How much did your wedding makeup and hair cost?

[jewelerman]

Ladies of the forum,
What did you spend on your hair and make up for your wedding day and for weeding photography?I am helping a friend develope a price list for their salon...any input or tips would be appreciated.

 

[neatfreak]

I think it really really depends on the market, their clientele, etc.

It can range from like $60 each (in a podunk town at a pretty podunk salon) to hundreds of dollars in cities at nice salons...

Also depends on whether your friend is going to them on the day, volume discounts, etc.

It''s not as easy as throwing out a price...

 

[dutchflowers]

I''m getting married in wine country. For make-up I''m paying something around $250 for me (including trial) and $100 per bridesmaid. We got a pretty good deal on hair - $60 per updo.

 

[cara]

Way Way Way too much. So much I don''t even want to think about the total, it was one of those things that just got added on at the end of wedding madness.

In salon should be less than will travel. I paid (cringe!) $75/pp for makeup for the peeps and $150 for me, but that included a full trial so I was really the same as the others. And I think $150/hr/stylist for hair. Both on-site with no/modest travel fee.

The makeup I thought was reasonable in the wine-country scheme of wedding ridiculousness, the hair was closer to highway robbery but at least I was the same price as everyone else per hour, and the hourly payment format made me feel fine about some folks just getting a quick blow-out or something.

Depends on your market obviously. If possible, offer a package deal or two!

 

[ilovethiswebsite]

I have been looking at it ranges from 50$-75 pp for makeup and for hair from 75$-175$.

 

[oobiecoo]

I live in a small-ish college town and went to an upscale salon. My hair was $54 plus tip.

 

[marchswallowbird]

Geez, you guys are lucky. I''m looking at something like $180 for make-up for me (airbrush), plus whatever the travel fee is...probably another $100. The hair I don''t even have an estimate on yet....

 

[CJ2008]

The hair trials ranged from $60 to $120 (I had 3, 3 different places)

Makeup I did a trial at MAC for $50.

The day of the wedding (in Mexico), it was $175 for makeup and hair (same person did both).

 

[calidaisy]

hair & make-up is $400 + tips and i spent $350 + tips ($90) on trials (three make-up and two hair trials).

 

[jewelerman]

Thanks for the input everyone...im sure this will help.This info may help...we live in Salt lake city.The salon will be upper scale.My friend will be both available to be at the wedding or photograph sessions for touch ups.Volume discounts will be availible for multiple persons.My friend has worked in the movie and film business and worked on well known celebrities as well as wedding day make up and up do hair styles(who knew that there was make up just for the wedding day!)again ,thanks for the information.

Date: 8/27/2008 10:12:54 PM
Author: neatfreak
I think it really really depends on the market, their clientele, etc.

It can range from like $60 each (in a podunk town at a pretty podunk salon) to hundreds of dollars in cities at nice salons...

Also depends on whether your friend is going to them on the day, volume discounts, etc.

It''s not as easy as throwing out a price...

 

[Pandora II]

I got an incredible bargain.

I live in the UK where everything is super expensive anyway and I live in one of the more expensive areas.

That said, my hairdresser came to the house and she charged $20 for an hour-long trial and $40 on the day. I think my mother paid her $120 in the end to do mine, hers and my youngest sisters!

Normally it would be around $120 each over here!

 

[Sabine]

In the suburbs of Pittsburgh, I paid $45 for a hair trial and another $45 for the day of hair do, I wasn''t charged anything for my MAC makeup trial, and on the day of, I was only required to buy a lipstick although I bought more.

 

[TravelingGal]

Los Angeles here. She came to my hotel at 7 am and I paid her $350ish, I think? Worth every penny...it was one thing I did not scrimp on and I am so glad. She is phenomenal, as a few ladies on PS can attest. I''ve seen way too many bad makeup jobs and plastered updo''s in my day.

 

[SuLi]

Here''s what I''m paying and I live in the DC area:

Trial Hair: $85
Trial Make-up: $55

Wedding Day Hair: $135
Wedding Day Make-up: $85

That''s not including tip.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Well, I think I can help...since this is what I do for a living...

In Chicago I charge for this calander year...

Hair Up Style -- 300.00 and up (this does not include their trial, but does include vail placement and removal...which means, on location, I stick around till after the ceremony)

Hair Down Style -- 250.00 and up

Bridesmaid Up Style -- 200.00 and up

Bridesmaid Down Style -- 150.00 and up

Bridal Hair Trial up or down --- 150.00 or free with signed contract and deposit

Mother of the wedding Hair -- 250.00

Flower Girl Hair & Makeup -- Complimentary

Extensions --
Clip In -- 50.00 per clip
Strand by Strand -- 1,000.00 and up
Pin In -- 50.00 and up per section
(these prices include hair)

Bridal Makeup Application -- 200 and up

Bridal Makeup Trail -- 150.00 or free with signed contract and deposit

Bridesmaid Application -- 100.00 and up

Lash Application -- 50.00 and up

Airbrush -- 200.00 and up (although I highly discourage brides to do this)

Custom Blend Eye and Lip Shade -- 150.00

Bachlorette Party Makeup and Lesson -- $550 for two hours

Mother of the Wedding -- $175 and up

 

[Gypsy]

Admittedly, I am spending a lot.

My first trial was 175. And that MUA (hair and makeup) would have cost about 500 for the day of.
My second trial was 200. And the MUA (hair and makeup) I am hiring is 800 for the day of, that includes 7 hours of her time, my hair, make up, any skin work I will need in addition (my back might nee airbrushing), and touch ups through the ceremony and up to the cocktail hour formals. She will also be helping me dress, and hydrate. Will be present for all the major pics (arranging me, touching up etc), and she''s promised to help me with running interferance with my mother, keep my timeline on track, and help out with anything that might go wrong. So it''s a lot of money, but I feel I''m getting a lot of value.

 

[Gypsy]

Italia, why do you discourange airbrushing? I loved it when I had it done.

 

[musey]

I''ve just done a ton of research on this, trying to find (a) hair/makeup artist(s).

Here in LA, I found everything from $60-250 for a bridal updo (started at $40 for BMs/MOBs/etc.), and $50-225 for makeup (started at $35 for BMs/MOBs/etc.).

Travel-to-me stylists ranged from $115-400 for a bridal updo (started at $75 for BMs/MOBs/etc.), and $85-375 for makeup (started at $60 for BMs/MOBs/etc.).

 

[musey]

Date: 8/28/2008 10:41:05 AM
Author: Italiahaircolor
Well, I think I can help...since this is what I do for a living...

In Chicago I charge for this calander year...

Hair Up Style -- 300.00 and up (this does not include their trial, but does include vail placement and removal...which means, on location, I stick around till after the ceremony)

Hair Down Style -- 250.00 and up

Bridesmaid Up Style -- 200.00 and up

Bridesmaid Down Style -- 150.00 and up

Wow, Italia--you're more expensive than ANY of the stylists I looked at in LA, and I only looked at upscale/more expensive salons/stylists. About as much as my friend spent for her hair for the academy awards even!

You must be the tippity-top stylist in Chicago. Yowza!
Or Chicago's more expensive than LA...

 

[marchswallowbird]

Italia, I am also very interested in why you don''t recommend airbrushing. I''ve never had it done, and I am hearing conflicting things. On the one hand, it supposedly gives you a flawless look for photos yet also looks natural in person, and feels and looks lightweight, not heavy. But you are not the first make-up artist I''ve come across who does not recommend it. This seems contradictory to me, and I am very confused! If it is so wonderful, why do some artists not recommend it??

 

[SuLi]

To add to my post earlier about my experience in DC....my pricing is the least expensive out of several places that I checked/called around around.

 

[curlygirl]

I live in NYC. I paid $300 for hair and $300 for make up. Yes, you read that correctly. That included a free trial, extensions, hair accessories and a couple of lipsticks. They came to me on the day of the wedding. BEST money I''ve ever spent--not a single regret!

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Musey I am actually the Chicago Director for a Cosmetics company that launched a bridal divison a few years back. I wouldn't say I'm the "best" or "tippty top" stylist in Chicago ... but I am pretty good at what I do and have years of experience to back it up. I can charge a lot because my day rate is a lot. Of course we're selling a service, but it's also an experience... I'm usually double booked every weekend Saturday and Sunday thru the summer, and generally take up to 4 consulations during the week. I have a great deal of weekends already booked for 2009 and 2010. Do my prices stop some brides from using me? Sure.

Now as far as your comment about LA being more expensive than Chicago...in every day nonsense, it probably is....however, in LA you have a moutain of talent trying to compete with each other...meaning you're going to get better deals because "Shawna" wants your business, but so does "Gina" and they will come in as low as possible (still making a profit of course) to earn your business. While in Chicago, there are a small handful of truly professional companies that aren't salon/spa combos that offer event services. The demanding brides wants the cremd de la creme..so believe me, there are many Gold Coast/Lincoln Park brides who would pay double what I demand and double what your friend paid to look outstanding on her wedding day.


March...Different MUAs will have different opinions. I personally don't like airbrush makeup. I find that it does look incredible on film, but I have also found that it does look heavy face to face. The last part truly depending on who applies it for you. if you have someone who is heavier handed, then naturally your makeup will be more dramatic. I also find that I personally havent enjoyed working with the few brands that are airbrush safe. Some of the clients I've worked with reported having clogged pores or break outs post-wedding application. If you're hiring a truly talented MUA, she/he should be able to give you a flawless face without needing to airbrush.

Be sure to hire someone with valid makeup training...not some MAC counter girl. While licensing requirements vary from state to state for MUA....be sure you're dealing with an actual professional!!

 

[dani13]

Date: 8/28/2008 1:59:35 PM
Author: curlygirl
I live in NYC. I paid $300 for hair and $300 for make up. Yes, you read that correctly. That included a free trial, extensions, hair accessories and a couple of lipsticks. They came to me on the day of the wedding. BEST money I've ever spent--not a single regret!

Ditto. I live in NJ, but our wedding was in NY. I used the same people Curlygirl used (thanks CG!) and they were worth every penny!!!! No regrets here either!!

 

[marchswallowbird]

Italia, what sorts of licensing/credentials should I be looking for in CA?

By the way, is Italia your name? I have a co-worker named Italia...because her mother loved Italy. It's funny to be typing you messages when she's sitting in the office next to mine.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Date: 8/28/2008 4:51:03 PM
Author: marchswallowbird
Italia, what sorts of licensing/credentials should I be looking for in CA?

By the way, is Italia your name? I have a co-worker named Italia...because her mother loved Italy. It's funny to be typing you messages when she's sitting in the office next to mine.

No, it's not my real name...but, I am Italian and started my beauty career as a colorist and have used it as my tag name ever since.

In CA, there is no required license that a MUA is required to hold...therefore, you could end up with a really talented, highly trained MUA or you could end up with a salesgirl who is mildly trained in makeup. So, if I were these would be the things I would try to make sure you hire someone reputable...

The west coast has a great union for MUA. These are genuinely talented artists who have paid their dues (no pun intended). While these people cannot accept large jobs outside of the union, they often times take smaller freelance jobs. Posting an ad on Craigslist is a good place to start.

Audition your artist. Ask to see a portfolio (any real artist will have one). Make sure you know what you want so you can be specific about your desires so that you can avoid any miscommunications. Avoid anyone with "sales counter" experience...as tempting as it sounds to have a "MAC" girl as your MUA, understand that these aren't artists with training...they are salesgirls or guys whom are secondarly trained in makeup, not a life long makeup artist trained in sales.

Also, contact some of the MUA academies....James Ryder, Joe Blasco....ask for recent graduate referrals.

Any more questions....feel free to ask.

 

[marchswallowbird]

Thanks! That''s very helpful.

 

[DMBsGirl]

i''m paying 150 for airbrush makeup and 150 for hair

. the stylist will be coming to me.

 

[tenfour]

nothing. a friend of mine has been a MAC artist since MAC existed. she is doing my makeup for no cost.
i''ll do my own hair.

 

[mrsjhughes]

im in richmond, va. my hair is $50 and make-up is $75. the MUA is coming to my hotel but im going to the salon for my hair.