Save Money on Your Wedding Hair & Makeup

Of course you want to look radiant on your wedding day but who wants to shell out a bunch of money for a look that will only last a day?  Here are a few wedding tips on how to get your perfect bridal look without breaking your wedding budget:

• Plan ahead – decide how much you’re able to spend on your hair and makeup.  You will be able to save quite a bit by doing your own or, maybe you have a skilled friend or family member who would be willing to do your hair and makeup as a wedding gift.
• If you do decide to do your own makeup, it might be a good idea to visit a department store makeup counter a few weeks prior.  Many will give you a complimentary makeover using their products if you agree to buy one or more.  Do some research on the makeup lines available and ask the technician to use long-wearing, smudge proof products.  Buy the products you love and recreate the look yourself before your wedding as well.
• If you’re looking for less expensive makeup, pharmacies usually have more products than grocery stores.  Save by stocking up on coupons and combining them with in-store sales!
• If buying additional products isn’t in your budget, ask your bridesmaids and friends if they have extra eye shadow pallets or blush shades you could borrow instead.  Or, visit beauty stores for samples of makeup. Usually, you do have to buy at at least something but a sample size is all you need for one day of makeup, so going this route could save you from buying makeup you’ll never wear again.
• For your hair, curling it and/or pulling it back usually always looks elegant and is easy to do on your own. Dress it up with a hair comb or barrette; check out your friends’ collection of hair pieces before you buy a new one – maybe they have something you could borrow for the day.
• Before hiring a professional, test out a local cosmetology school.  The students are training to become professionals and charge low rates on makeovers, hairstyles and up-dos.  Be as prepared as possible when you visit – bring in pictures of looks you like, your wedding colors, and/or your gown so they are able to choose the appropriate colors and styles for you.
• If you decide to hire a makeup artist or hair stylist, visit their salon instead of asking them to make a house call, which could end up costing more.

• The key is to avoid surprises on your wedding day.  Ideally, you will be able to ‘practice’ your wedding hair and makeup, whether you do it yourself or have someone else do it and will avoid unnecessary stress on your special day.  If you’re having your hair and makeup done, be honest with how you want to look – every bride deserves to feel the most beautiful on her wedding day!
• Lastly, don’t let that ‘practice run’ go to waste!  Try and schedule it before your engagement party or pictures, bridal shower or bachelorette party – you’ll feel gorgeous and extra confident and have the chance to test out your wedding look.