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Average Cost of Wedding Hair

The average cost of wedding hair is about $100 to $350. Of course, pricing may change depending on what you’re looking for, when your wedding is, and where you live. For example, you may pay more in Chicago orNew York City than you would in Nebraska. It may also depend on the stylist’s experience level too, as you’re paying for their time and talents.

What’s Included 

Bridal hairstyling means just that—you’ll start with clean, dry hair (contrary to what you may have heard, dirty hair is not better) and your stylist will create your desired look, whether that’s an elegant low chignon, an undone braid, or simple curls.

Your stylist may charge for a blow-dry, so be sure to clarify that before you sit down in their chair with wet hair.

Pay close attention to what the stylist offers in their packages or price lists. Some stylists may charge $250 for the bride and anywhere from $50 to $100 per style for the bridal party or the mothers of the couple. Some may include a trial session in their pricing, while others charge separately. When connecting with a stylist, you’ll want to be sure you talk through every potential expense and are very clear about your needs so there are no surprises later.

Additional Services 

Is a trial something you should build into your budget? It can be key to discovering the perfect style and reducing stress on the day of your wedding, so it may be worth the price.

Average Cost of Wedding Makeup

Similar to wedding hair, bridal makeup costs can vary wildly from place to place. Expect a wide variety of price points depending on where you live and the artist’s level of expertise. There is a huge range of artists and options out there. Inexperienced artists, makeup counters, salons, and large companies with teams will have the lowest pricing, and experienced specialists will have the highest pricing.

What’s Included 

Once you’ve found an artist whose work fits your vision, you’ll want to discuss what’s included in their rate or package—and depending on what you’re looking for, you could develop a close and collaborative relationship in the months and weeks leading up to your wedding day. You may also be able to customize the perfect plan for not just your makeup, but your skincare routine, too.

Your artist may charge separately for a trial session and travel, as well as items like face masks, lash applications, and more.

If you have questions or concerns about pricing or what is included, the best thing to do is just ask your artist and be very clear about what you’re looking for.

Additional Services 

Other makeup services you can consider adding to your wedding budget include makeup for your engagement photos, shower, bachelorette party, or rehearsal dinner. If your mother is having her makeup done, she may request a trial to ensure she feels comfortable with her look, too.

If you’re working on a tight budget, examining what’s most important to you on your big day. “If you value beauty services and surrounding yourself with people who will handle everything and reduce your stress and worry so you can be present and truly feel like a million bucks, figure out how to prioritize your budget to go towards that over something that matters less to you,” she says.

Additional Cost Considerations

Remember that you’ll need to tip your stylist for hair and makeup after their work is done, so be sure to factor anywhere from 20 to 25 percent into your planning and final totals.

If you’re comfortable styling your own hair or doing your own makeup or have a friend or family member who is handy with a curling iron or an eyeshadow brush, you could consider skipping a stylist or makeup artist altogether. However, bridal hair is something you should pay a pro for. You could DIY it, but most people just aren’t used to styling their hair. Plus, you really don’t want to be working in any capacity on your wedding day, especially in the morning. Your main concern should be enjoying your big day!