Do Bridesmaids Pay for Hair and Makeup? Or Does the Bride?

So you’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid. Inevitably, you’re experiencing flutters of excitement! The honor, the dresses, the giggles—wedding vibes in the air. Then reality taps you on the shoulder, and it’s not just about the cute matching dresses. It can cost you some big dollars to be part of the bride tribe, around $1,478 to $2,218, to be exact (kind of). That’s quite the bill!

Now, amidst the joy, it makes you wonder: do bridesmaids pay for hair and makeup? Or does the bride?

Let’s dive into the wedding beauty dilemma and unravel who picks up the tab for that fabulous pre-wedding glam!

What is the Real Cost of Being a Bridesmaid?

About 2.8 million couples get engaged yearly in the U.S.—that’s a lot of love! Once the ring’s on, brides dive into planning. But let’s chat about the happy crew—bridesmaids. As we said earlier, it’s not just about cute dresses; the costs add up. While the exact numbers vary, being a bridesmaid can hit your wallet hard.

Here’s a peek at the typical expenses:

Dresses and Accessories: The pretty dress, shoes, and accessories might sparkle, but they also have a price tag. As per The Knot’s 2022 insights, the average price for a bridesmaid dress clocked in at $130 per person. And who typically pays for the bridesmaid’s dress? You guessed it—the bridesmaid!
Hair and Makeup: Glam time! Whether the bride covers it or not, looking fabulous can have its costs. Getting your wedding hair and makeup done in the U.S.? It’s usually around $300, but can range from $150 to $600. The difference? Well, it depends on where you are and how fancy you (or the bride) want your look. Keep it simple or go all out—it really depends. Just know the ballpark figures without any budget surprises!
Gifts for the Couple: Showers, engagement parties, and the big day itself—gifts are part of the bridesmaid package. Regarding shower gifts, think in the range of $25 to $75.
Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party: Planning these events? Be prepared to chip in for decorations, activities, and a weekend getaway. Costs often hit several hundred dollars or even soar past $1,000. It’s all about celebrating, but being savvy about those costs ensures the fun doesn’t come with a hefty price tag!
Travel and Accommodations: Destination wedding or not, travel expenses are often on the bridesmaid’s tab.
Time Off Work: Don’t forget the hours spent on wedding-related events. Sometimes, time off equals lost wages or a quick burn through your accrued paid time off.

Being a bridesmaid is an honor, but knowing what you’re signing up for is good. The costs are like confetti—colorful but something to consider.

So, Who Really Pays for the Bridesmaids’ Hair and Makeup?

Doing the hair and makeup on a bridesmaid.

Alright, let’s talk glam because wedding day beauty is a big deal! The average cost for hair and makeup floats around $300. But, here’s the catch: where you live might sway the numbers. If you’re in California, Florida, or Texas—brace yourself; these states are top contenders for the “most expensive hair” title.

Now, onto the fun stuff—trends! The bridal beauty scene is buzzing with undone updos, flowing waves, the classic half-up, half-down look, and those chic braided updos. Think braided ponytails, bubble-braid styles, natural curls, and bohemian wild-out vibes. It’s a beauty buffet!

But who foots the bill for this fabulousness? We asked Kimlee Yem, Manager at Oyespa Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa, and she spilled the tea: “In most cases, we see that the bride pays for the bridesmaid’s hair and makeup.” Tradition alert! Yet, it’s not set in stone; there are times when bridesmaids chip in, or the cost gets divvied up. It’s all about what suits the bridal party vibe.

So, whether you’re rocking waves, braids, or a sleek updo, one thing’s for sure—your beauty journey is typically a shared experience.

What Does the Bride Pay For?

When it comes to the big question of “does the bride pay for bridesmaids’ hair and makeup?” it often hinges on factors like the number of bridesmaids. More bridesmaids might mean the bride covers less, but it’s flexible.

Some savvy brides sweeten the deal with thoughtful bridesmaid gifts in advance, like makeup bags with DIY essentials or stylish hair clips. It’s a win-win—bridesmaids get goodies, and the bride can balance the cost of being a bridesmaid. These thoughtful touches make the journey together even more special, proving that the wedding glow starts long before the big day!

How to Ask Bridesmaids to Pay for Their Wedding “Do”

Hey brides, if your budget doesn’t have room for covering your bridesmaids’ hair and makeup, no worries—options are your best friends here. Consider it like this: make it an invite, not a requirement.

A pro tip? Give a heads-up well in advance. Say, “I’m getting my hair and makeup done in the bridal suite by X, and if any of you would like to join, let me know. It’ll be X amount, plus a tip.” Keep it casual so they can decide without any pressure.

If you’re feeling extra helpful, toss in some suggestions for local salons that won’t break the bank. It could be the hotel’s spa or a nearby salon—they might find some hidden gems.

Or if they’re DIY champs or have their glam squad, embrace it! Make space for anyone doing their own thing. If your squad’s got a curling iron whiz or a makeup maestro, why not let their talents shine? Team effort, right?

MODERN MOH TIP: Consider a stylist’s assistant for the bridesmaids. They often charge less than the main artist but still bring the magic.

Remember, it’s all about options and ensuring everyone feels comfortable in their glam journey. From pro sessions to DIY adventures, there’s a path for every bridesmaid to sparkle on your special day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we do our own hair and makeup?

Absolutely! If you’re covering your hair costs and have the skills, DIY is a fantastic option. Most brides are cool with it—just check if they have any preferences. If the bride has specific visions, she might lean towards professional styling, and she might even foot the bill for it. It’s all about finding the glam that fits and keeps everyone smiling!

Who pays for the tips for hair and makeup?

Tipping—another one of those wedding wonders! It often depends. If the bride’s not covering the hairstyle, she might offer to take care of the tip. If she’s footing the bill, she’ll probably handle the tip, too. It’s a dance of consideration, but the main goal is ensuring everyone feels appreciated and fabulous!

The Bottom Line: Do Bridesmaids Pay for Hair and Makeup? It Depends.

Who foots the bill for bridesmaids’ hair and makeup is a bit like catching the bouquet—it depends! Whether brides cover it, split the cost, or leave it to the bridesmaids, there’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s all about finding the sweet spot, from DIY delights to pro pampering.

And hey, a little extra gift love can go a long way. So, bridesmaids, get ready to sparkle, and brides, keep the beauty journey as delightful as the big “I do”!