Bridesmaids Gift - tell them early??

Tell them early. If they don't know about it, they may make appointments for it or buy supplies that they will end up not needing.

I hate to say it but paying for makeup for your wedding isn't necessarily a "gift" to your BMs. Your gift should be something that says thank you for sharing my special day with me and I appreciate everything you've done. At least if you gave them a clutch or jewelry they could possibly use it again. I think you should get them an actual gift to go along with the hair and makeup.

I do have a very small bridal party but I am paying for hair and makeup in addition to getting gifts for them.

I would tell them early. I'm doing the same for my BMs (probably only hair though because both for 6 BMs can get too pricey!) Although like irin997 said, I would do something additional as well. I'm also purchasing their shoes -- We're doing a beach wedding so they'll only need shoes for the reception/pictures and I had them pick out a sandal that they liked. Fortunately, it was an inexpensive sandal so I decided paying for their hair, too, would be good. I think I might also get draw string shoe bags (with each BM's name (found a place that does them pretty cheap but good quality) on it to put the sandals in

Etiquette says hair and makeup aren't gifts to the maids since they better the look of your wedding.

I'd skip that and get them something they truly want, personalize it for each girl.

I'm with Kristen, hair & make up is not a thank you gift in my opinion. It's part of the wedding - if you require it, then you have to pay. If not, they can decide. It would be like saying the bouquets were their gifts.

Some nice jewelry or something would be much better

I did earrings and one personal, unique gift for each girl. I got them through etsy.com and spent like $25 on each.

It is your wedding and you can give whatever gift you want.... If you are making the appointments for the hair appointment then you do not necessarily have to tell them. But if they are worrying about paying for it, it will probably more of a gift if you don't wait and take that stress off of them. If you can afford it get them a little something extra... I personally have told my bridesmaids everything they are getting 1. because I cant keep a secret 2. because most items are accessories for the wedding (clutch and jewelry) and wouldnt want to buy them and waste the money....

I agree, it's fine to tell them ahead of time. However, I do think it's fine getting them that as their gift..i mean typical presents of jewelry, shoes, clutches are honestly all go toward the look of a wedding as well. I think it's greatly appreciated as most BMs have to pay for their own dress..For my gift I'm paying for half their dress, but may also get a flower hair clip, or a personalized wine class or toasting flute as a little something to open.

I would tell them ahead of time, and although it is going toward the "look" of your wedding, it is also taking a huge responsibility off of the BM's. Hair and makeup and get expensive, and then the dress and shoes and any other accessories... I think paying for hair and makeup is extremely generous. I wish I could do that for my girls. I am making them each pearl necklaces and earings as a gift, as well as something else a little more personal.

Thank you everyone for your responses. It was greatly appreciated. You have all given me something to think about. I guess the thought never crossed my mind that hair and makeup may not be enough as a gift. I was thinking that between the cost of dress, shoes, airfare, hotel, etc that to not have to pay for hair and makeup would be a better gift then something they may never use again. I think what to get the girls, who are all extremely different from each other, has been more stressful then most the wedding planning! haha. Thanks again to you all!

My first thought was to send them each a heartfelt card that states how much you value their friendship and role in your wedding. In the card you could include a gift certificate for the hair and makeup services and if you can afford a mani pedi. You could call it a pampering session or something. I really don't see how it would be offensive or not considered a gift. As a bridesmaid I would love it.

I think if it's something you only use for the wedding (such as hair/makeup/bouquet etc), it's not really a thank you gift - since it's something that enhances your wedding day look. Jewelry etc. is something they can use again after the wedding. Now a gift cert for mani/pedi or spa session would be awesome.