How to Set Your Rates as a Bridal Hair & Makeup Artist (Without Second Guessing or Undervaluing Yourself!)

You’ve trained, perfected your craft, and now it’s time to get paid what you’re worth. But how do you actually set your prices?

Charge too much, and you worry about scaring off clients. Charge too little, and you’re stuck working long hours for low pay. (Been there, done that – never again!) But don’t stress, babe! I’m here to guide you through the process so you can price with confidence, charge your worth, and run a profitable bridal beauty business.

And because I want you to price with confidence (not stress and second-guess yourself), I’ve teamed up with Kira of Parla Hair & The Bridal Hair Club to bring you Profit Projections.

Honestly, this tool is going to change your life and calculate exactly what you should be charging. It factors in taxes, expenses, and profit goals so you can set rates that make sense for YOUR biz.

Where to Start: Understanding Your Pricing Strategy

Pricing your bridal hair & makeup services isn’t about picking a number and hoping for the best. It’s about setting rates that reflect your skills, your market, and – most importantly – your profitability. 

Here’s what you need to consider:

• Your skills & experience – whether you’re fresh out of training or a seasoned pro, your pricing should grow with you. More experience = higher value.

• Market demand – location matters. Pricing too high in a budget-conscious area may limit bookings, while undercharging in a luxury market can hurt your credibility (and attract the wrong clients!).

• Profitability – your rate should cover EVERYTHING – products, travel, time, business expenses – while still leaving room for profit.

So, how do you actually figure out what to charge? There are two key pricing strategies…

Cost-Based Pricing (Ensuring Profitability)

If your pricing isn’t covering every cost associated with running your business, you’re basically working for free. And babe, we’re not here for that.

Your rate needs to account for more than just your time on the wedding day. Think about everything that goes into each booking: your kit, your travel, your admin hours, and the countless behind-the-scenes expenses that make your business run smoothly.

Step 1: List Out Every Expense

To run a profitable bridal beauty biz, you need to factor in:

• Kit costs – your products, tools, brushes, disposables, and maintenance add up fast. 

• High-quality makeup and hairstyling tools aren’t cheap, and you’re constantly restocking.

• Time spent – you’re not just showing up on the wedding day. You’re emailing, booking trials, consulting, traveling, cleaning brushes, and managing your schedule. Your time has value, and your pricing should reflect that.

• Travel costs – gas, parking, tolls, and even wear and tear on your car. If you’re traveling to 

venues, this adds up quickly.

• Business costs – your website, insurance, advertising, CRM software (like 17hats), continuing education, and everything else that keeps your business running behind the scenes.

Step 2: Do the Math

Take the total amount you spend on your business every month, including your salary (yes, you need to pay yourself!). Then, divide that by the number of weddings you can realistically take on each month.

Here’s the formula:

Total monthly business costs ÷ realistic number of clients = minimum service price

This is the absolute lowest you should be charging just to break even. But breaking even isn’t the goal, right? You’re here to make a profit.

The result? The absolute minimum you should charge per service to stay profitable. And if that number feels too low, it’s time to raise those rates!

Value-Based Pricing (Charging What You’re Truly Worth)

Covering costs is step one – but your pricing should also reflect the experience, expertise, and transformation you bring to your brides. You’re not just doing hair and makeup – you’re making them feel amazing on one of the biggest days of their lives. And that? Is priceless.

Your price should reflect:

• Your skill level and experience. Have you trained with top artists? Spent years perfecting your craft? Your rates should increase as your expertise grows.

• Your location and market demand. Pricing in a big city will be different from a small town. Know what brides in your area are used to paying.

• The luxury service you provide. Do your brides get a VIP, high-touch experience? Are you offering a seamless, stress-free process? Luxury pricing should match a luxury experience.

The way you position yourself matters. If you want to be seen as a high-end artist, your pricing needs to match. And if you’re just starting out, set competitive rates – but never price yourself so low that brides question your value.

How to Research Market Rates

Pricing isn’t about pulling numbers out of thin air. It’s about knowing your market, your value, and where you stand. 

Here’s how to do it right:

• Stalk the competition (strategically). Check out other artists in your area – what are they charging? What’s included? If pricing isn’t listed, reach out as a bride would (yes, seriously).

• Factor in your experience. If you’re just starting out, it’s okay to price slightly lower than top-tier artists – but never so low that you look inexperienced or desperate for bookings.

• Location matters, but don’t assume. Big-city artists can charge more due to demand & cost of living, but brides everywhere will pay for premium service. Don’t sell yourself short just because you’re in a smaller town.

• You’re not just selling glam – you’re selling the experience. Brides book you for peace of mind, a stress-free morning & that ‘OMG, I look amazing’ moment. Your pricing should reflect the full transformation you provide.

Why Profit Projections Makes Setting Your Rates So Much Easier

I know how difficult setting your rates can be. It’s usually one of the first questions I get when working with my bridal business coaching girlies. 

That’s why I’ve teamed up with Kira of Parla Hair & The Bridal Hair Club to bring you Profit Projections – the tool that does the math for you so you can stop guessing and start charging with confidence.

• Know your numbers. It calculates exactly what you should be charging – no more throwing out random prices.
• Covers all your expenses. Taxes, kit costs, business expenses? Factored in, so you’re never undercharging.
• Gives you CEO-level confidence. When you KNOW your rates make sense, quoting prices is effortless.

You’re not just doing hair & makeup – you’re creating once-in-a-lifetime moments for brides. Your pricing should reflect that. Let Profit Projections show you exactly what you should be charging.

Check it out here!

The Danger of Pricing Too Low

One of the biggest mistakes new bridal hair and makeup artists make is pricing themselves too low. It might seem like a smart way to attract clients, but in reality, it can hurt your business and your reputation.

Clients associate price with quality. If your prices are too low, potential brides may assume you’re inexperienced or not confident in your work. Brides aren’t looking for the cheapest option – they want someone they can trust to make them look and feel amazing on their big day.

Plus low prices aren’t sustainable. Your kit alone costs thousands to maintain. Factor in travel, continued education, admin time, consultations, and trials, and suddenly, those bargain rates don’t even cover your expenses – let alone turn a profit. 

You might be fully booked, but if your pricing isn’t set up for growth, you’re just running in circles, working harder for less. A profitable, thriving bridal business starts with charging what you’re truly worth.

Long-Term Pricing Strategy

We all start out somewhere. And if you’re new, it’s okay to price yourself competitively. But you need to have a plan to increase your rates as you gain experience and demand grows. I see way too many bridal business babes get stuck here. 

• Begin with a fair, market-aligned rate – don’t undercut yourself just to get bookings.
• Raise your prices as you build your portfolio and gain client testimonials.
• If your calendar starts filling up months in advance, it’s a sign you should charge more.

The goal isn’t just to book brides – it’s to run a profitable, sustainable business. If you’re unsure what you should be charging go and check out Profit Projections to help you set rates that reflect your worth and keep your business thriving.

Be Transparent & Confident in Your Pricing

If you hesitate when talking about pricing, a bride will hesitate to book you. Confidence sells. Brides want a pro who knows their worth – not someone second-guessing their rates.

You should know your pricing inside and out. If a bride asks, you need to answer without fumbling or saying, “Let me check and get back to you.” Uncertainty makes you look inexperienced, and that’s not the vibe we’re going for.

Make it easy – put your prices on your website. Even a “starting at” price helps set expectations and filters out tire kickers who aren’t your ideal clients. Brides don’t want to waste time guessing, and neither do you.

No discounting. No haggling. Your pricing reflects your skill, experience, and the seamless, luxury service you provide. If a bride pushes back, stand firm. There will always be someone cheaper, but the right clients book you for your expertise – not just your price tag.

What’s Included in Your Pricing?

Brides need to know exactly what they’re getting, and you need to make sure you’re charging for all the time, effort, and extras that go into their experience. No last-minute freebies. No awkward money convos. Just clear, professional pricing from the start.

First, lay out what your standard bridal package includes. Are false lashes part of the deal? Do you provide a touch-up kit? Will you stay for post-ceremony fixes? Be specific so there’s no confusion.

Next, clarify your trial pricing. Some artists include it in the package, while others charge separately. If you offer a discount on the trial when the bride books, say so upfront. But let’s be clear – a trial isn’t a freebie. It’s a key part of ensuring the perfect wedding day look.

Don’t forget additional costs. Travel fees, early morning start times, extra bridal party members, or staying for touch-ups – these all need to be listed in your pricing structure. 

If you’re traveling outside your usual area, will you charge per mile? Do you require accommodations for destination weddings? Forgetting to charge for your time and expenses eats into your profit – and we’re not here for that.

When (and Why) to Work for Free

You didn’t spend time, money & energy mastering your craft just to work for free. But in the right situations, strategic unpaid work can boost your portfolio, sharpen your skills & open doors to actual paying gigs. 

The trick? Knowing when to say yes – and when to walk away.

If you’re starting out, practicing on friends & family is a smart move – just treat it like a real booking. Time yourself, test different products, and take pro-level before & after photos to build your portfolio.

Styled shoots can be a game-changer – if you’re selective. Only say yes if:

• The team is experienced and will produce images that elevate your brand.
• You’ll get access to photos quickly (waiting months for images won’t help your marketing).
• The shoot aligns with the type of brides you want to attract.

Assisting top artists is another power move. Watching a pro in action teaches you things **no course ever could** client etiquette, luxury service, workflow efficiency… all the details that make or break your biz. Plus, many lead artists hire their best assistants when they’re booked out.

What you don’t want to do is say yes to endless unpaid work just to “get exposure.” Exposure doesn’t pay the bills, and clients who want freebies will never turn into high-paying bookings. Be strategic, know when to charge, and make sure every opportunity moves your business forward.

Price for Profit & Confidence

There’s way more to pricing than just picking a number – it’s about owning your worth and building a profitable, sustainable business. 

Too many bridal artists undercharge out of fear, but when you price with confidence, you attract dream clients who actually respect your work.

Do it right from the start. Research your market, calculate your costs, and set prices that reflect your skills, location & business goals. Your rates should do more than cover expenses – they should fund growth, better tools, advanced education & the freedom you started this biz for.

Remember brides aren’t just booking you for glam. They’re booking you for your expertise, professionalism & the seamless experience you create. Charge accordingly.

Not sure where to start? Use Profit Projections to calculate exactly what you should be charging – so you can set your rates, own your value & watch your business thrive.