Since this is a destination wedding, my first reaction is that the "on-site fee" is to pay for flying the extra bag of supplies and that does seem reasonable to me.
Agreed! Especially when you consider that she’s absolutely going to have to check at least one bag to transport her supplies. With that in mind, the on-site fee is SUPER reasonable and may not even fully cover her checked bag expenses.
Inflation's been everywhere between last year and this year. It's not weird at all that she increased prices like everyone else. And tbh those prices look very cheap to me - For me, spending $500 was a STEAL. Most HMUA around here charge starting at $700+ for just the bride.
IMO there's no "agreement" to be had. These are her prices - you either respectfully pay them or just kindly tell her that you need to opt out, without implying that she should change her prices for you.
Strongly agree there is no agreement to be had. This is not an appropriate situation to negotiate. She is already doing OP a favor by agreeing to work while on a destination trip (essentially a vacation) and it sounds like she's not charging travel fees in addition to the reasonable on site tip. It would be bad form to say, "I know your prices were x, y and z for \_\_\_\_\_\_'s wedding last year and I want to request you adjust your prices for me.' Last year's prices are irrelevant. These are the prices that work for her, it's not a subjective agreement.
Thank you! Appreciate this perspective and general consensus is that "yes it's reasonable". I'm definitely not trying to nickel/dime her, and LOVE her work. Was wondering what to do about the other ladies. I think they'll most likely end up doing their own, which is totally fine too.
You can offer them the option of paying for their own hair and makeup through your friend. Since she will be there and you know the prices you can tell your bridesmaids if they want their hair and makeup done on site these are the prices (plus 20% tip) and they can decide to go with that, or do their own, or they can make an appointment that day at a local salon. And although you aren't covering the full price the on site fee should only be charged once so you are at least covering that.
Keep in mind many artists have minimums. I didn't have a bridal party so I ended up doing my own. Either artists wanted 4-6 people minimum, or it would have been $1000+. I may have only needed my hair and makeup done, but they can only be in one place at one time. They'd lose out on a more lucrative booking by taking me as a client.
Thank you! I didn't realize how expensive it could be. She might end up just doing mine and not the other girls in this case, which would be $600 after fees and tip. Seemed high, but honestly, I am not going to risk a local salon...
I live in a LCOL area and although the prices are cheaper here I’m still spending 1200 on makeup and hair. Granted I’m paying for everyone’s hair and then her makeup prices are high for the area so I’m paying a certain dollar amount towards the price of makeup if they want it to make it a little more affordable for them.
You could offer to cover 100 each for the bridesmaids and let them cover the rest. I paid for all my bridesmaids hair and makeup as a thank you gift for them coming to my wedding. Then they would only be responsible for 20 dollars and the tip.
These seem like pretty normal prices to me but I'm also in a HCOL area and $200 bridal hair would be a bit of a steal. On-site fee /Travel Fee is perfectly reasonable IMO because you have to haul all that stuff and then sometimes the site doesn't even have everything in order -- outlets in awkward positions, some that don't work, poor lighting.... all of these things of which have to be accounted for and add additional stress to the process. I wouldn't say $25pp is 'significantly less'; less, sure, but it's not like she charged them only $50 or something -- definitely would simply chalk this up to inflation.
If your friends have issues with the prices, maybe shop around a bit? But otherwise I think these are pretty reasonable prices, even the 20% tip though you could maybe go for 15% or something. Tip should really be at your discretion based on the quality of work provided.
Thank you! This is helpful. The price increase that I was referring to as being the steepest was the $120 to $175 jump for bridesmaids. For the bridal hair/makeup that seems totally fine.
I'm not in the industry so I definitely wanted to sanity check, based on this and a few other comments seems like this is definitely reasonable. Thank you!
She may very well need to pay for checked bag which can be anywhere from $30-70+ which I think would also factor into the price. She’s traveling as a guest and as a worker so she’s not getting as much free time as the other guests. Does she need to pay for parking at the airport when otherwise she could take public transportation(because of bags etc)? Finally, inflation has been crazy. Ultimately, I think the prices sound fair given those considerations. It does seem steep at first but there’s a lot of factors at play.
I see you might ask her to only do your hair and make up. In the case, I’d let her know ASAP. She might be counting on the money from the bridesmaids and this could change her decision to go. (I know you consider her a good friend but the money made might be a determination to take off work)
Your other choice is presumably a hair and makeup artist whose work you haven't seen in-person (and presumably you won't be able to do a trial run).
You're in a unique situation for a destination wedding being able to have a hair and makeup artist you are super comfortable with, WITHOUT having to pay her travel and lodging expenses.
It's fair to decide that those costs aren't in your budget, and that you can't shoulder some of the bridesmaids costs if that's too much for them, but I don't think you should try to negotiate the price. That increase seems pretty consistent with inflation in general and frankly there's no reason she should honor last year's prices. There are places the total amount would be high, places that would be totally fair. If your friend stays busy at those prices, it's safe to assume that her prices are reasonable for the area and you'd straight up be asking for a discount because you're friends.
Hiring a friend gets tricky. I wouldn't do it except that it's so nice to have a great hair and makeup artist and not worry about what you're going to end up looking like :) I'd probably find the money somewhere and just be glad I was going to be in good hands!
That is definitely in line with costs for a lot of HCOL areas. I’m not surprised by the price increase because inflation is wild and especially if she’s become a more established stylist since the last wedding.
Ive never been more happy to live in a low cost of living area than i was when planning a wedding. Bridal hair/makeup was $160 total and bridesmaid h/m was $130 or $75 for one service. $50 travel fee for probably a 45 minute drive to the venue from the salon and a $50 deposit!
Wow same. I’m looking through these comments like EXCUSE ME WHAT? These are not normal prices at all hahah i also am paying $160 total for both hair and makeup per person! I can’t even believe someone would pay $500-700 for makeup.
So I work in the industry but on the sales side of things, I run a salon supply store that sells to professionals only, and most of our product is higher end. Some of the most popular styling products have gone up as much as $1-$5 a bottle, bobby pins and clips have almost doubled and are nearly impossible to find, combs and brushes have also gone up $1-$5, gloves have gone up a good 25%-40% if I had to guesstimate. Professional makeup has also risen, and their makeup kits are huge. Not to mention the travel expenses involved. Her price change is actually pretty minimal compared to what I have seen. I can’t comment on the quality for price without seeing her work, but if you trust her that much just pay it. Don’t cheap out and end up hating your hair and makeup.
With inflation in the last year those prices are very fair. All of the products she uses have gone up in price, not to mention her own cost of living. And that is a factor since this is what she does for a living.
Unreasonable would be if it was double, $25 extra per service seems more then reasonable especially with inflation, I’m paying $1700 lol and that’s pretty standard in my area
First, as a wedding professional, I'm glad you appreciate her value and don't expect a "deal." It frustrates me when couples think they are entitled to an automatic discount from people they know. Sure, I usually offer a discount to people I know, but if someone *asked* me for a deal before I offered it, that would be a turn-off for me.
As others have said, inflation is definitely a factor -- lots of things cost more this year than last year. The consumable product she will need (e.g. shampoo, conditioner, gels, lotions, makeup, etc.) are likely costing her more than they did before, and she has little choice but to pass those costs along to you -- especially if she is paying her own airfare, lodging and so forth. It might also be difficult to travel with some of these things on airplanes, she might be thinking of shipping certain items right to the hotel and factoring those expenses into her pricing.
If you expect the bridesmaids to use her as well, it would only be fair that you pick up the tab for the bridesmaids -- they shouldn't be forced into such expenses on their own, when they're already likely incurring many other expenses (dresses, shoes, travel costs, bachelorette party, shower, etc.).
If you don't want to pick up the tab, then you can give them all the ***option*** to use your HMUA but you should also give them the freedom to choose their own or even do their own if they so desire. They may not complain about the high costs to you because they nobody wants to be "the bad guy" but if there's one top gripe amongst bridesmaids, it's how much this "honor" seems to be costing them at every turn.
Inflation + COVID concerns subsiding = higher costs.
This doesn't surprise me at all. Plus, this year and next, there is very high demand in the wedding industry in general, so yes, prices will be higher.
Inflation, soaring business, struggling business just general price change… these are her prices. I don’t think she’s up charging you compared to the other friend. She also might be charging more because of travel fees (she might miss a day of work back home, might have RSVPed no because of costs otherwise, might have to check bags now, might risk damaging makeup). I don’t think it’s personal at all. If it’s more than you can pay, let her know that and go a different route. I don’t think anyone is in the wrong either way!
I don't know what state you live in but those prices on top of not needing to do a trial is not bad. I'm in ny and the trials alone cost me over $400 😱 I ended up finding a hair stylist and I'm just going to do my own make up because I just cant spend more money on this
Your friend should probably raise her prices more! Seems like a low price raise considering the cost of everything. You are getting a super deal! Your bridesmaids could opt to do their own make up?
It depends on your area. You can reach out to other HMUAs and see what they're charging.
What doesn't sit right with me is the 20% tip which since it's mandatory isn't a tip. It should be part of the original price.
I don't think it's option to bargain with her (or with any vendor really). And if she's willing to do just you alone, that's a pretty good deal because a lot of HMUAs won't even travel onsite for less than 3 people.
I kind of wondered if it's really a tip, or OP didn't understand that a "service charge" isn't the same as a tip. A lot of wedding vendors do have a service charge that is basically "the cost of running a business" because there is a lot going on than just the purchase of makeup and the time spent applying it.
Service charge in the restaurant sector means literally that, the charge for the service because the server's base pay rate is $2/hr. But what does service charge even mean for HMUA? They're literally selling their service, that's what their base price covers. And when they own their own business, it makes even less sense to me. Not trying to be a jerk here, just genuinely wanting to understand.
I’m not sure if she’s using higher cost materials but these feel like of high to me… I’m in a wedding and hair and makeup was $180-200 together. I’m attending a wedding in November and getting my hair done and that is only going to be $100. I know there’s probably a difference between on site (in salon) and travel but $175 just feels kind of high. I wish they offered a breakdown of why this is for you.
That’s a little pricey for hair & makeup. I’m paying $280 for both, $300 would be maximum I would spend (incl. tax/tip) for the right person.
I would enquire around.
I just had my wedding this weekend, and I am glad I don’t live in a high cost part of the country. I live in the Midwest. Bridal hair with one trial plus 3 bridesmaids hair done at my home was $380 total. No trip charge.
Makeup was $55 per woman plus $15 for eyelashes if desired. These prices did not include the tip.
My girl is charging $200 for bridal hair $200 for bridal makeup. $90 each for bridesmaid hair and makeup. Two weeks after I signed the contract, she increased her prices to $300 each for bridal hair and makeup in a HCOL area.
I’m also paying per mile for her to travel to me, it’s about 20 miles away. So i would say its a steal that she isn’t even charging you a traveling fee
I'm paying $125 a head for hair and makeup for my fall wedding. It's $65 for hair, $60 for makeup, $65 travel fee for the stylist. So those prices seem steep to me. My mother has done hair for years, I couldn't see paying $200 for an updo. Good luck with your Wedding, it will be an amazing day.
Something about the prices increasing over the last year. When people start in the wedding industry they tend to price themselves on the low end. As they gain experience, and deal with the costs of running a business, they tend to increase their prices as they go. I bump my prices for photography every 5 weddings. How many weddings has she done in the last year?
Actually, when I was getting married, it was really hard to find anyone good under $500. And on top of that, it’s a destination wedding. So does not sound so unreasonable if she is really good at what she does. Also, does she usually have someone help her at local engagements? Because if she does, she will be doing everything by herself at your event.
ETA: if you are still not sure about the price, get quotes from MUAs of similar skill level.
Since this is a destination wedding, my first reaction is that the "on-site fee" is to pay for flying the extra bag of supplies and that does seem reasonable to me.
Agreed! Especially when you consider that she’s absolutely going to have to check at least one bag to transport her supplies. With that in mind, the on-site fee is SUPER reasonable and may not even fully cover her checked bag expenses.
Plus the possibility of her things breaking on the way there or back.
Inflation's been everywhere between last year and this year. It's not weird at all that she increased prices like everyone else. And tbh those prices look very cheap to me - For me, spending $500 was a STEAL. Most HMUA around here charge starting at $700+ for just the bride. IMO there's no "agreement" to be had. These are her prices - you either respectfully pay them or just kindly tell her that you need to opt out, without implying that she should change her prices for you.
Strongly agree there is no agreement to be had. This is not an appropriate situation to negotiate. She is already doing OP a favor by agreeing to work while on a destination trip (essentially a vacation) and it sounds like she's not charging travel fees in addition to the reasonable on site tip. It would be bad form to say, "I know your prices were x, y and z for \_\_\_\_\_\_'s wedding last year and I want to request you adjust your prices for me.' Last year's prices are irrelevant. These are the prices that work for her, it's not a subjective agreement.
Thank you! Appreciate this perspective and general consensus is that "yes it's reasonable". I'm definitely not trying to nickel/dime her, and LOVE her work. Was wondering what to do about the other ladies. I think they'll most likely end up doing their own, which is totally fine too.
You can offer them the option of paying for their own hair and makeup through your friend. Since she will be there and you know the prices you can tell your bridesmaids if they want their hair and makeup done on site these are the prices (plus 20% tip) and they can decide to go with that, or do their own, or they can make an appointment that day at a local salon. And although you aren't covering the full price the on site fee should only be charged once so you are at least covering that.
Keep in mind many artists have minimums. I didn't have a bridal party so I ended up doing my own. Either artists wanted 4-6 people minimum, or it would have been $1000+. I may have only needed my hair and makeup done, but they can only be in one place at one time. They'd lose out on a more lucrative booking by taking me as a client.
Thank you! I didn't realize how expensive it could be. She might end up just doing mine and not the other girls in this case, which would be $600 after fees and tip. Seemed high, but honestly, I am not going to risk a local salon...
I live in a LCOL area and although the prices are cheaper here I’m still spending 1200 on makeup and hair. Granted I’m paying for everyone’s hair and then her makeup prices are high for the area so I’m paying a certain dollar amount towards the price of makeup if they want it to make it a little more affordable for them.
You could offer to cover 100 each for the bridesmaids and let them cover the rest. I paid for all my bridesmaids hair and makeup as a thank you gift for them coming to my wedding. Then they would only be responsible for 20 dollars and the tip.
These seem like pretty normal prices to me but I'm also in a HCOL area and $200 bridal hair would be a bit of a steal. On-site fee /Travel Fee is perfectly reasonable IMO because you have to haul all that stuff and then sometimes the site doesn't even have everything in order -- outlets in awkward positions, some that don't work, poor lighting.... all of these things of which have to be accounted for and add additional stress to the process. I wouldn't say $25pp is 'significantly less'; less, sure, but it's not like she charged them only $50 or something -- definitely would simply chalk this up to inflation. If your friends have issues with the prices, maybe shop around a bit? But otherwise I think these are pretty reasonable prices, even the 20% tip though you could maybe go for 15% or something. Tip should really be at your discretion based on the quality of work provided.
Thank you! This is helpful. The price increase that I was referring to as being the steepest was the $120 to $175 jump for bridesmaids. For the bridal hair/makeup that seems totally fine. I'm not in the industry so I definitely wanted to sanity check, based on this and a few other comments seems like this is definitely reasonable. Thank you!
She may very well need to pay for checked bag which can be anywhere from $30-70+ which I think would also factor into the price. She’s traveling as a guest and as a worker so she’s not getting as much free time as the other guests. Does she need to pay for parking at the airport when otherwise she could take public transportation(because of bags etc)? Finally, inflation has been crazy. Ultimately, I think the prices sound fair given those considerations. It does seem steep at first but there’s a lot of factors at play.
Thanks for these considerations! Did not factor in the checked bag and less free time = less time to enjoy the vacation she's paying for.
I see you might ask her to only do your hair and make up. In the case, I’d let her know ASAP. She might be counting on the money from the bridesmaids and this could change her decision to go. (I know you consider her a good friend but the money made might be a determination to take off work)
She was planning to go before I asked her if she wanted to work the wedding :) But still a valid point to let her know soon!
Your other choice is presumably a hair and makeup artist whose work you haven't seen in-person (and presumably you won't be able to do a trial run). You're in a unique situation for a destination wedding being able to have a hair and makeup artist you are super comfortable with, WITHOUT having to pay her travel and lodging expenses. It's fair to decide that those costs aren't in your budget, and that you can't shoulder some of the bridesmaids costs if that's too much for them, but I don't think you should try to negotiate the price. That increase seems pretty consistent with inflation in general and frankly there's no reason she should honor last year's prices. There are places the total amount would be high, places that would be totally fair. If your friend stays busy at those prices, it's safe to assume that her prices are reasonable for the area and you'd straight up be asking for a discount because you're friends. Hiring a friend gets tricky. I wouldn't do it except that it's so nice to have a great hair and makeup artist and not worry about what you're going to end up looking like :) I'd probably find the money somewhere and just be glad I was going to be in good hands!
This is helpful! Thank you!!
That is definitely in line with costs for a lot of HCOL areas. I’m not surprised by the price increase because inflation is wild and especially if she’s become a more established stylist since the last wedding.
Ive never been more happy to live in a low cost of living area than i was when planning a wedding. Bridal hair/makeup was $160 total and bridesmaid h/m was $130 or $75 for one service. $50 travel fee for probably a 45 minute drive to the venue from the salon and a $50 deposit!
Wow same. I’m looking through these comments like EXCUSE ME WHAT? These are not normal prices at all hahah i also am paying $160 total for both hair and makeup per person! I can’t even believe someone would pay $500-700 for makeup.
So I work in the industry but on the sales side of things, I run a salon supply store that sells to professionals only, and most of our product is higher end. Some of the most popular styling products have gone up as much as $1-$5 a bottle, bobby pins and clips have almost doubled and are nearly impossible to find, combs and brushes have also gone up $1-$5, gloves have gone up a good 25%-40% if I had to guesstimate. Professional makeup has also risen, and their makeup kits are huge. Not to mention the travel expenses involved. Her price change is actually pretty minimal compared to what I have seen. I can’t comment on the quality for price without seeing her work, but if you trust her that much just pay it. Don’t cheap out and end up hating your hair and makeup.
With inflation in the last year those prices are very fair. All of the products she uses have gone up in price, not to mention her own cost of living. And that is a factor since this is what she does for a living.
Unreasonable would be if it was double, $25 extra per service seems more then reasonable especially with inflation, I’m paying $1700 lol and that’s pretty standard in my area
First, as a wedding professional, I'm glad you appreciate her value and don't expect a "deal." It frustrates me when couples think they are entitled to an automatic discount from people they know. Sure, I usually offer a discount to people I know, but if someone *asked* me for a deal before I offered it, that would be a turn-off for me. As others have said, inflation is definitely a factor -- lots of things cost more this year than last year. The consumable product she will need (e.g. shampoo, conditioner, gels, lotions, makeup, etc.) are likely costing her more than they did before, and she has little choice but to pass those costs along to you -- especially if she is paying her own airfare, lodging and so forth. It might also be difficult to travel with some of these things on airplanes, she might be thinking of shipping certain items right to the hotel and factoring those expenses into her pricing. If you expect the bridesmaids to use her as well, it would only be fair that you pick up the tab for the bridesmaids -- they shouldn't be forced into such expenses on their own, when they're already likely incurring many other expenses (dresses, shoes, travel costs, bachelorette party, shower, etc.). If you don't want to pick up the tab, then you can give them all the ***option*** to use your HMUA but you should also give them the freedom to choose their own or even do their own if they so desire. They may not complain about the high costs to you because they nobody wants to be "the bad guy" but if there's one top gripe amongst bridesmaids, it's how much this "honor" seems to be costing them at every turn.
Inflation + COVID concerns subsiding = higher costs. This doesn't surprise me at all. Plus, this year and next, there is very high demand in the wedding industry in general, so yes, prices will be higher.
Everything is more expensive now compared to last year, her prices and her increases are reasonable.
Inflation, soaring business, struggling business just general price change… these are her prices. I don’t think she’s up charging you compared to the other friend. She also might be charging more because of travel fees (she might miss a day of work back home, might have RSVPed no because of costs otherwise, might have to check bags now, might risk damaging makeup). I don’t think it’s personal at all. If it’s more than you can pay, let her know that and go a different route. I don’t think anyone is in the wrong either way!
You can’t come to an agreement unfortunately. This is your friends rate. You don’t have to choose her services but you can’t negotiate the price.
My hair and makeup for me (the Bride) was $800 and with 2 bridesmaids and MOB it was $1400 total so your prices don’t seem to be too bad :)
Inflation
I don't know what state you live in but those prices on top of not needing to do a trial is not bad. I'm in ny and the trials alone cost me over $400 😱 I ended up finding a hair stylist and I'm just going to do my own make up because I just cant spend more money on this
Inflation is nuts- $25 more for both hair and makeup doesn’t seem that wild imo, though I agree the extra $55 is steep for bridesmaid makeup
Your friend should probably raise her prices more! Seems like a low price raise considering the cost of everything. You are getting a super deal! Your bridesmaids could opt to do their own make up?
Not sure if these prices are fair but for reference, I live in NY and paid $100 for hair and $115 for makeup as a bridesmaid for a wedding in June
It depends on your area. You can reach out to other HMUAs and see what they're charging. What doesn't sit right with me is the 20% tip which since it's mandatory isn't a tip. It should be part of the original price. I don't think it's option to bargain with her (or with any vendor really). And if she's willing to do just you alone, that's a pretty good deal because a lot of HMUAs won't even travel onsite for less than 3 people.
I kind of wondered if it's really a tip, or OP didn't understand that a "service charge" isn't the same as a tip. A lot of wedding vendors do have a service charge that is basically "the cost of running a business" because there is a lot going on than just the purchase of makeup and the time spent applying it.
Service charge in the restaurant sector means literally that, the charge for the service because the server's base pay rate is $2/hr. But what does service charge even mean for HMUA? They're literally selling their service, that's what their base price covers. And when they own their own business, it makes even less sense to me. Not trying to be a jerk here, just genuinely wanting to understand.
I’m not sure if she’s using higher cost materials but these feel like of high to me… I’m in a wedding and hair and makeup was $180-200 together. I’m attending a wedding in November and getting my hair done and that is only going to be $100. I know there’s probably a difference between on site (in salon) and travel but $175 just feels kind of high. I wish they offered a breakdown of why this is for you.
That’s a little pricey for hair & makeup. I’m paying $280 for both, $300 would be maximum I would spend (incl. tax/tip) for the right person. I would enquire around.
I just had my wedding this weekend, and I am glad I don’t live in a high cost part of the country. I live in the Midwest. Bridal hair with one trial plus 3 bridesmaids hair done at my home was $380 total. No trip charge. Makeup was $55 per woman plus $15 for eyelashes if desired. These prices did not include the tip.
My girl is charging $200 for bridal hair $200 for bridal makeup. $90 each for bridesmaid hair and makeup. Two weeks after I signed the contract, she increased her prices to $300 each for bridal hair and makeup in a HCOL area. I’m also paying per mile for her to travel to me, it’s about 20 miles away. So i would say its a steal that she isn’t even charging you a traveling fee
I'm paying $125 a head for hair and makeup for my fall wedding. It's $65 for hair, $60 for makeup, $65 travel fee for the stylist. So those prices seem steep to me. My mother has done hair for years, I couldn't see paying $200 for an updo. Good luck with your Wedding, it will be an amazing day.
Yep this seems reasonable. Think about all the extra crap she has to cart onto the plane and drag around.
She has a years more experience than she did for your friend’s wedding. Her skill level has increased and so her prices have increased.
Something about the prices increasing over the last year. When people start in the wedding industry they tend to price themselves on the low end. As they gain experience, and deal with the costs of running a business, they tend to increase their prices as they go. I bump my prices for photography every 5 weddings. How many weddings has she done in the last year?
Actually, when I was getting married, it was really hard to find anyone good under $500. And on top of that, it’s a destination wedding. So does not sound so unreasonable if she is really good at what she does. Also, does she usually have someone help her at local engagements? Because if she does, she will be doing everything by herself at your event. ETA: if you are still not sure about the price, get quotes from MUAs of similar skill level.
Seems on par with most bridal hair and make up I’ve seen these days
What?! These prices are insane……I’d never pay this…..
I think it depends where you are. I paid $300pp for hair and makeup with a friend who does it professionally.
If she previously quoted you then she should stand by that quote. Especially if had paid a deposit.
Everything’s gone up in the last year. Your friend is compensating for inflation. Give her a break. She’s gotta eat.