Is paying for your bridesmaids’ makeup and hairstyling an appropriate gift? Many brides have wrestled with this question. There is no exact answer, but here are some factors to consider:
Are your bridesmaids interested in fashion and beauty, and would enjoy having their hair and/or makeup done? Or are you insisting on these services because it is your wedding and they are in your pictures? If Melanie spends hours at Sephora, has a subscription to Vogue and knows that she currently carries “Moonglow” “Very Berry” and “Sublime” lip colors in her purse, chances are she’ll love the gift of makeup and hair. If Melanie spends her vacations backpacking or hiking, thinks high heels are ridiculous and painful and frowns every time she sees a mascara wand-hair and makeup services are more of an obligation than a gift.
Are the bridesmaids' dresses practical, reasonably-priced and can be worn again for a more casual occasion? Or are they imported silk, custom-designed and a high-fashion, original style and color? If the bride is insisting that her maids wear budget-straining dresses and shoes, footing the bill for their makeup and hair is advisable. Although it is an honor to participate in the wedding, bridesmaids rightfully tend to resent their entire paychecks being spent on someone else’s wedding. If their dresses aren’t too expensive and the bride is not too demanding, asking them to have their hair and makeup done may not be overkill.
Is your hairstylist and/or makeup artist reasonably-priced? Or are they stylists to the stars and therefore demand much higher rates? Are you offering these services or insisting that they be performed? If the bride has contracted Angelina Jolie’s personal makeup artist and is requiring her bridal party to do the same, it is appropriate to pick up the bill. If the bride books such artist and simply relates the pricing and information to her bridal party, it is each individual bridesmaid’s choice as to whether or not to book those services.
***Recommended Online Wedding Resources***
Favor your guests with Personalized Hershey’s Chocolates, now on sale at The Knot Wedding Shop!
- Find the perfect Wedding invitation. Personalize, preview, and order right on the spot at eInvite.com!
For more wedding advice please visit our sister sites, Fun Weddings or Weddings By Ashlee
