How Much Does Wedding Hair And Makeup Cost?
When planning your wedding, there are countless details to consider, and one of the most important is how you’ll look on the big day. The perfect wedding hair and makeup can enhance your natural beauty and make you feel confident as you walk down the aisle. But, as with any wedding service, the cost of hair and makeup can vary significantly. So, how much should you expect to pay for these beauty services in the UK?
Wedding hair and makeup can be one of the most significant parts of your wedding day look, but the price tag can vary based on several factors.
Let’s break down the costs, what influences them, and how you can budget for these services.
Factors That Affect Wedding Hair and Makeup Costs
Here are the key elements that influence the final price:
1. Location
Where your wedding takes place is one of the biggest factors in determining cost. Wedding beauty services tend to be more expensive in larger cities like London or Manchester due to higher overheads and demand. If you’re getting married in a smaller town, prices may be more affordable. Additionally, if you live in a city but get married somewhere more remote, there may be travel fees involved.
2. Experience of the Stylist
More experienced or well-known bridal stylists typically charge higher rates for their services. If you’re booking a top-tier stylist or a makeup artist with an established reputation, expect to pay more compared to a stylist who is just starting out or working on a smaller scale. Highly sought-after professionals may also offer additional services such as hairstyling consultations and after-care tips, which could be factored into the price.
3. Number of People
The more people you’re booking services for, the more expensive it can get. If you’re only booking hair and makeup for yourself, it will cost less than if you’re organising it for your entire bridal party, including bridesmaids, the mother of the bride, and flower girls.
4. Type of Service
The specific services you choose will also impact the overall cost. For instance:
- Trial Runs: Most bridal stylists recommend a trial run before the wedding day to ensure you’re happy with your look. These typically cost between £80 and £200 per person, depending on the artist’s experience and location.
- Travel Fees: If your stylist has to travel to your venue, you may need to cover additional travel costs. This could be a flat rate or based on distance.
- On-Site vs. In-Studio: Some stylists offer the convenience of coming to your venue, while others work out of a salon or a studio. On-site services may cost more due to the extra time and travel involved.
5. Complexity of the Look
The more intricate the hairstyle or makeup, the higher the price. If you’re opting for a detailed updo, the makeup comprises of high end products or is airbrush makeup, it will likely cost more.
6. Additional Services
Some stylists offer extra add-ons, such as false lashes, hair extensions, or touch-up kits. These additional services can add anywhere from £10 to £100+ depending on what you choose.
Average Costs for Wedding Hair and Makeup in the UK
While costs vary depending on the above factors, here’s an average breakdown of what you can expect to pay for wedding hair and makeup in the UK:
- Bridal Hair: The cost for bridal hair typically ranges from £120 to £300. The price will vary based on the complexity of the style, the location, and the stylist’s reputation.
- Bridal Makeup: Expect to pay between £150 and £400 for bridal makeup. More intricate services like airbrush makeup or a bespoke makeup look will usually cost on the higher end.
- Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup: For bridesmaids, the cost for hair can range from £60 to £150 per person, while makeup services typically range from £75 to £175. If you’re booking for a large group, some stylists may offer package deals for multiple people.
- Hair and Makeup Trials: Most stylists will offer a trial session, which can cost between £80 and £200 per person. Some may offer a reduced rate for trials if you book both hair and makeup services for the wedding day.
How to Save on Wedding Hair and Makeup
If you’re looking to keep costs under control without sacrificing your bridal look, here are a few ways to save:
- Limit the Number of People: You might want to have hair and makeup done only for yourself and a select few key people, such as the maid of honour or your mother. This can help reduce the overall cost.
- Consider DIY or Semi-DIY: If you or someone in your bridal party is skilled in hair and makeup, you could save money by doing some or all of the work yourselves. Alternatively, you could book just a hairstylist or makeup artist if you’re comfortable with the other.
- Ask for Package Deals or find a stylist who does both hair and makeup: Many stylists offer discounted rates when you book both hair and makeup services together.
- Look for Local Talent: Hiring a stylist who is based near your wedding venue can help eliminate travel fees, which can add up quickly, especially for long-distance travel.
Conclusion
The cost of wedding hair and makeup in the UK can vary widely depending on factors such as location, stylist experience, and the number of people needing services. On average, you can expect to spend between £200 and £600 for your wedding day hair and makeup. However, it’s important to remember that you’re investing in how you look and feel on one of the most important days of your life. By understanding the factors that influence cost and exploring ways to save, you can ensure you get the perfect look while staying within your wedding budget.
Whether you opt for a professional stylist or decide to go a more DIY route, the key is feeling confident and beautiful on your special day.