Bridesmaids' Beauty: Who Pays For Hair And Makeup?

There is no definitive answer to the question of whether a bride should pay for her bridesmaids' hair and makeup. It depends on a number of factors, including the bride's and bridesmaids' financial situations, the cost of the services, and the expectations around payment. If the bride requires a specific look that is difficult to achieve without professional help, it is generally expected that she will cover the cost. If budget is an issue, the bride may opt to pay for just one service (hair or makeup) and let her bridesmaids DIY the rest, or she may ask a talented friend to help. Ultimately, the decision should be made with clear communication and respect for everyone's budget to preserve relationships after the wedding.

Bride's budget

Planning a wedding can be an expensive and stressful endeavour. There are many things to consider, including the wedding venue, caterer, flowers, and the bachelor/bachelorette party. One question that often arises is whether the bride should pay for her bridesmaids' hair and makeup.

Bridesmaids' Financial Situation

The financial situation of the bridesmaids is an important factor to consider. Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, with costs for bachelorette parties, dresses, travel, lodging, and gifts adding up quickly. If you know that your bridesmaids are struggling financially, you may not want to add to their expenses by requiring professional hair and makeup. In this case, you could suggest that they do their hair and makeup themselves, or offer to pay for their services as a "thank you" for their support.

On the other hand, if the bride is working with a limited budget, it may not be feasible for her to cover the cost of hair and makeup for all of her bridesmaids. In this case, she could give her bridesmaids the option to pay for their own services or choose a less expensive alternative, such as doing their hair and makeup themselves. It is important to communicate this expectation clearly and respectfully to avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.

Destination Weddings

Destination weddings can be a unique situation, as bridesmaids may already be spending a significant amount on flights and accommodations. In this case, the bride may choose to cover the cost of hair and makeup as a way to thank her bridesmaids for their additional expenses. Alternatively, the bride could offer to pay for one service (hair or makeup) and give her bridesmaids the option to DIY the other or pay for it themselves.

Specific Look or Style

If the bride is requiring a specific look or style that is not easy to DIY, it is generally expected that she will cover the cost of hair and makeup for her bridesmaids. This is especially true if the bride has chosen an expensive hair and makeup team without providing less expensive alternatives. In this case, it is important to communicate the expectations and costs to the bridesmaids well in advance, so they can plan and budget accordingly.

Splitting the Cost

Another option is for the bride and bridesmaids to split the cost of hair and makeup. This can be done in various ways, such as the bride paying for hair while the bridesmaids pay for makeup, or each party contributing a certain percentage of the total cost. This compromise can ease the financial burden on both the bride and the bridesmaids, making costs more manageable for everyone involved.

Communication is Key

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of who pays for bridesmaids' hair and makeup. The most important thing is to communicate expectations clearly and respectfully from the beginning of the planning process. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings or hard feelings and ensure that everyone is on the same page. It is also crucial to be mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets and financial situations and to make decisions that preserve your relationships after the wedding.

Bridesmaids' budget

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, especially when it comes to managing the budget. One of the many expenses to consider is the hair and makeup of the bridesmaids. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, and the decision depends on various factors, including the financial situation of the bride and bridesmaids, the cost of the services, and the expectations of the bridal party. Here are some options to consider when budgeting for bridesmaids' hair and makeup:

Option 1: Bride Pays for Hair and Makeup

The traditional arrangement is for the bride to cover all beauty costs for the bridal party. This option gives the bride more control over the beauty agenda and allows for more time with her bridesmaids on the wedding day. However, it can be expensive and challenging to coordinate everyone's schedules.

Option 2: Bridesmaids Pay for Hair and Makeup

Another option is to let bridesmaids pay for their hair and makeup. This approach is more cost-effective and gives bridesmaids the freedom to choose their preferred stylists. It is especially practical for large bridal parties and when there are already significant costs associated with the wedding.

Option 3: Bride and Bridesmaids Split the Cost

A compromise between the bride and bridesmaids splitting the cost of hair and makeup can be an ideal middle ground. For example, the bride could offer to pay for one service (hair or makeup) and let the bridesmaids cover the other, or they could split the total cost evenly. This option eases the financial burden on both parties.

Option 4: No Professional Hair and Makeup

If budget is a concern for both the bride and bridesmaids, another option is to take a DIY approach to hair and makeup, which can be significantly more affordable. The bridesmaids can do their hair and makeup themselves or help each other get ready. The bride can also provide curling wands, flat irons, makeup, and other tools to ensure everyone has what they need.

Communicate and Be Considerate

It is important to consider the financial situation of the bridesmaids and be respectful of their budgets. Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, with costs for dresses, travel, accommodations, gifts, and other wedding-related expenses adding up quickly. Communicate openly with your bridal party about financial expectations and decide on the hair and makeup plan as early as possible to avoid misunderstandings and last-minute stress.

DIY hair and makeup

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to do your own hair and makeup for a wedding. It can be a great way to save money and ensure you get the exact look you want, but it can also add stress to an already busy time. If you're thinking of doing your own hair and makeup for a wedding, here are some things to keep in mind:

Planning and Practice

Doing your own hair and makeup will require careful planning and practice to ensure everything goes smoothly on the big day. It's important to start practising well in advance and to give yourself enough time on the day to get ready without feeling rushed. You may also want to create a calm environment while you get ready, with just one or two close friends or family members for support.

Skill and Comfort Level

It's important to be honest with yourself about your skill level and comfort with doing your own hair and makeup. If you don't usually wear makeup or feel confident in your ability to create a long-lasting, bridal-inspired look, it might be better to enlist the help of a professional. However, if you feel comfortable with your skills and have the time to practice, DIY can be a great option.

Products and Tools

Make sure you have all the products and tools you need and that you're comfortable using them. It's generally not a good idea to experiment with new products right before the wedding, as they may cause an allergic reaction or breakout. Instead, stick to tried-and-true formulas, and if you want to upgrade any items, do so well in advance to give your skin time to adjust.

Skin Care

Good makeup starts with good skin care. In the weeks leading up to the wedding, focus on establishing a consistent skin care routine to ensure your skin is in the best possible condition. This will create a perfect canvas for your makeup and help it look its best in photos.

Photography

Keep in mind that your makeup will need to be slightly more intense than your usual daily application to ensure it shows up in photos. Consider consulting with your photographer to understand their style and the type of makeup that will photograph well. You may also want to take photos of your practice looks in different lighting conditions to get a sense of how they will translate on camera.

Weather and Location

The weather and location of the wedding will also impact your hair and makeup decisions. For example, if the ceremony is outdoors in the summer, you'll need to use products that can withstand the heat and humidity. A primer is a must to help your makeup last through the day.

Time Constraints

Doing your own hair and makeup can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large bridal party. Consider the timing of the day and whether you want to spend a significant portion of it getting ready. You may also want to factor in time for touch-ups throughout the day, especially if the celebration is expected to be lengthy.

Ultimately, the decision to do your own hair and makeup for a wedding comes down to personal preference and comfort level. It can be a great way to save money and ensure you get the exact look you want, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Split the cost

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to deciding who pays for the bridal party's hair and makeup. It is a cost that is typically covered by the bridesmaids themselves, but there are several scenarios in which it makes sense for the bride to contribute to or cover the full cost.

One option for paying for hair and makeup services is to split the cost between the bride and the bridesmaids. This could be done by dividing the cost evenly, with the bride covering 50% and each bridesmaid the remaining 50%. Alternatively, the bride could offer to pay for one service, such as hair, while the bridesmaids pay for the other, such as makeup (or vice versa).

Splitting the cost can be a great compromise and makes the financial burden easier to manage for both parties, especially if the bride is on a tight budget or the bridesmaids have already incurred significant expenses for the wedding, such as flights, hotels, and wedding-related excursions for a destination wedding.

When deciding to split the cost, it is important to consider the financial situation of both the bride and the bridesmaids. If the bride knows that her bridesmaids are struggling financially, she may not feel comfortable asking them to pay for professional hair and makeup services. On the other hand, if the bride is the one with financial constraints, it may not be feasible for her to cover all the costs.

In addition to financial considerations, the bride's expectations for hair and makeup should be taken into account. If she requires a specific, intricate look that is difficult to achieve without professional help, it is only fair that she contributes to or covers the full cost of these services.

Communication is key

Well-informed bridesmaids are happy bridesmaids. It is important to decide early on how the costs will be handled and to communicate this decision to the bridal party to avoid any misunderstandings or last-minute surprises. This will give everyone sufficient time to plan and budget accordingly, ensuring a calm and joyful experience for all on the wedding day.

Mandatory vs optional

Mandatory vs. Optional

If the bride requires the bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally, it is customary and polite for her to cover the costs. This is especially true if the bride has a specific look in mind that may be difficult for the bridesmaids to achieve on their own. However, if the bride is fine with the bridesmaids doing their hair and makeup themselves, then it is their choice to pay for a professional service.

If the bride is requiring a professional hair and makeup service, it is considered a gift to the bridesmaids and she should cover the cost. On the other hand, if it is merely a suggestion, the bridesmaids are usually expected to pay for it themselves.

It is important to consider the financial situation of both the bride and the bridesmaids when determining who pays for hair and makeup. If the bride knows that her bridesmaids are struggling financially, she may not feel comfortable asking them to pay for additional services. In this case, it would make sense for the bride to cover the costs. On the other hand, if the bride is working with a limited budget and the bridesmaids are financially stable, it would be appropriate to ask them to cover their own costs.

Another factor to consider is the cost of the service. If the bride books an expensive hair and makeup team and insists that her bridal party uses them, she should be expected to foot the bill. On the other hand, if the bride allows her bridesmaids to choose their own stylists or tap a friend for a discount, it is reasonable to ask the bridesmaids to cover the cost.

In some cases, the bride and bridesmaids may agree to split the cost of hair and makeup, with each party covering a certain percentage or specific service. This can be a great compromise and makes the costs more manageable for both parties.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of who pays for bridesmaid hair and makeup. The decision should be made based on the financial situation of those involved and the expectations set by the bride. It is important to communicate expectations early on and be respectful of everyone's budget to avoid any misunderstandings or drama.

Frequently asked questions