Demystifying Bridal Beauty Costs: Why Professional Wedding Hair and Makeup Is Totally Worth It

Last updated: 26th Feb 2024

When it comes to your wedding day, there’s one thing you definitely don’t want to skimp on: your on-the-day beauty game. That’s where professional wedding hair and makeup artists come in. These unsung heroes of the bridal world deserve a spotlight all their own, and here’s why they totally outshine any alternative. Read on to learn why professional wedding beauty matters.

Why a wedding beauty professional matters

An expert stylist or beautician is an investment in a stress-free experience, and a guarantee that your hair and makeup will be just right on your big day. It’s not just about the huge amount of extra time that goes into their service on the day itself, but also the considerable time and effort they put into their research, the behind-the-scenes practice sessions, and investment in top-quality products without cutting corners. They’re not just hoping to get your hair and makeup right on such an important day – they’re actively taking every step possible to make sure it goes perfectly.

So, comparing the price of a typical beauty appointment to that for your wedding day doesn’t cut it. You can’t go back and change things, or have it re-done. It’s got to be perfect the first time, so you’ve got to feel confident you’re getting the best and getting it right. Plus, let’s talk about what you get for your money. For regular beauty services, you might expect to pay via an online system and then show up for a standard 1-hour or so appointment. Bridal beauty, by contrast, requires considerably more care and time (usually a full day, or about 9 hours).

Behind-the-scenes before the big day

Amidst the whirlwind of wedding planning, bridal beauty services deserve a top spot on your to-do list. Unlike other non-bridal beauty services with streamlined processes, these professionals handle a ton of behind-the-scenes work before even stepping foot at your wedding venue. From sorting out contracts and invoices, to creating bridal content, to managing timelines and coordinating schedules, to creating a luxurious, stress-free environment, these artists invest so much into making sure you’ll feel and look like royalty on your big day. Bridal hair and makeup appointments require careful planning and attention to every little detail.

Behind the scenes, bridal beauty artists go all out to give you top-notch service. They’re constantly honing their skills, stocking up on high-quality products, and making sure they meet all safety and insurance requirements. From investing in professional development to keeping their kit up to snuff, they’re dedicated to delivering the best experience possible. This naturally adds up cost-wise, but it’s a testament to both the quality of their services and commitment to their craft.

On-the-day experience and quality service

For regular on-the-day beauty services, you might expect to pay via an online system and then show up for a standard 1-hour or so appointment. Bridal beauty, by contrast, requires considerably more care and time (usually a full day, or about 9 hours, starting very early in the morning). It’s worth noting here that the industry has changed a lot over the past two decades or so. Before, the whole bridal party might come to the salon or parlour and get their hair and/or makeup done together by a team of five or more stylists within a single hour. Nowadays, it’s often just one stylist and makeup artist who coordinate with each other and handle the whole party for many hours of continuous work. It’s very much a luxury service.

The service is also much more than just hair and makeup; it involves providing reassurance, calming nerves, and alleviating anxiety for the bride. Plus, if anything happens to the bride’s hair or makeup on the day, the stylist is there for touch-ups, including after steaming dresses or fixing any issues with the veil or accessories. Bridal stylists and beauticians are also responsible for ensuring the hair and makeup lasts throughout the entire celebration, which includes until midnight, requiring different preparations and products than a normal salon or parlour visit. So, you’re not just paying for a stunning look, but for constant on-the-day attention and support.

Why cheaper alternatives aren’t necessarily better

Now, you might be thinking, why not just head to a department store or try a little DIY action? Well, while these options might seem way more cost-effective at first glance, they come with their own set of limitations and risks!

Most department stores aren’t set up to handle bridal bookings, which could leave you in a bind on your big day. Plus, let’s be real, the experience just won’t compare to the super personalised attention you’d get from a professional bridal beauty artist. Picture yourself in a bustling department store, surrounded by fluorescent lights and the hustle and bustle of shoppers. Now compare that to the serene atmosphere of a private bridal suite, where you’re treated like royalty from the moment you walk in. With a professional stylist or beautician, it’s not just about the hair and makeup, but the whole experience. It’s about being pampered, relaxed, and feeling like an absolute queen on your special day.

In the same vein, doing your own hair and makeup is unlikely to provide the amazing luxury experience you’d want on your big day, and placing the responsibility on yourself is likely to be super stressful. Do you really want to be stressing about stubborn flyaways or wonky eyeliner wings on the morning of your wedding? With a professional artist, you can sit back, relax, and let them work their magic while you sip champagne and soak in the excitement of the day. Trust us, it’s worth investing in the real deal. You’ll thank yourself later.

Bringing a professional into the getting-ready space can also help manage the emotions of the day. Without a professional in the room to keep the conversation in check, emotions can run high. Bridesmaids’ tongues might become a little looser as there’s no necessary filter! Hiring a professional helps create an environment where the whole bridal party feels comfortable and supported. This means you as the bride can just focus on the joy and excitement of the day ahead.

Unrivalled expertise and wedding know-how

It’s not just about the ambience – it’s about the expertise. These stylists and artists aren’t just makeup enthusiasts with a brush and a dream. They’re trained professionals with years of experience under their belt – years of experience at working weddings in particular. They know how to enhance your natural beauty in a way that no over-the-counter product ever could. They know which products work best for your skin type, which techniques will make your unique features pop, and how to make sure your look lasts from saying “I do” to the last dance.

There’s also a big difference between a stylist or beautician who provides day-to-day services, and one who specialises in weddings, and therefore understands the responsibility of getting it just right on the big day. Wedding and events caterers work under a different kind of pressure to restaurant chefs, aiming to get every dish perfect in large quantities. They can’t mess up the meals and offer a refund or free bottle of wine next time… as there’s no next time. Similarly, a wedding hair and makeup artist knows there’s no room for error – it has to be flawless the first time, and they’re trained to deliver just that under the pressure of the big day.

Peace of mind on your big day

And so, perhaps one of the biggest reasons to invest in professional wedding hair and makeup is peace of mind. When you hire a wedding professional, you’re not just paying for a pretty look – you’re paying for confidence. You’re paying for the reassurance that no matter what happens on your wedding day, you’ll look and feel amazing. You’re paying for the guarantee that your hair and makeup will stay flawless through tears, laughter and endless rounds of dancing.

So, before you write off professional wedding hair and makeup as yet another unnecessary expense, consider this: investing in yourself is always money well spent. And when it comes to your wedding day, you deserve nothing but the best. Treating yourself to the luxury of a professional artist is more than worth it. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself when you look back on your wedding photos and see just how stunning you looked – all thanks to the magic of a professional touch.

An investment worth every penny

In today’s economic climate, where many couples are likely feeling the pinch, it’s crucial to recognise the value of professional wedding hair and makeup services. While it may seem tempting to cut costs by skimping on beauty services, doing so could seriously compromise your overall wedding experience. Bridal beauty professionals play such a key role in making every bride feel confident, beautiful and pampered on the big day.

It’s not just about styling hair or applying makeup (which require plenty of skill and expertise in themselves). There’s so much more – from meticulous planning and coordination to investing in providing a top-notch service to delivering a personalised and luxurious on-the-day experience for every bride. You get what you pay for, which is why there’s nothing like that professional touch.

Demystifying Bridal Beauty Costs: Why Professional Wedding Hair and Makeup Is Totally Worth It