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Hair & Makeup Costs
Average cost: $600 (2% of typical wedding budget)
Overview
Professional hair and makeup ensures you look and feel your best on your wedding day. Services typically include a trial session before the wedding and day-of styling for the bride, with many packages extending to bridesmaids, mothers, and other members of the wedding party. Airbrush makeup and hair extensions are popular add-ons that increase costs.
Recommended booking timeline: 6-8 months before the wedding
Pricing Tiers
Budget
$150 - $400Single artist providing basic hair and makeup
What's typically included:
- ✓Bridal hair and makeup
- ✓No trial included
- ✓Basic product line
- ✓2-3 hours service time
Mid-Range
$400 - $1,000Experienced artist with trial session included
What's typically included:
- ✓Bridal trial session
- ✓Day-of hair and makeup
- ✓Professional products
- ✓Touch-up kit
- ✓3-4 hours service time
Premium
$1,000 - $2,000Team of artists for the full wedding party
What's typically included:
- ✓Bridal trial
- ✓Full bridal party services
- ✓Airbrush makeup
- ✓Premium products
- ✓On-site throughout ceremony
- ✓Touch-ups between events
Luxury
$2,000+Celebrity-level beauty team and custom looks
What's typically included:
- ✓Multiple trials
- ✓Custom lash application
- ✓Hair extensions
- ✓Full glam team
- ✓All-day on-site attendance
- ✓Travel to venue
Tips to Save Money
- $Do your own makeup or have a talented friend help
- $Skip the trial if you have seen the artist's work extensively
- $Have bridesmaids pay for their own hair and makeup
- $Book one artist who does both hair and makeup
- $Choose a simple hairstyle that requires less time
- $Skip individual lashes and professional extensions
Questions to Ask
- ?Can I see your portfolio, specifically on similar skin tones and hair types?
- ?What products and brands do you use?
- ?Is a trial included in the package?
- ?How long will you need per person?
- ?Do you travel to the venue and is travel included?
- ?What is your touch-up policy during the event?
Red Flags to Watch For
- !No trial session offered
- !Portfolio shows inconsistent quality
- !Uses low-quality or expired products
- !Cannot accommodate your skin type or tone
- !No backup artist plan