Negotiating with makeup artist?

There's no harm in asking for a better price! Be sure to bring up other quotes you've recieved from people in the area!


As far as being nervous about it being her first wedding, I wouldn't stress. Makeup is makeup, and if you liked how she did it in the trial, you'll like how she does it for you wedding. She probably has done other special makeup like proms and events, so she has experience working under pressure. If you don't like what she's doing the day of, then don't hesitate to let her know!

That's crazy! My make up artist is charging me 180 for me and my M.O.H. I would definitely ask for a better deal, especially it being her first. Like P.P. said, bring up the other prices others had offered.

$180 does seem expensive. Do you have a backup you like in case she won't bargain with you? I'd let her know that's out of your price range, and ask if there is anyway she can work with your budget.

I think $180 is a lil over the top, being a make up artist that use to do brides all the time! It wouldn’t be bad to just go back to her for a lower price! I’m also getting married on Long Island in 24 days and the prices are outrageous for everything smh. In my opinion the amount should be between $125 - $140!

I live in an expensive city and the highest I've seen is $150. The range is like $75-$125 per face. I think especially since it's her first time you could say you've been quoted a lot lower for people who have been in the industry for awhile. Tell her you're more comfortable at $100- whatever.

Does that include travel fees?

It doesn't hurt to haggle a bit but I requested pricing from a lot of people in long island and the average was about $150/200. Crazy how expensive new york is but If you really liked her, it might be worth it.

It doesn't hurt to ask for some wiggle room. $180 is a lot and if she hasn't done weddings before you're right she probably just picked a number out of thin air.

I agree ir may be a lot if she hasn’t done weddings before, but it’s not far from quotes I’ve gotten. Not only does more go into bridal makeup, but there is also travel & ppl generally charge more for potential loss of clientele for the day by doing your wedding.

I think $180 just for makeup is too high unless this also included the trial. My HMUA charges $125 for just makeup but also charges that same price for a trial. I think it is reasonable to let her know that you really like her but that based on the market research you have done in this area, her price is not in line with the other wedding makeup artists in your area and you would respectfully request she agree to $X amount instead. If she refuses, then you understand and wish her well.

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Hi Allison! Agreeing with FutureMrsD, prices vary depending on where you live.

Having a backup plan in case she doesn't bargain with you and letting her know your price range are good ideas too. Being that it's her first wedding, she may not know what "normal" prices are from other artists/stylists in your area. Kindly asking if she can work with your budget in any way is definitely justifiable in this case, given that it is her first wedding and first time setting a price point for a bridal look.

As a makeup artist, people charge anywhere from $50-200. Although I haven’t come across anyone lately that is charging $180 and has never done bridals before.. I know some girl who own their own stores and charge $100. Is her work THAT good? Do you have pictures of her work we can see? I’d hate for you to spend an arm and a leg and it not be amazing work.

Thanks, everyone! I'm probably going to tell her the truth, that I've been quoted $75-$125, but since I really liked her work, I'd be willing to go more like $150. I just hate haggling! And I really liked her work, so I don't want to be rude or devalue her or anything. I wish I felt more comfortable negotiating!

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Honestly, I did feel like she was that good. She was like the Goldilocks of makeup artists that I tried. The first one made me look like a drag queen, the second one was fine but I felt like I could have easily done it myself and it was too natural (even my fiance who loves natural and never comments said he was unimpressed), and this one was just perfect. So that's why I'm nervous about putting her off.

Do you have a sense as to her experience? I would put 0 consideration into the fact she hasnt done a "wedding" before. If she has years of solid experience doing makeup for other events or for photography, film, etc then she is worth the cost. And could even be offended or decline your request to revisit the rate.

I am paying $180 in San Francisco, so it isnt unheard of. I live in New York and my friends who got married here paid the same if not more.

I say if you really like the result and it doesnt break the budget, then pay it.

View Quoted Comment Hi, I live in New York too near long island and the price range was $175-$250 not including the trial. I paid the higher price because I loved the way one particular artist made me look during the trials. I would just pay the price she quoted if you liked her makeup the best. You want to look your best on your wedding day! Good luck.