Weddingbee Blog

When I first plotted out my wedding budget, I gave myself $200 for hair/makeup and figured that was plenty. After all, the last time I got my hair done was for senior prom (that was seven years ago) and it looked gorgeous for $70. So you can imagine my surprise when the first makeup/hair artist I called gave me a price point of $400. Four hundred buckaroos! I started thinking of all the things I could buy for $400.

I asked recently-wedded friends for help, advice, contacts…and apparently everyone had spent between $300-$600. One friend who did not fall into the range paid $200 for a very unpleasant experience (the stylist didn’t listen to her at all).

I started thinking I’d either have to resort to doing it myself or find a friend. But the truth is, I’ve curled my hair maybe five times in my life, and my daily beauty regimen is lotion and chapstick. And none of the friends I hang out with are the beauty/makeup type either.

Back to the drawing board. I searched the Knot message boards and finally read about Carrie of Makeup By Sisters who better fit my price range and had great reviews. Unfortunately, at the time I contacted her she was only willing to do bridal makeup in East Bay (due to a recent baby, if I remember correctly).

After a couple of agonizing weeks, I somehow found Annette from Lavish Hair and Makeup Studio in San Francisco. While her rates do run $350 for on-location bridal hair/makeup, she’s only about $150-$200 if you’re willing to visit her salon instead. Score! Still, I was a little nervous at what kind of experience I would get if her rates were so much lower than other ones I found.

I needn’t have worried. During my hair/makeup trial, she was calm and quick. It amazed me at how fast she worked but pulled off a style that would take someone else twice as long. I also appreciated how she would offer up her own advice to make sure I knew the effect of any decisions I made. For example, I wanted glossy lips but she advised that the shine may reflect poorly in photographs. I wanted fake eyelashes but she suggested that just a few on the edge would go better with the natural look I was going for.

Even Mr. Tomato was surprised and enjoyed the results (though he insisted the whole time I didn’ t need makeup, awww ). Here are some pictures he took of me:

Looking back, I’m not sure I like the way my bangs look so much. After much agonizing I have decided I’ll be doing a second hair trial sometime soon. I’ve heard stories from people who wanted a second hair trial, decided against it, and regretted it on their wedding day.

Another option for bargain hunters is having your makeup done at a beauty counter in the mall. It’s not always fun to have people stare at you, but I had my engagement session makeup done at the Bobbi Brown counter at Stanford Shopping Center and loved it (though Mr. Tomato still much preferred Annette’s work). And I will admit they’re not always dependable–I booked an appointment at another makeup counter once (different mall) and the makeup artist completely flaked on me the day of with no apologies. It all depends what you’re comfortable with.

Here are some makeup artists I would definitely suggest if you have the budget:

Priciest
Taylor Pham ($1000 for both)
Nam Vo ($325 makeup only, no hair services)
Sarah Hyde ($600 for both)
Professional Makeup Artistry ($300 each, or $500 for both)

Others:
Sherrie Long ($400 for both)
Audrey Crandell ($150, makeup only)

Jira ($300 for both)
Christina Kazadzis ($250 airbrush makeup only)