Why Does Wedding Hair and Makeup Cost So Much? (And No, It’s Not Just the Lashes)
Let’s set the scene: you’re knee-deep in wedding planning. You’ve picked a venue, stalked photographers (hi), and maybe even figured out your DJ playlist. Then you start looking at bridal makeup, hair, and beauty services. And suddenly… sticker shock.
You’re not alone. We didn’t know either.
For Episode 4 of Aisle Be Honest, we invited Samantha, a 20-year beauty industry vet and the boss behind Chop Chop Beauty Club, to explain why glam on your big day costs what it does.
Spoiler: it’s not just the lashes.
There’s a Price Point for Everyone (But Not All Artists Are the Same)
First up: budget. Hair and makeup services range widely. Professional hair and makeup can range from $50 a pop to $500+. The difference? Experience, education, inclusivity, vibe, and what’s actually included.
Some artists are just getting started and need the experience (and you might be their first wedding — you daredevil, you). Others are seasoned pros who bring lights, power strips, and calm energy to your cabin chaos.
Samantha broke it down like this:
- Newer artists = lower price points
- Mid-tier artists = more experience, still solo
- Full teams (like Chop Chop) = seasoned pros, built-in backup, and a set-it-and-forget-it process
And here’s the kicker — some services seem cheaper up front but sneakily add on costs for lashes, airbrush makeup, or gratuity. Samantha’s team? All-inclusive pricing. No nickel-and-diming. Just vibes.
Don’t Ghost the Details — What Artists Need to Know For Your Wedding Day
If you’re contacting hair and makeup pros, have your date, wedding location (even just the city!), and a rough headcount ready. Artists need this to give you accurate pricing and know how many people they need to bring. Is your service “just the bride” or for an entire bridal party?
Oh, and please send at least one inspirational pic. It helps artists pair you with someone whose aesthetic matches your desired makeup look (glam, natural, boho, etc.) Because nothing’s worse than booking a smokey-eye queen when you’re a barely-there babe.
Trials? No. Previews? Yes.
This is why we love Sam. Chop Chop doesn’t do a “hair and makeup trial.” Why? Because you already picked your hair and makeup team. Instead, they offer “previews,” which are collaborative sessions to test your look so everyone is on the same page. They block off 90 minutes per service, so you’re not rushed. Your hair and makeup artist will take photos, note products, and make sure everything gets recreated exactly on your wedding day.
Need an extra pro tip? Book your preview close to your wedding season (not 8 months early in a hoodie and dry January skin). Skin prep, spray tan, and wear white, babe. Trust the makeup pros.
Pinterest Is Lying to You (And Probably So Is AI)
We get it. You pinned a flawless face with matte skin and goddess waves. Samantha’s response? “She has pores. You do, too.” Not everything you see online is real (looking at you, AI). But instead of saying no, their team helps dissect your inspo and recreate the vibe, not the impossible illusion.
And yes, most of those Pinterest hair looks? They have extensions. This is why Chop Chop offers a Dream Hair Club for extension rentals, because nobody has 12 pounds of hair naturally. Sorry.
This Is a Job. Not a Hobby.
So, why does wedding hair and makeup cost as much as it does? Artists who charge higher rates aren’t here getting rich off your wedding updo. They’re paying rent, restocking $50 foundation bottles in 10+ shades, cleaning their kits, and showing up fully present on your wedding day.
And when wedding hair artists or bridal makeup artists are paid well? They can invest in better products, education, and professional spaces (like Chop Chop’s gorgeous social club studio in the Old City Knoxville).
A Little Extra Advice from Your Beauty Team
If you’re getting ready in a mountain cabin or Airbnb, don’t make your artist work in the bathroom (please). Give them:
- A big table near outlets.
- Natural light, if possible (or they’ll bring a light).
- A spot that doesn’t smell like hairspray death.
And for us, professional photographers? Maybe we should ask the hair and makeup team before we kill the overhead lights for moody vibes while someone’s still doing winged eyeliner.
The Bottom Line from Your Glam Squad?
Hair and makeup aren’t just a “quick service.” They’re a whole operation. And when done right, they set the tone for your entire day—photos and all!
Want more insight about why hair and makeup costs as much as it does? How about beauty pros and wedding vendors who keep it real? Listen to Episode 4 of Aisle Be Honest, and visit the episode on YouTube and Spotify. This episode is your glam deep dive.
Looking for more? Make sure to visit all of our episodes to get the full wedding planning advice from pros who have been down in the wedding trenches with you!