How Much Does Wedding Beauty Cost in Canada?

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?

As per our Canadian Wedding Report, the average amount couples spend on hair and makeup for their wedding is between $300 and $1,000 (with approximately half going towards makeup and half for hair).

A large part of this cost covers the bride’s hair and makeup on the wedding day, but other pre-wedding beauty treatments like nails, tanning, and teeth whitening also add to the overall expense.

If you’re on a tight budget, there are ways to cut costs on wedding makeup. For a comprehensive 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 the touch of a professional. A hairstylist knows exactly how to get your hair looking flawless for the moment you walk down the aisle. Costs for the bride’s hair typically start around $150, but highly skilled and experienced hairstylists can charge $500 or more.

Makeup

Along with hair, makeup is arguably the second most important part of a bride’s beauty routine. Makeup services typically start around $150.

Lashes

Eyelash extensions are a fantastic way to give yourself fuller, thicker lashes. Prices generally start from around $50.

Nails

There’s a wide selection of nail treatments to choose from, including acrylics, hard gel, dip powder, and more. Even if you’re not opting for extensions, a manicure (and maybe even a pedicure) will help you feel stunning. The cost of a basic manicure usually starts at $30, while extensions can begin at $50.

Keep in mind that getting your nails done is something best done a day or two before the wedding, not the morning of.

Male grooming

A pre-wedding beauty routine isn’t exclusive to 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 achieve this. Costs typically start from around $35.

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 color – Why not test out some colors, which you can apply yourself to save money?
Hair color – If you’re coloring your hair for your wedding, try out some possible colors 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 $80 for wedding makeup, while an experienced professional with a solid reputation could charge upwards of $250 for bridal makeup.

Location

You can either visit a salon for your hair and makeup or ask stylists to come to you. If they travel to your location, expect added travel fees, which could be an additional $80 or more. Choosing to go to a salon can save you on travel costs, as you’ll avoid charges for fuel, tolls, and extra time.

Rates can also vary by region; for example, stylists in large cities like Toronto or Vancouver may charge more than those in smaller towns.

Trials

If you plan to do a makeup trial (highly recommended if it fits your budget), many artists will charge for it since it involves products and time. Experienced artists might charge between $120 – $200 for a trial. Some offer package deals that cover both the trial and wedding day services, which can be a great money-saving option.

Number of people

Brides often like to treat their bridal party or family members to professional hair and makeup as well. Since this typically takes less time than the bride’s look, most stylists charge a lower rate for bridesmaids or mothers of the bride. Expect to pay around $120 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.