Bridal makeup is an essential part of a bride's wedding day look, and in Toronto and the GTA, the cost of achieving that picture-perfect bridal glow can seem high. As you prepare for your special day, it's important to understand the factors that influence the cost of bridal makeup, and why it varies from other types of makeup services. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at what to expect and how to make an informed decision that fits your budget.

Factors Affecting the Cost

• Experience: Makeup artists with a strong portfolio and reputation often charge higher rates. They have extensive experience working with brides, ensuring an incredible experience for you and your wedding party along with a polished and long-lasting look.

• Services Included: The services included in your bridal makeup package can significantly impact the cost. The number of people receiving services affect the cost of your bridal makeup package - more bridesmaids mean either an earlier start time or more artists to shorten your getting-ready time - both of which will come with an increased cost.

• Quality of Products: Some makeup artists use premium or luxury makeup brands, which can drive up the cost. Discuss your preferences and budget with your artist to find the right balance.

• Location: Is your wedding nearby or will you require your artist to travel? Artists who must travel out of their area will charge travel fees based on the distance of the location.

Cost Estimates

The cost of the bride’s makeup in Toronto can range from approximately $200 to $500 or more. To provide a more accurate estimate for your whole party, let's break down these costs further:

• Bridal Makeup Preview: This is a crucial step to ensure your makeup artist understands your preferences. It typically costs the same as your bridal makeup on the wedding day, as your artist devotes a large amount of time and skill to achieving your desired look to give you the best idea of what the look will be on the wedding day. Contrary to popular belief, the preview, or “trial”, is actually more work for the artist since this is typically their first time working with you, your skin, and your preferences. Some artists provide discounted rates for previews, but it’s important to be wary of individuals who undercharge - in beauty, you usually get what you pay for.

• Bridal Makeup on the Wedding Day: On your special day, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 (before tax) for bridal makeup, depending on the artist you choose. Premium, or “luxury”, makeup artists may charge more.

• Bridal Party Makeup: Bridesmaids and family members can also get their makeup done, which usually costs around $150 to $300 per person. Typically artists will charge less for the bridal party because they devote less time on the day of the wedding to the bridesmaids than the bride.

• Additional Services: Services such as touch-ups throughout the day or on-location services may incur extra fees, usually between $75 and $100 per hour.

Tips to Manage Costs

• Book Early: Secure your makeup artist well in advance to lock in their current rates. Prices usually increase over time.

• Prioritize: If your wedding makeup or hair is high on your list of priorities for the wedding day, ensure that you have budgeted accordingly in order to secure your dream artist. If you have other priorities that trump your wedding look, then you should seek artists that fit into the budget you can allocate for the services.

• Consider Recommendations: Seek recommendations from friends or family who have recently been married in the area. Personal referrals often lead to finding experienced and suitable makeup artists.

• Hire Local Artists: As travel costs can significantly increase the cost of yourmakeup package, consider hiring artists who are local to the area if your wedding is out of town.

When planning your wedding, the cost of bridal makeup is an essential consideration. Keep in mind that various factors, including location, experience, services, makeup brands, and party size, can influence the overall cost. By understanding these factors and planning ahead, you can achieve your dream bridal look without breaking the bank. Remember to communicate openly with your chosen makeup artist to create a personalized package that fits your budget and vision for your special day.