Why Is Bridal Makeup So Expensive?

We're diving in to a controversial topic this week! Bridal makeup can be expensive, let's discuss why...

If I was to guess, you are a bride who has happened across this blog post because you started looking for an MUA for your wedding, and the prices you've been quoted have been a bit of a surprise.. and not in a good way. It's quite understandable that you would be shocked, because as a bride it's something you typically will only look into once you're engaged!

So, let's breakdown the cost of bridal services. But first, it's probably best if we explain how we're educated to speak on the topic.

Our Credentials

I am a bridal and occasion makeup artist, and have - in my humble opinion - perfected the bridal booking process. Throughout my career, I have encircled myself in the controversial conversations between brides and makeup artist's regarding the charges.

I appreciate both sides, and whilst acknowledging my opinion is bias because of my line of work,

wouldn't this best be explained by an MUA herself?

Why Bridal Makeup Is Expensive...

On the surface, bridal makeup is just that. As a bride, you are paying for makeup. So why can it amount to hundreds of pounds? I feel this statement hits the nail on the head in the split of opinion.

For makeup artist's, there is a lot more than just makeup application that goes into bridal services. Select each drop down below for more info.

Administrative Tasks

In my experience, most bridal makeup clients require a lot more care and attention than a client booking for other occasions. This is because for most brides, it will be the most important makeup application they will have. I mean technically, how you feel in your makeup that day will last forever both in your memories and in photos.

With this comes a lot more communication back and forth between the artist and the bride.

For myself, and many other makeup artists, I have also built a; website, contract, quote and invoicing system, and a bridal guide, exclusively to manage and support brides on their special day.

All of this additional time and work invested into brides behind the scenes comes at a cost. This includes being paid for our time, but also to cover costs for the above requirements.

In discussions on this, I see bride's comment that they do not care for all of the administrative tasks involved. Some even admit to booking other occasion makeup to cut down on cost. Whilst I can understand the frustrations involved with pricing, it is not fair to take advantage of a makeup artist, often sole traders and small businesses, to better serve you.

It would be best recommended you contact a makeup artist who does not offer administrative tasks to reduce cost, though this may be hard to come by with it being an industry standard for professional artists.

If you do find someone with low pricing and lack of communication, the age old saying, 'you get what you pay for' may come into play here, because the amount of information required just to book your bridal services is an administrative cost in itself. It may scream unprofessionalism and red flags - so just do your research here.

The Makeup

So, this is the obvious one that doesn't really need expanding on too much.

However it is worth noting, the cost of upkeep for bridal makeup kits. The amount a makeup artist spends on makeup products in their kit varies from one person to the next.

Often times for example, beginner artist's may have a tighter budget, utilising lower cost makeup to offer services (and still producing beautiful looks as the price doesn't matter if it works well). Either way, to build a kit that works for any client, expected costs are at least £1000. This is higher when your makeup artist stocks luxury brands.

This cost that has to be worked into bridal pricing. For myself I have products I use exclusively on brides so this is often reflected in the prices I charge. There is also an upkeep cost involved for product's that are constantly running out.

A good makeup artist will always be trialling and testing new products before putting them into their bridal kit, and not every product is good enough to include. This is something many brides don't think about, and whilst it may seem ridiculous to note it at all, if you want to book a professional, experienced makeup artist who produces beautiful results, this is something involved with it.

Our Experience

Im assuming you'll want professional, experienced and reliable vendors for your wedding, someone that comes highly recommended. This often comes at a higher cost.

Putting this into perspective, and admittedly we're no food connoisseurs, you could visit a michelin star restaurant and pay a large amount for food that only costs so much. Or, pop by your local street food market for a cheaper alternative. Technically, food is food and costs each restaurant roughly the same. But you're paying for the quality of the food, the expertise of the chefs, and the experience. The same attributes can be said for makeup artists.

You are paying not only for our product usage and time but like many other businesses and industries, expertise and experience. This comes with a premium.

Often times this is why some makeup artist's charge what seems an unreasonable amount of money, yet others offer much more affordable services. Beginner artists with little experience, or those building the actual technical skills for makeup, may offer lower rates.

Like I say, some rates may look a little far fetched. But as a business, or self-employed persons, our rates are what we choose, and it's something that works for us.

Our Final Thoughts..

Bridal makeup will always be more costly than other makeup applications. Simply because more goes into it than any other occasion.

However, there is a makeup artist for every bride and every budget.

As long as you're open to paying for someone perhaps a little less experienced, or you can easily find an artist advertising the kind of makeup you want for yourself at a lower rate, you will have no issue finding a suitable artist within your budget.