We'd say there's a fairly solid consensus that the couple should pay for anything beauty-related for bridesmaids, like hair, makeup, tans or nails. Basically, anything that affects the way the girls look that the bride has specifically requested.
There's no definitive answer of who foots the bill on bridal party glam. That said, the bride or the bridesmaids will pay for the bridal party's hair and makeup. Some brides cover the cost of glam as a “thank you” to their friends for supporting the wedding. However, this isn't always the case.
It's standard for the bride to cover the cost of bouquets, transportation to and from the wedding venue, and a gift to her bridesmaids. Optional costs may include hair and makeup, hotel accommodations, bridesmaids' dresses, and a bridesmaids' luncheon (if hosted by the bride).
If you or they feel more comfortable having a trial, there is of course absolutely nothing against having a trial for your bridesmaid(s) but be aware you may end up paying for the trial. It is usually just the bride who has a trial.
How Much Does Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup Cost? On average, bridesmaids and other wedding party members should expect to pay about $125 to $250 per person for hair and makeup. It's up to the bride if she will pay this cost, or if her attendants will cover it themselves.
The Bride. If you're still following tradition, then the bride is only responsible for paying for the groom's wedding band and wedding gifts for her bridesmaids. However, there are many wedding costs (everything from a coordinator to flowers and décor) that are often shared between the bride and her family.
What does the Maid of Honor Pay for? As the main event planner and bride's right-hand gal or guy, the MOH is often the one who covers some of the bachelorette party expenses — extra fun additions like decorations, a stocked fridge, or first-class upgrade for the bride's flight (if you're feeling extra generous).
Everyone is different though and if your budget cannot stretch to it you can ask them if they can do their own hair/makeup or if they want it done by a professional they can pay for it themselves, however, be prepared if you're not paying for them to insist they call the shots on the hair style.
You might be aware that the bride's family is expected to cover the majority of the wedding day costs, while the groom's family pays for a variety of extra activities, like the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon.
And not everyone has the honor of being a bridesmaid for a bride who came prepared with a PowerPoint on the expected cost, allowing you to budget 10 months in advance. A 2017 study from WeddingWire found bridesmaids spent about $1,200 or up to $1,800 — with inflation, that's a range of $1,478 to $2,218 today.
Bridesmaid dresses
If you're on a tight budget and you can't afford to cover the cost of the dresses, it's reasonable to ask your bridesmaids to pay for them. These are some of your closest friends and family, so you'll probably find they are very understanding.
The bridesmaids are responsible for covering the costs of their own dresses, undergarments, shoes, accessories, and hair and makeup for the big day.
Traditional etiquette states that the bridesmaid, or her parents, should pay, but some brides prefer to pay themselves for various reasons. So who is responsible for paying for the bridesmaid dress? There's really no need to ask your bridesmaids to pay for their dresses, as it is usually assumed that they will do so.
Does the Bride Choose the Bridesmaids' Hairstyles? As the bride often chooses the bridesmaid dresses, the bridesmaids tend to choose their own hairstyles for the wedding. But remember, it's your wedding, so just as the bridesmaids' dresses should complement your wedding dress, their hair needs to complement yours.
While every bride has a very specific vision about how they want their wedding to look, there are some things that simply aren't worth "requiring" — and having your bridesmaids get their makeup done should be one of them. This especially goes for the people who can walk past a Sephora without blinking an eye.
What it all comes down to is communication! Well-informed bridesmaids are happy bridesmaids. Decide early on whether you'll treat them to wedding-day hair and makeup, whether you'll give them the option to purchase one or both services, or if you'd like them to do their own hair and makeup.
The bride's side of the family traditionally pays for the bride's wedding dress and the bridesmaids' dresses. Increasingly, however, bridesmaids are paying for their own dresses.
It's tradition for the bride's family to pay for the ceremony venue, while the groom would pay for the celebrant and the marriage license.
Traditionally, the groom's parents' financial responsibilities include paying for the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon. In some parts of the country, it may be tradition for the groom's family to pay for the alcohol at the reception.
"The bride should cover the cost of her wedding party's hair and makeup, especially if she's requesting or encouraging them to have it done," says Jove Meyer of Jove Meyer Events. Meyer says most of his brides fund bridesmaid hair and makeup for their crew.
Bridesmaid Dress and Accessories
Do bridesmaids pay for their own dresses? It's a common question, and the answer is almost always yes.
Typically, the bride will purchase robes for her bridal party. If buying robes for your whole bridal party isn't within your budget, you should check with your bridesmaids to make sure they feel comfortable covering the cost.
Whether you're a maid of honor, a bridesmaid, or the bride-to-be, you're probably asking yourself who pays for the bachelorette party? The simple answer: Everyone is expected to contribute to the costs. The complicated answer: Not all costs should be split equally.
Discuss the budget realistically and ask both mothers to be honest about what they are able to/would like to do. Traditionally speaking, though, the bride's family pays for the bulk of the wedding—venue, reception, photographer, flowers, etc.
While traditionally the bride's parents were responsible for hosting (and paying for) the entire celebration, today many couples join both sets of parents in contributing.