How Much Does Wedding Beauty Cost in Australia?

On your wedding day, all eyes are on you, and you’ll want to feel as beautiful and confident as you can be as your friends and family watch you say, ‘I do!’

Achieving that perfect look can take time, dedication and – unfortunately – money. But, it’s worth it when you look back on your photographs and admire just how great the two of you looked on your big day.

But how much does wedding beauty cost, and what should your regime be during the build-up to your wedding? In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding hair and makeup costs, and the money you might spend on beauty ahead of your wedding.

What’s the average cost of wedding beauty?

According to our Australian Wedding Report, couples typically spend between $500 and $1,000 on hair and makeup for their wedding, with about half allocated to makeup and the other half to hair.

A significant portion of this cost covers the bride’s hair and makeup for the wedding day, but other pre-wedding beauty treatments — like nails, tanning, and teeth whitening — can also add to the total expenses.

If you’re working with a strict budget, there are ways to save on wedding makeup costs. For a detailed look at potential wedding expenses, check out our ultimate wedding budget breakdown. Below is a rough guide to what you might expect to pay for your beauty preparations.

Hair

While you’ve been styling your own hair for years, there’s something special about having a professional touch for your wedding day. A hairstylist knows exactly how to make your hair look flawless for when you walk down the aisle. Prices for bridal hair typically start around $200, but experienced, top-tier stylists can charge $600 or more.

Makeup

Next to hair, makeup is arguably one of the most important parts of a bride’s beauty routine. Professional makeup services generally start around $200.

Lashes

Eyelash extensions are a fantastic way to achieve fuller, thicker lashes. Prices usually start at around $70.

Nails

There’s a wide range of nail treatments to choose from, including acrylics, hard gel, and dip powder. Even if extensions aren’t your style, a manicure (and possibly a pedicure) will help you feel stunning. A basic manicure typically starts at $40, with extensions beginning at around $60.

Remember, it’s best to get your nails done a day or two before the wedding, rather than on the morning of.

Male grooming

A pre-wedding beauty routine isn’t just for the bride – the groom deserves to look and feel his best too. A professional barber haircut and shave (or beard trim) before the big day can help with that. Expect to pay around $50 for these services.

What about the bridal party?

It’s also possible to hire a stylist to do the hair and makeup of other members of the bridal party, including parents, bridesmaids and flower girls. While there will be a cost for each extra person, it will usually be less than the cost of the bride’s beauty.

What’s the beauty regime before your wedding?

While your stylist will take great care with your hair and makeup on the morning of your wedding, that’s not always where it starts. There’s plenty you can do ahead of the big day to prepare. However, each of these will add to your budget and aren’t necessarily a vital part of your routine.

Nail colour – Why not test out some colours, which you can apply yourself to save money?
Hair colour – If you’re colouring your hair for your wedding, try out some possible colours during the months before your wedding.
Teeth whitening – You can arrange for professional teeth whitening, such as through your dentist, or buy at-home kits.
Exfoliate – Look after your skin as well as you can during the months – and especially the weeks – before your wedding.
Botox – If you’re having Botox for your wedding, this can take a couple of weeks to take effect and can last several months.
Eyebrows – Wax or thread your brows around two weeks before your wedding to avoid spots or red skin.
Tan – A spray tan can be done a few days before your wedding, but if you’re hitting the sun beds make sure to do it over a few weeks and no more than two or three sessions a week.

What factors can affect the cost of wedding beauty?

Several factors play a part in the cost of wedding beauty, which means you may pay considerably less – or more – than the average. It also depends on what you’re looking for – many couples are happy with basic hair and makeup and still look absolutely stunning on their big day.

Expertise

Like other wedding vendors, makeup artists and hairstylists often base their rates on experience. For example, a newly qualified artist might charge as little as $100 for wedding makeup, while an experienced professional with a strong reputation could charge upwards of $300 for bridal makeup.

Location

You have the option to visit a salon for your hair and makeup or ask stylists to come to you. If they travel to your location, expect additional fees, often around $100 or more. Heading to a salon can help save on travel costs, avoiding charges for fuel, tolls, and the artist’s travel time.

Rates can also vary by region; for instance, stylists in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne typically charge more than those in smaller areas.

Trials

If you’re considering a makeup trial (highly recommended if it fits within your budget), many artists will charge for this service since it uses both products and time. Experienced artists might charge between $150 – $250 for a trial. Some offer package deals that cover both the trial and wedding day services, which can be a smart way to save.

Number of people

Brides often enjoy treating their bridal party or family members to professional hair and makeup as well. Since this usually takes less time than the bride’s full look, most stylists charge a lower rate for bridesmaids or mothers of the bride. Expect to pay around $150 for makeup and a trial for each additional person.

DIY makeup

Many brides, including Kate Middleton herself, choose to do their own makeup for their wedding day. However, we would strongly advise that you book a lesson beforehand. It’s the best way to learn some new techniques and find the best products for a long-lasting look. Head to your favourite makeup counter, where you’ll be able to get some free tips and stock up on beauty products.

Plan your dream wedding on Bridebook

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding beauty and other proven tips, be sure you check out our budget-friendly advice.