How much do wedding hair and makeup cost?
We add up the cost for everyone getting ready on the morning of the wedding and work out when your hair and makeup team has to start so everyone is ready on time.
Prices updated: · United States (USD) · free, no sign-up
Calculator result
Hair and makeup
$1,750
from $1,170to $2,750
5 people
- Start time
- 10:00 AM
- Everyone ready 120 min before the ceremony
- Artists’ working time
- 4 hr 00 min
- 2 artists
- Bride
- $700
- Including trials
Cost breakdown
- Bridal makeupon the wedding day$250
- Makeup trial1-3 months before$100
- Bridal hairon the wedding day$250
- Hair trial1-3 months before$100
- Bridesmaids2 × $180$360
- Moms2 × $165$330
- Travel feeone-time$100
- Tip18% of the services, usually in cash$250
- Good artists book up 6-12 months ahead. Put the start time, number of people, prices, and any travel or early-start fees in the contract.
How we calculate
- Each person has their own price: bridal hair and makeup, bridesmaids, moms - not one flat rate for everyone. You can pick services separately.
- A package (hair and makeup from one team) takes 12% off the bride’s services. A tip of 15-20% is customary; we add 18% of the services (not of the travel fee) - uncheck it if a service charge is already in your contract.
- We count the start time back from the ceremony: everyone ready 2 hours before (getting dressed, first look, and portraits), about 2 hours of work for the bride, and about 85 minutes per additional person for hair and makeup, divided by the number of artists.
Cheat sheet: prices and good practice
2026 prices
- Bridal makeup: $150-400, bridal hair: $150-400
- Trials: $75-175 each
- Bridesmaids and moms: $60-130 per service
- Travel or on-location fee: $50-200
- Tip: 15-20% of the bill, usually in cash
Questions and answers
Do I need a hair and makeup trial?
Yes, ideally 1-3 months before the wedding - many brides book it on the day of their engagement shoot or bridal shower. It is the only time to change things without stress and to see how the look photographs with flash.
How much should I tip my hair and makeup artist?
Most brides tip 15-20% of the total, in cash at the end of the session. Check the contract first - some artists already include a service charge.
Calculate next
- Dress and suit Attire for both of you: buy or rent, sample sales, alterations, and every accessory priced separately.
- Photo & video Photo coverage priced by the hour, video, drone, engagement session, and albums - with a bundle discount.
- Wedding budget A full wedding budget in 30 seconds - from catering to wedding bands, with price ranges.
- Wedding checklist A timeline built around your date: what should be done by now, what is due now, and what comes next.
For the party itself
Games every guest plays at once
Couple trivia, awards and a finale on the big screen. Guests join with a QR code on their phones, no app to download.