Wedding Hair Costs: Everything You Need to Know
Planning your wedding hair is just as important as finding the perfect dress. But how much does wedding hair cost? It’s a question every bride asks, so let’s dive into the details to help you understand what influences the pricing and how to plan for it.
Booking your wedding hair is a little bit like planning a holiday. Imagine booking during school term versus half-term—prices can vary dramatically because demand plays a huge role. Similarly, wedding hair costs are often higher on weekends, especially Fridays & Saturdays, when demand peaks and availability is limited.
By understanding these factors, you can better anticipate costs and plan your budget effectively, ensuring your wedding hair experience is stress-free and tailored to your needs.
Several factors can influence the cost of your wedding hair, and my aim is to provide a general guideline on which services might add to the bill.
First, the level of expertise of the stylist plays a significant role. A bridal hairstylist with over 10 years of experience and a strong demand for their services will typically charge higher rates.
The bespoke nature of the services also matters—experienced professionals often deliver tailored, high-quality results, reflecting their specialisation. For example, a general hairdresser who fits you into their salon schedule between cuts and colors may charge less but likely won't offer the same degree of bespoke service as someone focused solely on bridal styling.
Travel fees are another factor, generally ranging from £0.25 to £1.50 per mile, calculated both ways from the stylist’s studio to the venue and back.
The number of people requiring styling can also affect the cost. While a larger group—such as bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, flower girls and extra guests—might seem more expensive, many hairstylists would offer better rates per person for larger parties. Since most wedding guests will pay for professional styling anyway, asking your bridal hair stylist to accommodate a bigger group could reduce individual costs and save you money.
The day of the week and the time of day your bridal party needs to be ready also impact pricing. Fridays and Saturdays are typically more expensive due to higher demand, while twilight weddings (where preparations start later in the day) may cost less as they don't require early-morning starts. Conversely, if your ceremony is at 9 a.m. and you have a large group to style, your hairstylist may need an assistant, adding to the cost. Early starts—such as requiring a stylist to arrive by 4 a.m.—might also incur extra fees due to the additional effort involved. However, if preparations begin at 6 a.m., that’s considered a standard start time, and you generally wouldn’t get charged extra. In fact, I personally prefer and enjoy styling larger groups during a wedding morning, as my time is used more effectively.
Styles that take longer to create, such as Hollywood waves, which can take up to two hours per person, may also add to the cost. As an industry guideline, it’s always best to mention to your wedding hair stylist, if you’re wanting 'set Hollywood waves', as some hairstylists would generally charge extra due to the additional time required.
The need for an assistant to help style the bridal party can also increase expenses, particularly for larger groups. Assistants are typically self-employed bridal hairstylists who make themselves available to support another stylist, in turns. They generally expect to style at least two people and are paid per person, which is why they may arrive at a different time then the main hair stylist. She/he will have specific guests allocated to their schedule onto a specific time. Additionally, your bridal hairstylist will cover the assistant’s travel expenses, adding to the total cost. Assistants typically charge around £60 per person, especially when they are also experienced bridal hairstylists themselves.
Furthermore, having a hair trial before the wedding—whether exclusively for the bride or including trials for the bridal party or the mother of the bride—can impact the overall price.
By understanding these factors, brides can better plan their budget and set realistic expectations.
How much would a bride pay for wedding hair for the bride plus three adults on a Saturday during the wedding season, with everyone ready by 12?
The answer is: it depends.
However, based on industry standards, here’s an example of what your invoice might look like as a general guideline:
Deposit: Between £50 and £150. This is required to secure your date and will be deducted from the final bill.
Bride Hair Trial: Between £60 and £175. It generally takes place at the hair stylist's studio. Highly reccomended.
Bride Hair on the Day: Between £60 and £200. It varies by stylist to stylist.
Adults on the Day: Between £50 and £90 per person. The number of people cannot be reduced after the hair trial.
Travel Fees: Between £0.25 and £1.50 per mile, calculated both ways. Always ask for travel fees calculation.
If I were to add more people to the wedding hair schedule, would my final bill be reduced?
The answer is: It depends on the hairstylist.
If you’re paying £80 per person to style (excluding the bride) and decide to add five people instead of three, you could politely request a small reduction in price. Many stylists are open to offering discounts for larger groups, provided they don’t need to hire an assistant or extend their schedule significantly. Being flexible with early start times can also help.
What if I want styling to begin at 9 a.m. with two assistants and Hollywood Waves for everyone? Will that reduce the cost?
Unfortunately, this would increase your final cost significantly. Hollywood Waves take longer to create—up to two hours per person—and the use of two assistants adds further expenses. Additionally, starting at 9 a.m. for a group of this size compresses the timeline, requiring extra assistants and split revenues for the main hairstylist who will now work double per person and give away the rest of her earnings to the other stylist who are there to assists. These factors would likely skyrocket your final bill.
What is the expected total range for wedding hair in conclusion?
Your total range for wedding hair costs based on bride plus 3 people (excluding any extra requests or potential add-ons) would be: £325 to £829
This gives you an overall idea of what you can expect, based on the services outlined.
In Conclusion
Wedding hair costs can vary significantly from stylist to stylist, often extending beyond just styling on the day. A specialised bridal hairstylist typically provides consultations to understand your vision, travels to your venue or home, creates a detailed schedule for your bridal party, and ensures the morning runs smoothly. Additionally, they bring the expertise to craft a style that not only looks stunning but also lasts all day. While it might be a hard truth, it’s an important one to consider: booking specialists for each role ensures that everyone in your party receives the same high-quality service, making the wedding morning smoother and less stressful for all involved.
Understanding wedding hair costs helps you plan your budget and guarantees you’ll achieve the perfect look for your big day. Each wedding is unique, and my mission is to provide a seamless, stress-free experience tailored to your needs.
Let’s work together to bring your dream look to life! Check my pricing here! Download my FREE step-by-step guide to start your journey toward stunning wedding hair that reflects your personal style HERE.
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Photographs and make-up provided by Laura Lewis
Venue Willow Marsh Farm, Leicestershir.
Hairstylist BRIDAL HAIRSTYLES wedding hair Nottingham.
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