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Dresses, suits and style · Hair and make-up

Who normally pays for hair and makeup for a wedding?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12 · For the bridal party · For brides

Short answer

Traditionally the bride covers her own hair and makeup, while bridesmaids pay for their own. However, many couples now share these costs or the families help out.

There is no hard rule about who pays, and the old customs have changed a lot. Many couples today treat hair and makeup as part of their overall wedding budget and cover it themselves. Others ask their parents or the wider family to contribute.

If you are asking your bridal party to pay for their own styling, be clear and kind about it early. Some brides offer to pay for everyone as a thank-you, while others split the cost. The key is to avoid awkward conversations later by discussing money before anyone books anything.

Think about what feels fair for your group. If some bridesmaids are on tight budgets, you might offer to cover their costs or suggest simpler styling options. Open communication prevents resentment and keeps the focus on celebrating together.

Whatever you decide, write it down in your budget so there are no surprises. Family contributions should be agreed upon in advance rather than assumed.

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