Wedding Hair and Makeup Cost in 2026: UK and US Prices

What brides in the UK and US are really paying for their wedding morning glam

You deserve to look and feel your absolute best as you walk down the aisle, and that’s where your hair and makeup artist comes in. But how much should you set aside for it? Prices have crept up over the last couple of years. So we’ve pulled together the latest 2026 figures, in pounds and dollars, to help you budget with confidence.

Wedding Hair and Makeup Cost at a Glance

How Much Does Wedding Hair and Makeup Cost in the UK?

According to Bridebook, UK couples spend an average of £811 on wedding beauty in 2026, split roughly evenly between makeup (£394) and hair (£417). That figure covers more than the wedding morning itself. It also takes in the pre-wedding extras, like nails, tanning and teeth whitening.

For the bride’s hair and makeup on the day, Wedissimo puts the average at around £495. Simpler bookings start at roughly £300, while packages that include more of the bridal party start at around £600.

How Much Does Wedding Hair and Makeup Cost in the US?

The Knot’s latest Real Weddings Study puts the national average at about $150 for the bride’s hair and $150 for her makeup. That’s roughly $300 in total. Most brides spend somewhere between $300 and $600 on their wedding day look.

Where you marry matters, too. Brides in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic pay around $360 on average for both services, compared with about $290 in the South and $260 in the Midwest.

What Affects the Price?

Location: Cities and popular wedding destinations tend to cost more, thanks to demand and higher living costs. Artists who travel to your venue may also add a travel fee.

Experience: Established artists with a strong bridal portfolio charge more than those just starting out. Always look at their real wedding work, not just styled shoots.

Your bridal party: Booking hair and makeup for your bridesmaids, mum and other VIPs adds up quickly. In the US, budget around $210 per bridesmaid.

Extras: False lashes, airbrush makeup, hair extensions and touch-up services usually cost extra.

Your trial: Some artists include a trial in their bridal package, but many charge for it separately. Check before you book so it doesn’t catch you out.

Budgeting Tips for Bridal Beauty

1. Set a realistic budget: Decide what you’re happy to spend, then check it against your overall wedding budget.
2. Get several quotes: Prices vary a lot locally, so compare at least three artists.
3. Ask about packages: Booking one artist for hair and makeup, or for the whole bridal party, often comes with a discount.
4. Book early: The best artists get snapped up, especially for summer Saturdays. Aim to book at least four months ahead.
5. Be flexible: A simpler style, a weekday wedding or fewer people in the chair can bring the cost down.

Making the Most of Your Investment

Professional hair and makeup is an investment in how you’ll feel all day, and how you’ll look in photos for years to come. A few ways to get the most from it:

1. Bring references to your trial: Photos of looks you love, and ones you don’t, help your artist understand your vision.
2. Build in time: Allow plenty of time on the morning. Rushing is the quickest way to add stress.
3. Keep it organised: Track bookings, deposits and timings in one place, so there are no surprises.
4. Prep your skin and hair: Start your skincare routine early, stay hydrated and avoid trying anything new in the final weeks.
5. Trust your artist: You chose them for a reason. Relax and enjoy being pampered.

Still deciding on your dress? See our wedding dress trends for 2027.

Keep planning: got a pixie cut or a bob? See our favourite wedding hairstyles for short hair.