Wedding Hair and Makeup Prices in the UK
How wedding hair and makeup is typically priced in the UK, from bridal packages and trials to bridesmaids, early starts and travel on the day.
Wedding hair and makeup is one of the few beauty bookings where the cost can run into several hundred pounds, so it is worth understanding how it is built up. Artists price differently, but most packages are made of the same handful of ingredients.
What is usually included in a bridal quote
Bridal packages typically include some combination of:
- Bridal hair on the day
- Bridal makeup on the day
- A trial for hair, makeup or both, usually a few weeks before
- Travel to your home or venue
- Touch-up kit or time to stay on hand for a short period
Always ask which of these are included and which are extras.
Typical price ranges
These vary widely with region, artist experience and the demands of the day. London and the South East are typically higher. As a rough guide:
- Bridal makeup: around £120 to £300
- Bridal hair: around £100 to £250
- Hair and makeup package: around £220 to £500
- Trial: often £50 to £150 per service
- Bridesmaid or guest makeup: around £40 to £90 each
- Bridesmaid or guest hair: around £35 to £80 each
- Flower girl styling: often much lower
Treat these as indicative only. Highly sought-after artists, peak summer Saturdays and venues far from the artist's base can push prices up.
Why costs rise on wedding days
Early starts
Weddings often need the bride ready early, which can mean an artist starting at 5am or 6am. Many charge an early-start supplement.
Peak dates
Popular Saturdays between May and September fill quickly, and prices can reflect that. Off-peak dates, Fridays or winter weddings can be cheaper.
Number of people
A bridal party is a logistics exercise. More people means more time, possibly additional artists, and a tighter schedule. Group sizes should be shared in your initial request.
Travel and accommodation
If the venue is a long way from the artist, expect a travel charge. For very early starts, an overnight stay may be needed.
Getting the numbers right
- List everyone who needs hair and makeup, including mothers and any children.
- Agree a timeline. A realistic running order stops the morning overrunning. Read our guide to a wedding hair trial.
- Confirm the deposit and balance dates. Bridal artists normally take a deposit to secure the date. Ask what happens if the date changes.
- Clarify the cancellation policy for both you and the artist.
For makeup, our guide on preparing for a bridal makeup trial can help you make the most of it.
Ways to manage costs
- Prioritise. If budget is limited, choose which looks matter most. Some brides invest in their own look and let bridesmaids do their own makeup.
- Book early. Good artists often book out many months ahead.
- Choose simpler styles. Hair that needs hours of pinning costs more than a soft blow-dry or half-up style.
- Consider a smaller group. Sometimes limiting the number of people styled by the artist keeps the morning calmer and cheaper.
Using Compito
When you search by postcode on Compito, you can compare ID-verified local providers, send a detailed request including the date and party size, and receive an offer you can accept and pay online. Message the provider to confirm trial dates and the timeline. Reviews from completed bookings help you judge reliability. See how it works.
A worked example
Suppose a bride, her mother and two bridesmaids all want hair and makeup on the morning. An illustration might be: bridal hair £90 to £200, bridal makeup £80 to £180, and guests at roughly £45 to £90 each for hair or makeup. With four people having both, that could easily total somewhere between £500 and £1,000, plus a travel fee and early-start surcharge. Trials may be £50 to £120 each. Prices vary widely by region and provider, and London and the South East are usually higher.
Typical line items
| Item | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Bridal hair | Does it include accessories and veil fitting? |
| Bridal makeup | Are lashes and touch-up kit included? |
| Trial | Is it separate, and is it deducted from the main fee? |
| Guests | Is there a per-person rate and a minimum? |
| Early start | Is there a surcharge before a certain time? |
| Travel | Is there a fee for distance or a venue? |
| Touch-ups | Are they included, or an extra stay? |
Ways to manage the budget
- Choose one or two key people to have professional styling.
- Book a trial for the bride only and keep guests simpler.
- Check whether a weekday wedding costs less.
- Keep the schedule tight so the provider is not there longer than necessary.
Booking details to confirm in writing
Agree the date, start time, number of people, services, price, deposit, cancellation terms and who is responsible if timings change. For preparation, see wedding hair trial: what to expect and bridal makeup trial: how to prepare.
Booking early
Popular dates can fill many months ahead, so consider booking as soon as your date and venue are confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the trial included in the bridal price?
Sometimes. Many artists charge separately for a trial, and some include it in a package. Always check what is in the quote so you can budget properly.
How far ahead should I book wedding hair and makeup?
Popular dates can go many months in advance, so it is sensible to contact artists as soon as you have your date and venue. Early enquiries also give you time to schedule a trial.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Most bridal artists require one to secure the date, because the booking blocks out a whole day. Agree the amount and the terms in writing before you pay.