive and demonstrates your gratitude.

Make It Optional

If you don't have a particular hairstyle in mind and are open to flexibility, consider making professional hair services optional for your bridesmaids. Let them know that you're bringing in a hair stylist, and they are welcome to use their services at their own expense if they wish. This approach gives them the freedom to choose while relieving you of the financial responsibility.

Discuss Expectations Early

It's crucial to have open and transparent conversations with your bridesmaids about your expectations regarding hair early on in the planning process. Share your vision for their hairstyle and whether you intend to make it mandatory or optional. This clarity will help them plan and budget accordingly, especially if they need to arrange their own hair services.

Remember, if you're requiring a specific hairstyle or making it mandatory for your bridesmaids to have their hair professionally done, it's considerate to cover the cost. Being mindful of their financial commitments and showing your appreciation will go a long way in maintaining a positive and supportive relationship with your bridesmaids.

Give them the choice

There are a few ways to approach the topic of bridesmaids' hair and makeup costs. If you're requiring a specific hair look that's not easy to DIY, it's best to cover the cost. However, if you're leaving it open-ended or are happy for them to do their own hair, you can give them the option to pay for professional hair styling. Here are some ways to give your bridesmaids the choice:

• Offer a group discount: Contact hair stylists and makeup artists to see if they offer group discounts. You can then pass on this discounted rate to your bridesmaids, making professional hair and makeup more affordable for them.
• Cover the cost of one service: You can choose to pay for either hair or makeup and give your bridesmaids the option to DIY the other, or pay for the additional service themselves. This way, you're helping to reduce the cost while still giving them the choice.
• Give them a "beauty credit": If you can't afford to cover the full cost of hair and makeup, you can contribute a set amount as a "beauty credit". For example, if makeup costs $75 per person, you could offer to pay $25 towards that service. This reduces the financial burden on your bridesmaids while still allowing them to choose whether or not to accept your contribution.
• Cover the gratuities: If your bridesmaids are paying for their own hair and makeup, you can offer to cover the tips for these services as a way to thank them and reduce their overall costs.
• Provide tools and guidance for DIY: If your bridesmaids are doing their own hair and makeup, you can provide tools such as curling wands, flat irons, and makeup products for them to use. You can also share hair and makeup tutorials or create a "glam mood board" with inspiration and guidelines to ensure everyone is happy with their look.

Remember, it's important to be respectful of your bridesmaids' budgets and give them plenty of notice so they can plan and budget accordingly.

Be honest about your budget

Being honest about your budget is a great way to approach the topic of bridesmaid hair costs. It's important to recognise that being a bridesmaid comes with a lot of financial commitments, from the dress and accessories to travel, accommodation, and gifts. So, if you're unable to cover the cost of your bridesmaids' hair, it's perfectly acceptable to ask them to pay for their own.

• Be transparent about your budget constraints: Explain to your bridesmaids that you have a limited budget and that you're unable to cover the cost of their hair services. Be honest and open about your financial situation.
• Give them options: Let your bridesmaids know that they have the option to get their hair done professionally or to do it themselves. Provide them with a few suggestions for local salons or stylists, but make it clear that it's not a requirement.
• Offer to help with bookings: Even if you're not paying for their hair, you can still assist your bridesmaids by getting price quotes from stylists and offering to make bookings for them. This will help take some of the organisational burden off their shoulders.
• Consider a compromise: If you want your bridesmaids to have their hair professionally done but can't afford to cover the full cost, consider splitting the bill. You could offer to pay for a portion of the service as a way to show your appreciation.
• Make it optional: If you're not requiring your bridesmaids to have their hair done professionally, make it clear that it's completely optional. This gives them the freedom to choose based on their own preferences and budget.
• Discuss it early: Bring up the topic of hair services early on in the planning process so that your bridesmaids have enough time to budget and make their own arrangements if needed.
• Be mindful of other expenses: Keep in mind that your bridesmaids may have already spent a significant amount of money on other wedding-related expenses, such as the bachelorette party, bridal shower, and their outfits. Try to be understanding of their financial situation and don't put too much pressure on them.

Offer to subsidise

If you're looking to subsidise your bridesmaids' hair costs, there are a few ways to go about it. Here are some ideas to consider:

Discuss Options and Costs

Firstly, it's important to have open and transparent conversations about costs and expectations with your bridesmaids. Be clear about what you can afford to cover and what you need them to contribute. Give them plenty of notice so they can plan and budget their finances. It's also a good idea to be flexible and willing to compromise—if you're asking them to pay for certain things, try to be more relaxed about other aspects, like shoes or jewellery.

Offer a Partial Subsidy

You could offer to cover a portion of the hair services for your bridesmaids. This can be a great way to thank them for being part of your big day and ensure they feel pampered and included. Consider their financial circumstances and comfort levels with professional hair and makeup—some may prefer to do their own or opt out altogether. You can also make it clear that this subsidy is in lieu of a bridesmaid gift.

Make it Optional

If you're unable to contribute financially, you can still make your bridesmaids feel valued by giving them the option to pay for professional hair styling if they wish. Provide them with a list of recommended stylists and salons, along with price quotes, so they know what to expect. This approach gives your bridesmaids freedom of choice while also relieving you of the financial burden.

Cover Hair Costs as a Gift

If you have the budget, you could offer to pay for your bridesmaids' hair as a gift. This gesture will likely be appreciated, especially if your bridesmaids are already incurring other expenses like travel, accommodation, and outfits. It's a thoughtful way to show your gratitude and ensure they feel their best on your wedding day.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to these situations. The key is to communicate openly, be considerate of everyone's finances, and find a solution that works for you and your bridesmaids.

Make it a gift

If you're looking for a way to tell your bridesmaids to pay for their hair and makeup, you could frame it as a gift. Here are some ideas on how to approach this:

Make it an option

Let your bridesmaids know that they have the option to get their hair and makeup done professionally, but that it will be at their own expense. You could say something like, "I'll be getting my hair and makeup done professionally, and if any of you would like to do the same, the cost will be X amount. This is completely optional, and I'm happy for you to do your own hair and makeup if you prefer." By presenting it as an option, you're giving your bridesmaids a choice and avoiding any sense of requirement or obligation.

Offer to subsidise the cost

Another idea is to offer to subsidise the cost of hair and makeup for your bridesmaids. You could say something like, "I know that hair and makeup can be expensive, so I'd like to offer to contribute X amount towards the cost for each of you. If you'd like to take advantage of this, please let me know, and you can cover the remaining cost." This approach allows you to help with the expense while still giving your bridesmaids the choice to opt-in or do their own hair and makeup.

Communicate your budget constraints

If you're unable to cover the full cost of hair and makeup for your bridesmaids, it's okay to communicate your budget constraints. You could say something like, "I wish I could cover the full cost of hair and makeup for all of you, but unfortunately, it's not within my budget. I understand if you prefer to do your own hair and makeup, but if you'd like to get it done professionally, I can contribute X amount towards the cost." By being transparent about your budget, you're being respectful of their financial situation while still offering a partial gift.

Provide other gifts or gestures

In addition to covering the cost of hair and makeup, you can also provide other gifts or gestures to show your appreciation. For example, you could offer to pay for their dresses, accommodation, or a group activity like a spa day or brunch. You could also give personalised gifts that are meaningful to each bridesmaid's interests or hobbies. These gestures will show your gratitude and make your bridesmaids feel valued.

Ask for their preferences

If you're unsure about what your bridesmaids would prefer, simply ask them! You could send a group message or conduct individual check-ins to understand their perspectives. By involving them in the decision-making process, you can tailor your gift accordingly. For instance, if some of your bridesmaids prefer to do their own hair and makeup, you can allocate the budget for other gifts or experiences that they would appreciate more.

Frequently asked questions