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Putting together your bridal look is such a fun part of planning your wedding, from your dress and ring to your hairstyle, makeup, bridal colors and flowers.

There are countless directions to take it. You could go simple and elegant, romantic and bohemian or vintage and classic. Whatever you choose, your hair and makeup pull the whole look together, so it helps to factor these costs into your wedding budget early. Here is an updated look at what brides typically pay in 2026.

The Average Cost of Wedding Hair and Makeup

Recent national survey data puts the bride’s day-of total at roughly $300 for combined services, though pricing still shifts by market, stylist and how elaborate your look is. Depending on where you book, expenses for professional hair and makeup commonly range between $150 and $600. 

While some people opt to do their own hair and makeup to save money, many still find it worth hiring a professional so they look their best in every photo. Once you fold in a trial session and styling for your wedding party, full beauty budgets average closer to $982 nationwide, with most couples landing somewhere between $800 and $1,200. 

Beauty is only one line item in a bigger picture. Venue costs alone often claim more than a third of a couple’s total budget, so it helps to see where hair and makeup fit before you lock in a stylist.

Some salons offer hair and makeup packages, which may be more affordable and efficient than hiring two different vendors. It is also critical to budget for tips for these teams, so anticipate allotting 15% to 20% of the total, as well.

Cost of Wedding Hair

Bridal hair costs between $150 and $600 for the bride, depending on the style’s complexity. However, this figure typically only accounts for the day-of styling. Here are a few things that might affect your stylist’s price: 

• Your stylist’s experience level and demand in your area
• How many hours you book them for on your wedding day
• How intricate or elaborate your finished style is
• Whether they travel to your venue or you travel to their salon
• Any trial costs

When you book a stylist, you’re paying for more than just a hairstyle. Compensation includes their time, expertise, tools, products and emotional support. For many brides, their hair and makeup artists are the first people they see on their big day. Some brides choose to pay extra for their hairstylist to stay for touch-ups throughout the day.

If you would like to have your bridesmaids’ hair done professionally, you can expect to pay $75 to $150 per bridesmaid. Because American bridesmaids typically pay for their own attire, it is thoughtful to cover this additional cost. Of course, you can also make professional hair optional to take pressure off your bridesmaids.

Cost of Wedding Makeup

Professional wedding makeup is priced similarly to hair, at an average of $100 to $300 for brides. The total cost for this vendor depends on what you are looking for with your bridal makeup. If you want airbrushed foundation or lash extensions, you can expect a higher overall cost.

For bridesmaids, professional makeup runs around $60 to $125 per bridesmaid. This can add up quickly if you have a large wedding party, so build it into your wedding budget early. Some brides choose to have their own makeup professionally done and let their bridesmaids decide for themselves whether to book a professional too.

While optional, many brides want a makeup artist to keep them camera-ready and confident from the ceremony all the way through their reception, using professional products built to hold up through tears, hugs and dancing.

Book a Trial Run

Not every stylist requires a trial run, and these are typically a separate cost from wedding day services. A trial now costs between $75 and $150 per service, and most stylists recommend booking one so you feel confident in the results ahead of time.

Investing in a trial gives you the chance to get to know your stylist, explore style options and see if your dream look really works the way you imagined. Wear your hair and makeup throughout the day afterward to see how it holds up and photographs, then share those notes with your stylist so they can fine-tune the final result.

How to Prepare for Appointments

Your vendors should communicate any specific requirements to you before you meet with them. A few ways to make the most of your appointments: 

• Come with clean, dry hair for hairstyling, since freshly washed hair can be too slippery to hold a style
• Ask your makeup artist whether they prefer a fresh face or your everyday look for the appointment
• Speak up about your preferences so your stylists know what matters most to you
• Take good care of yourself beforehand with enough water, sleep and a nutritious diet
• Save new beauty treatments like tanning, facials or lash extensions for well before your wedding, so they have time to settle in 

Some brides like a lot of makeup, while others prefer a more natural, understated look. The goal is to find a stylist who listens to you and helps you achieve your vision. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions brides ask when budgeting for wedding beauty services.

Who typically pays for wedding hair and makeup?

Brides usually cover their own hair and makeup as part of the overall wedding budget, though the exact arrangement varies by family. Many brides also pay for their bridesmaids’ styling as a thank-you gift, while other wedding parties agree that each person covers their own service.

Do you tip for hair and makeup for a wedding?

Yes, tipping your beauty team follows the same etiquette as tipping other wedding vendors. A gratuity of 15% to 20% of the total service cost is typical, and many brides give a flat cash tip to the lead stylist to divide among the team. If your artist owns the salon, tipping becomes optional rather than expected.

Is hair and makeup worth it for a wedding?

For most brides, yes. A trained team keeps your look polished through hours of photos, hugs and dancing, and can adjust your style on the spot if anything needs a touch-up. If your budget is tight, prioritize professional help for yourself and let bridesmaids opt in individually.

Bridal Budget Glow Up 

Your wedding is uniquely yours, and it does not have to be picture-perfect to be wonderful. If you love doing your own makeup, put those savings toward extra flowers instead. If you would rather hand the reins to professionals, that investment is worth every dollar, too. However, you decide, remember the point of it all — celebrating the people you love, surrounded by the joy no stylist can fake. 

This post was originally posted on June 29, 2022, and was updated on August 28, 2026.