DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
How much does bridal hair and makeup cost in the UK?
Bridal hair and makeup is often quoted as a package, covering the bride plus however many bridesmaids and mothers join in. The bride's own look usually includes a trial run beforehand, while the rest of the party is priced per person on the day. Here is what couples really pay and how to keep the getting-ready bill in check.
The quick version
- The bride's price usually includes a trial, while the party is charged per person
- Hair and makeup may be two separate artists or one who covers both
- Early starts, travel to the venue and large parties add to the total
- Trials are worth doing but do add cost, so factor them in
- Peak Saturdays book out early with the most popular artists
What people actually paid
The gap: advertised vs actually paid (medians)
People reported paying 8% less than the advertised list price for hair & makeup.
List prices are advertised prices; paid figures are what people reported, often for different cases. Treat the gap as a signal, not a quote.
Real prices, in people's own words
- £200“£200 hair and make-up for me and MOH”
- £245“£245 for bride and 4 bridesmaids, plus bridal trial.”
- £394“GBP 394 for makeup”
- £400“Mine was £400 including a trial for me, and also my mum on the day”
- £417“GBP 417 for hair”
- £811“Combined average: GBP 811”
Genuine amounts posted publicly. We publish the price and the quote, never the person.
Why the price varies so much
The price depends mostly on how many faces need doing and how much travel and time it takes. Just the bride costs far less than the bride plus a full party of bridesmaids and mothers. A trial adds to the bride's fee, early starts and travel to the venue can carry a surcharge, and doing both hair and makeup naturally costs more than one or the other. Experienced artists in demand charge more, peak dates cost the most, and London rates sit above quieter regions as ever.
How to pay less
- Have fewer of the bridal party done professionally and let others do their own
- Book one artist who covers both hair and makeup rather than two separate suppliers
- Ask whether a trial is included or charged on top before booking
- Choose a weekday or off-peak date when artists have more availability
- Get a couple of quotes covering the same headcount, trial and travel
Common questions
Is a trial included in the price?
Sometimes, sometimes not. The bride's package often includes a hair and makeup trial, but not always, and trials for bridesmaids usually cost extra. Check before booking so it does not catch you out.
Do I need separate artists for hair and makeup?
Not necessarily. Some artists do both, which can be simpler and cheaper, while others specialise in one. For a large party, two suppliers working in parallel can save time on the morning.
How much does it cost for the bridal party?
It is usually charged per person on top of the bride's package, so the total climbs with each bridesmaid and mother added. Having fewer people done professionally is the simplest saving.
When should the hair and makeup be finished?
Aim to be ready with time to spare before the photographer arrives for the getting-ready shots and before you leave for the ceremony. A good artist builds a timed schedule for the morning so nobody is rushed.