Makeup & Hair Trial Cost Too High?

I think I paid about half the price for the trial ($165 day of, $85 for the trial). I was satisfied during the trial but I changed my hair style the morning of the wedding.

Oh wow, I guess I just never thought of it and it came as a shock to me. That is a ton of money

Yes and especially in NYC

That sounds pretty expensive even for NYC... I'm in North NJ and paid a little over $200 for both hair and makeup

@GreeneBunny Thank you, I'll look them up. That is way more reasonable.

It seems like a lot even for NY. I'm in Jersey and the place I used was on the higher end. Is this place well known? What kind of makeup are they offering? Personally I wouldn't spend that much because I don't think I would be able to tell the difference in the makeup/quality.

What about if I don't like the way the trial comes out? Do I pay again for another trial? How did that work in your experience?

If you don't like the trial just tell them they will play around with it until you're happy. Or you may decide to go with a different style the day of. Trials take time and they have to charge you for their time.

I didn't get a second trial but the place I used said that if I would have to pay for another one. Whoever you use, definitely ask about their policy.

@CMC that is so much more reasonable.

@Rice I don't even want extravagant makeup. Just a nice airbrush foundation, a nice light pink lip color, maybe a teeny bit of contouring (just on my nose), a brush of highlight, and not sure if I want any eyeshadow at all (if I do eyeshadow I'd legit sweep some highlight on my eyelids and call it a day). I'm also planning to get eyelash extensions from my eyebrow threading place so I don't even need lashes. The place is highly rated with a lot of beautiful photos to browse through, but it is Queens, not even Manhattan. Typically the most expensive places are in Manhattan.

@Aquelo, I get that they take time, but $225 just seems a little crazy. It's not like I'm getting highlights and color done. My makeup and hair are going to be rather simple. $725 on hair and makeup in total (not including tips) just seems to be over the top to me. I expected the trial to be about $100 + tips since I figure they are doing it as part of the service that I'm paying more for later on. I dunno, I mean, maybe if i was doing an extravagant up-do and some really fancy detailed eye makeup and intense contouring I'd feel differently. I guess I just think it's weird that its a set price for everyone regardless of what they want done.

GBunny that's pretty funny it worked out that way. I like the idea of a team working together on hair & makeup. I just feel like they'd do a better job working cohesively, so best friends would probably do well with that too. What borough are they in?

I'm in Queens so that's good! Thanks GB!

FWIW, as a bridesmaid in an NYC wedding, our hair and makeup (required by the bride)was $250. To be a bridesmaid in this wedding cost me over $3k ( we don't even talk anymore)

@Vicki WHAT!? That's completely ridiculous! I'm not requiring my BMs to do anything except wear the color dress I choose in the same fabric and length. I would never require them to get hair and makeup done. That's too much!! What a shame you spent all of that on someone who became no one.

Bridal hair and makeup are a complete rip off (like everything else in the industry). There's one woman who quoted me at $800 for both hair and makeup....just for me. If you want to save money (but still look nice) try looking around for artists that don't "specialize" in weddings. Have you tried stopping by your local Sephora or MAC? Perhaps go there for a 'trial' if you like the finished results ask the artist if she'd consider doing your makeup. It's usually a complete honor to get asked and if they're given ample time usually they can make it work.

Same goes for hair, do you have a hair stylists you've been going to that you like? Many salons will have no problem accommodating you if you don't mind swinging by early in the AM.

I service your area, and while my intel is relegated to what my brides in North Jersey, Westchester, and Rockland Counties tell me, that's a lot.

Thanks Janine that's really helpful. And I agree the wedding industry is a complete rip off.

I am a teacher and one of my student's mothers is a manager at a bunch of Mac stores in the city. She noticed my ring the first time we met and she gave me her card saying "I noticed you're getting married, let me know if I can help." I feel so weird about reaching out about it though! She's suchhhhh a sweet woman so I don't think she would be weird to work with, but it is just something I've been holding off on because I'm nervous about it being wrong somehow. Maybe I'll talk to her though and see how she can help me. I also reached out to a woman who works at Mac that did my mom's friend's makeup for a wedding she was in. So I do have other options here. I guess I was mostly concerned since this was my first quote and it scared me quite a bit.

Regarding hair, my girl does a beautiful job doing my highlights and my cuts, but I'm not sure if she does specialty hair. I want something pretty simple. I think I'm going to go for a waterfall braid in the back like a half-up half down style with some curls/waves. I can ask her if she would be able to do it, but I'm just a little worried since she doesn't specialize in bridal hair.

ETA: hair pictures

@Centerpiece that is good to know going forward. Thanks for the insight!

That would be awesome!! I'd love to see how it looks. I'll be on the lookout. Thanks again!