Why is Wedding Makeup so Expensive?

Photo: Ashley Poole Photography | Makeup: Ashley Marin, Marin Makeup

At Wedding Venue Map, we believe that wedding planning would be much easier if you could understand why and how things work in our industry.

When you first start to plan your wedding, most brides and grooms get sticker shock at the price tags. Something that we’ve heard from brides over and over again is “Why is wedding makeup so expensive?”

We reached out to your friendly neighborhood makeup artist, Ashley Marin of Marin Makeup, to help our brides understand how wedding makeup is priced. To learn more, keep reading!

Why Is Wedding Makeup So Expensive?

Let’s be honest…you were thinking it, right? As you’ve shopped around for your wedding beauty services, you were surprised by the cost. It’s okay. I’m here to help explain.

Photo: K.Napier Photography | Model: Madison Simoneau | Makeup: Ashley Marin, Marin Makeup | Hair: Joyce Rodriguez | Dress: Something New Bridal Boutique | Flowers: Fern and Curl Designs | Venue: The Acre Orlando

Many of the companies you are contacting are likely seasoned makeup artists who have been working for 5 or more years as a freelancer (myself included!). The experts understand how to do every eye shape, face shape, and skin color they could possibly come in contact with on a job.

To be honest…if you can’t do that, you shouldn’t be charging money for your services (but I digress).

At the end of the day, makeup services are a luxury for many brides and bridesmaids, meaning that this is a “want” and not a “need”. We understand that having her beauty look perfected by professionals may not be important enough to some brides. That’s okay!

I’m talking to those who are fortunate to be able to afford professional hair and makeup services. The range of costs for makeup services is all over the board. It is so important for you to do your research!

Photo: Sufia Huq | Model: Julianna Johnson | Makeup: Ashley Marin, Marin Makeup

Selecting a Professional Makeup Artist

Here are the things to look for in a professional:

• Do they have a business license? Someone charging for their services should have a valid business license in the state of Florida.
• Are they insured? Many local wedding venues require your vendors to be insured. Also, a company with their own liability insurance protects you from any negligence on their part. 
• Are the operating legally? There are state board rules and regulations that cosmetologists have to follow to have a valid license. It’s important to know if your artist has their state cosmetology license (check by searching for them HERE).
• Do they follow industry sanitation standards? This includes using disposable wands, cleaning brushes, and so much more.
• What is the product line that they use? There is a HUGE cost difference in the product lines. Ask them what they use and why they’ve chosen that line.

Model: Wendy Biagioni | Photo: Erika Reiner Photography | Makeup: Ashley Marin, Marin Makeup

All of these factors and more go into a makeup artist’s pricing. Oftentimes, brides question our pricing, saying things like, “you want me to pay how much for one hour of makeup?”

Oh, if only it was only an hour’s work! There is so much more to what we do leading up to a bride’s wedding day:

• Create the bridal schedule of all of the services booked to make sure you are ready on time
• Cleaning and making sure our kit is in stellar condition
• Attending classes and continuing education to stay up on the latest trends
• Buying the best professional-quality makeup products
• Network with other artists to stay relevant and keep our skill level excellent

Always remember…you get what you pay for. Your face is a precious thing: treat it right and hire someone who can make the most important day—your wedding day—truly the best ever!

Photo: Hannah Glogower | Makeup: Ashley Marin, Marin Makeup | Hair: Sarah Vaughn | Dress: The Collection Bridal | Venue: Sydonie Mansion

Brides, if you are looking to hire professional hair and makeup services, make sure to think twice about who, what, and why. Do your research to make sure you are getting exactly what you want and, more importantly, what you pay for. Make sure you hire a true professional; we have your back and won’t let you down!

Photo: Hannah Glogower | Makeup: Ashley Marin, Marin Makeup | Hair: Sarah Vaughn | Dress: The Collection Bridal | Venue: Sydonie Mansion

Ultimately, though you might think wedding makeup is expensive, it’s also totally worth it. Having a professional who knows how to get the right look for your unique physiology and have it show up well in photos is well worth the cost. 

Your wedding day is the day you’ll be looking back on for years and years to come and what’s the first thing you’ll see, your face in pictures!

Ashley Marin, your friendly neighborhood makeup artist

Founder & Professional Makeup Artist at Marin Makeup in Longwood, Florida

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