Wedding Makeup: How Much $$$ Do You Charge?

[martygreene]

Quote:

Originally Posted by macwhore She didnt stay for touch ups, okay she came, did her make up hair and left then she came again and did the same thing. and We booked her a hotel to stay in through the gap we paid for her gas and travel expenses plus gave her the 500

That counts as staying for touch-ups. Basically, she was hired on for a full-day, as she was unable to book any other client that day, espeically if you were a distance from her usual service area or home.

 

[little_angel]

This is a great thread to read

Thanks to everyone who replied. I'll throw my lil' two cents in!

Brides are $125, bridal party members are $60... flower girls are free (not much work there, and I adore making the little girls feel glamorous!)

Trials for the bride are $50, which is applied as payment towards the total when they book w/ the bridal contract... additional trials cost $50 more, separate from the overall total!

aaaand everything must be paid within a week of the wedding date... 14 day cancellation policy, etc!

I'm starting to do a lot more bridal work, and starting to hate it less and less

edit- oh yeah, and if there are 5+ people getting worked on, i'll usually work with them a little on the total.

 

[Lisa J]

Man, I have to say that as a bride to be some of these quotes (mostly some of the earlier high ones) are making me feel quite taken advantage of. I'm not saying that there is something wrong with this, because I probably just don't understand it, but does it really make sense in terms of what gets done to each person to charge the bride as much as 4X as much as bridesmaids? I've been wondering what all do you put on a bride's face and what techniques do you use that are different from an every day application? Also, how different is a bride's application than the bridesmaids?

 

[Lisa J]

Oh, I guess here is a good place to ask this: are there any MAs in the London Ontario region that do wedding makeup? I am most likely looking for someone who will come to the home (I'll actually be in St. Mary's, Ontario). In reference to y last post, I promise I am not super cheap!.. just trying to be educated and not get totally ripped off. Thanks!

 

[little_angel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa J Man, I have to say that as a bride to be some of these quotes (mostly some of the earlier high ones) are making me feel quite taken advantage of. I'm not saying that there is something wrong with this, because I probably just don't understand it, but does it really make sense in terms of what gets done to each person to charge the bride as much as 4X as much as bridesmaids? I've been wondering what all do you put on a bride's face and what techniques do you use that are different from an every day application? Also, how different is a bride's application than the bridesmaids?

first off there is a big difference in the amount of time i spend on a bride compared to a bridesmaid. i generally will spend an hour working on a bride, whereas 30-40 minutes on a bridal party member.

part of the cost for my brides is the trial, which from a consumer standpoint might not sound like much, but it's basically doubling the work and the product usage for the bride's application. my trials generally run close to two hours or more because i like to talk to the bride and get to know her if i don't already.

also, the look is much more detailed and individualized for the bride, and i personally include lashes and application. i will usually discuss the general look that the bride wants for the whole bridal party, and they will all get versions of it. usually a set color scheme or style.

anyway, hope this helps

 

[Lisa J]

Quote:

Originally Posted by little_angel first off there is a big difference in the amount of time i spend on a bride compared to a bridesmaid. i generally will spend an hour working on a bride, whereas 30-40 minutes on a bridal party member. part of the cost for my brides is the trial, which from a consumer standpoint might not sound like much, but it's basically doubling the work and the product usage for the bride's application. my trials generally run close to two hours or more because i like to talk to the bride and get to know her if i don't already. also, the look is much more detailed and individualized for the bride, and i personally include lashes and application. i will usually discuss the general look that the bride wants for the whole bridal party, and they will all get versions of it. usually a set color scheme or style. anyway, hope this helps

Yes, that's very helpful, thanks

I guess the pricing makes more sense especially if you're spending so much time on the bride alone... also especially if you have to travel anywhere and go to their home. Thanks for your info!

 

[GreekChick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fionawade I never knew people charged this much for bridal makeup! I have done about 4 weddings, but for people I am close friends with, and I charged them VERY VERY little compared to you all! I charged 150-200 for the bride AND 3 bridesmaids! *gasp*!

For close friends, it's completely fine to charge a very low amount. For other clients, try and keep in mind that you are the one providing all the makeup, you are the one with the expertise, you are the one driving all the way to her house. She doesn't have to leave her house to get her makeup done. She can rest assured that it is all planned. You are providing her, and the bridesmaids a huge service.
Alot of people don't realise that bridal makeup is a very big deal. It will either make the bride, or break her. I don't necessarily agree with charging 200$ for a single person, however I find 50$ per person extremely cheap, especially when the MA is trying to make the bride's day as stress free as possible.

 

[MACgirl]

I usually charge depending on what type of makeup it is, location, and what extra things will be needed (ie lashes). For a wedding i do about 100 for the bride and 75 for the bridesmaids and 25 dollars for basic male makeup ( like cover up blemishes,spots and/ or skincare).

 

[FacesbyNiki]

When doing bridal make up, they are paying for you TIME, TRAVEL and TALENT. Do NOT cheat yourself.

Paying that much for a bride is NOT unheard of. With the bride, she is getting extra attention and care, it's her day. Bridesmaids, are getting a pretty face yes but the focus is not on them.

 

[FacesbyNiki]

To me charging $50 is too low. If that's the case, they could go to the counter and get their make up done instead. You are traveling to them and giving them extra attention without having to stop and ring customers at a counter. Once you guys get more freelance bridal work under your belt, you'll understand what us vets are talking about.

 

[meaghan<3]

This is such a great thread! I'm so glad that I found it because recently I was asked to do my friends sisters wedding makeup. I don't have any formal training, but I do people's makeup daily -- out of my own MAC kit and usually I don't ask them to pay because they are friends or friends of friends. I have also put together a portfolio of all of the looks that I do. But anyways... she already told her sister that I would do it without consulting me first. And I'm sure that they don't expect me to charge, but I don't want to be taken for granted for anymore. That kit costs me a TON of money and I'm just doing everyone's makeup for free -- a full face too. When she asked me I was like.. um..I'm not sure. There is a lot of planning in wedding makeup -- like trials etc.. and shes in NY, I'm in Boston! I guess I'm just aggravated and am looking for other opinions on this. TIA!!

 

[GreekChick]

The fact that you both live in different cities is already a enormous reason to charge her. Is she going to pay for your plane ticket? And if she does, is she going to expect a free makeup application? How many people will you be applying makeup on?
There comes a point where you have to stop being as generous as you once were. It is YOUR kit. YOUR makeup. It's going to be tough to impose yourself but if you don't, you will be taken advantage of. The exact same thing happened to me, with my friend's sister, and to this day, I still really regret it.

 

[meaghan<3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreekChick The fact that you both live in different cities is already a enormous reason to charge her. Is she going to pay for your plane ticket? And if she does, is she going to expect a free makeup application? How many people will you be applying makeup on? There comes a point where you have to stop being as generous as you once were. It is YOUR kit. YOUR makeup. It's going to be tough to impose yourself but if you don't, you will be taken advantage of. The exact same thing happened to me, with my friend's sister, and to this day, I still really regret it.

Honestly, I don't think she plans to pay for anything. I would be doing the bride and the maid of honor(my friend), but she hasnt said anything about the other bridesmaids. I know, I am going to have to say something about it because it's been on my mind for days now. It just bothers me how people would take advantage of me when I am always so generous. Like the other night, my friend that is the maid of honor asked me to do her makeup and would buy me dinner. So, I did her makeup, her other friends makeup, went to dinner which she didn't even pay for.. then came home and she asked if i could do her other friends. I just laid on my bed and said I have a headache. I just get so agrevated, because normally I would never mind, but lately it's really bothering me. I just don't want to be taken forgranted for anymore. Sorry to rant. TIA for any advice!

 

[little_angel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by meaghan<3 Honestly, I don't think she plans to pay for anything. I would be doing the bride and the maid of honor(my friend), but she hasnt said anything about the other bridesmaids. I know, I am going to have to say something about it because it's been on my mind for days now. It just bothers me how people would take advantage of me when I am always so generous. Like the other night, my friend that is the maid of honor asked me to do her makeup and would buy me dinner. So, I did her makeup, her other friends makeup, went to dinner which she didn't even pay for.. then came home and she asked if i could do her other friends. I just laid on my bed and said I have a headache. I just get so agrevated, because normally I would never mind, but lately it's really bothering me. I just don't want to be taken forgranted for anymore. Sorry to rant. TIA for any advice!

sounds like you reeeeally need to start standing up for yourself. a sad fact of life is that if you let people take advantage of you, the sure as hell will... and sounds like these people know you wont say anything about it.

when you were at the dinner table getting the check, i would have said 'sweet! here you go dude, good thing you're paying because i didn't bring my wallet' or something to that effect. there is nothing rude about you not letting people take advantage of your kindness!

i think you really need to call that bride and say, 'that friend never even asked me if i'd do your wedding. i'm really busy that day, but if you want to discuss my rates and travel expenses, we might be able to work something out.'

 

[giz2000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pimptress Holy crap. Thanks to this thread I've made the decision I'm definitely doing my own makeup and my bridesmaids on my wedding day, I can't believe that people can charge upwards of 100 dollars to do one face of makeup that takes maybeee a half hour when a total hair updo is only like 60?!

If I could find a place that did an updo in Miami for $60 (and did a good job), I'd call the tv news!

You can find people who'll do your and your bridesmaids' makeup for less...you need to shop around. But you need to remember that you'll get get what you pay for.

 

[giz2000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by meaghan<3 This is such a great thread! I'm so glad that I found it because recently I was asked to do my friends sisters wedding makeup. I don't have any formal training, but I do people's makeup daily -- out of my own MAC kit and usually I don't ask them to pay because they are friends or friends of friends. I have also put together a portfolio of all of the looks that I do. But anyways... she already told her sister that I would do it without consulting me first. And I'm sure that they don't expect me to charge, but I don't want to be taken for granted for anymore. That kit costs me a TON of money and I'm just doing everyone's makeup for free -- a full face too. When she asked me I was like.. um..I'm not sure. There is a lot of planning in wedding makeup -- like trials etc.. and shes in NY, I'm in Boston! I guess I'm just aggravated and am looking for other opinions on this. TIA!!

You are going to have to speak to your friend and clear things up. You should not do the makeup for free, and they should pay for your trip and accomodations if they want you to go to NY for it. You can also tell her that since the bride herself never confirmed, that you're booked for that day already....don't let people take advantage of you!

 

[yummy411]

Paying that much for a bride is NOT unheard of. With the bride, she is getting extra attention and care, it's her day. Bridesmaids, are getting a pretty face yes but the focus is not on them.

including.. and products! we carry a mobile makeup counter to you and all the disposables! that's a lot of work and money in itself!

 

[FacesbyNiki]

including.. and products! we carry a mobile makeup counter to you and all the disposables! that's a lot of work and money in itself!

Yes ma'am!!

And with all the training and new tips and tricks and trends we bring to them, we gots to be paid for that. lol

 

[blushdoll0802]

I second that too

 

[makeup555]

Wow... "putting up with their crap" great attitude for taking care of people on their special day. pathetic.