How to Charge for Travel as a Bridal Hair and Makeup Artist

Let’s talk about how to charge for travel as bridal hair and MUA, because babe, gas ain’t free. 

You finally booked that dream bride, nailed the consultation, and locked in the wedding date. Then, reality hits – you’ve got to drive there.

And suddenly, you’re deep in a Google spiral: Do I charge per mile? By the hour? Should I just throw a number out and hope for the best? Do I include it in my service pricing?

You need to hear this babe… if you’re not charging properly for travel, you’re probably losing money. And I mean, a lot more than you realize. 

Fuel, wear and tear, your precious time – it all adds up. And unless you want to work for free (spoiler: you don’t), your travel fees need to reflect your worth AND your expenses.

So, if you’ve ever second-guessed your pricing or felt awkward bringing up travel costs, don’t stress. I’m breaking down the best ways to charge for travel – so you can price confidently, profitably, and without a single ounce of guilt.

Protect Yourself with a Solid Service Contract!

Before we dive into pricing, let’s talk about something every bridal artist NEEDS—a solid service contract.

When you’re traveling for weddings, things can get messy—last-minute cancellations, extra travel fees, unexpected venue changes… a strong contract protects YOU, your business, and your time.

1. Understanding Travel Fees in Your Bridal Business

Let’s get one thing straight, travel fees are NOT an extra. They’re a core part of your pricing strategy, just like your bridal packages. 

Because if you’re spending hours on the road without proper compensation, you’re basically working for free (and we’re not about that life).

Here’s why your travel fee needs to be locked in and non-negotiable:

• Your time is money. Every minute you spend in the car is time you could be making money on another booking.
• Your car isn’t running on good vibes. Gas, insurance, maintenance, wear & tear – it all adds up.
• Long-distance gigs = premium pricing. If a bride wants you over a local artist, that’s a luxury – charge accordingly.

And remember… gas prices, demand, and your experience level will all change – so should your rates. Review them regularly. 

2. Choosing a Travel Pricing Structure

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are the most common ways to charge for travel as a bridal hair and makeup artist:

Mileage-Based Fees

The biggest mistake I see with this pricing model is using the IRS rate. 

For 2025, that rate is 70¢ per mile. Cute for taxes… a total joke for a profitable bridal beauty biz. Let’s be real – your car doesn’t run on hope and setting spray.

Why you shouldn’t be using the IRS rate

• It’s a tax deduction, not real cash in your pocket. You need upfront payment for your time & expenses.
• It doesn’t cover wear & tear. Oil changes, new tires, unexpected breakdowns… it adds up.
• Gas prices are unpredictable. If you book a 2025 wedding for 2027, fuel could cost way more.
• It’s TOO LOW. You’re a premium artist, not an Uber driver.

How to actually charge per mile

• You can charge per mile – but factor in things like gas, maintenance, time, & client experience.
• ALWAYS charge round-trip. Because, duh – you’re not teleporting home.
• Set a minimum travel fee. Even short drives eat into your workflow & booking potential.

Your time on the road is part of the service. Own it. Charge for it. And never apologize for it.

Time-Based Fees

If your city’s roads turn into a parking lot the second you hit rush hour, charging per mile is basically useless. And in these cases, you should 100% be charging time-based fees.

Instead of focusing on distance, you charge for how long it actually takes to get to the venue.

When time-based pricing makes sense:

• You work in a traffic-heavy area.
• City zones make mileage unpredictable. Some venues might be close but take forever to reach.

How to price it:

• Set a per-hour travel rate (e.g., $50 per 30 mins of driving).
• Use tools like Google Maps or Waze to estimate travel time & charge accordingly.

Flat-Rate Fees

If you keep finding yourself at the same venues over and over again, flat-rate pricing is where it’s at. 

Instead of tracking every mile or calculating drive time for each booking, you charge a set travel fee based on location. Simple, predictable, and zero stress.

Here’s an example of how you could structure your flat fee travel rates: 

• $50 for venues within 30 miles
• $100 for venues 30–60 miles away
• $150+ for anything beyond that

Using a Combination of Methods

You know the BEST thing about running your own bridal beauty biz – YOU set the rules. 

If you start out using mileage-based fees but realize time-based or flat rates work better, switch it up!

Your pricing isn’t set in stone. The quotes you’ve already sent out? Those are locked in. But moving forward, you have full control over what you charge and how you charge it. 

How to create a hybrid travel fee model:

• Flat-rate fees for venues you visit all the time (set it & forget it!).
• Time-based fees for city weddings where traffic is unpredictable.
• Mileage-based fees for out-of-state & destination bookings.
• Seasonal adjustments (hello, peak wedding season pricing!).

3. Additional Factors to Consider

Travel pricing isn’t just about mileage or time. It’s about every single cost that comes with getting to the venue – including parking, tolls, and accommodations. And babe, those costs should NEVER come out of your pocket.

I learned this the hard way when I used to show up to fancy hotels, spend 20 mins hunting for street parking, and then sprint to the bridal suite lugging my entire kit because I didn’t think to factor in valet fees. Never again. If there’s an easier way to get to a job, charge for it.

Parking, Tolls, and Valet:

Parking Fees: If the venue charges for parking, guess what? That’s on the bride – not you. Make sure this is crystal clear in your contract. If you’re working at a hotel, ask if they can bill the parking fee directly to her room (a lot of them will!).

Valet: If valet is an option, use it. It’s way faster than circling the block looking for a space – especially if you’re rolling up before sunrise for a bridal party of ten. If a venue requires valet, add a clause in your contract stating that the cost will either be billed to her room or included in your final invoice.

Street Parking: If you’re working in a city where street parking is the only option, don’t assume you’ll find a cheap spot. Know the hourly rate in that area & factor it into your travel fee upfront.

Tolls: If you’re driving through toll roads, build it into your pricing. Don’t itemize every single toll – just roll it into your flat fee and round up slightly.

Destination Weddings:

A destination wedding sounds glamorous… until you realize you’re paying for the flight, hotel, and meals out of pocket. Nope. If a bride wants you, she covers the cost. Period.

What the bride pays for (non-negotiable):

• Flights or mileage (you’re not flying budget airlines unless you choose to!).
• Hotel stay (same hotel as the bridal party or equivalent – no motels, babe).
• Meals & per diem (you still need to eat!).
• A daily rate for extended travel (because you’re away from your business!).

Tips for charging travel on destination weddings:

• Set a daily rate. Even if you’re not glamming all day, you’re still away from other clients.
• Offer add-ons. Destination brides will likely need touch-ups, rehearsal dinner glam, or even next-day bridal shoots. Price accordingly.
• Negotiate with confidence. If they’re flying you out, they already see your value – don’t lowball yourself!

4. Communicating and Presenting Your Travel Fees

The biggest mistake you can make with travel fees is being vague about them. 

If a bride doesn’t know what to expect, she’s way more likely to push back – or worse, assume it’s free. Your travel fees are part of your premium service, not a random add-on. 

Here’s how to present them with confidence:

• Keep it simple. Travel should be one clear line item in your pricing guide. No over-explaining, no breaking it down by tolls & gas  – just a flat fee that covers your time & expenses. 

• No surprises – be upfront. Travel fees should be stated clearly in your quotes, contracts & any pricing discussions. Brides should see it before they book – not after they’ve signed.

• Own It. You don’t need to justify why you charge for travel – it’s a standard cost for a high-end, on-location service. Instead of saying, “I charge this to cover my fuel & time,” say: “My travel fee ensures I can arrive on-site, fully prepared, and ready to deliver a seamless experience.”

• Create a Pricing Guide that does the work for you. If your travel rates are clearly outlined in your pricing guide or FAQ, you’ll avoid 90% of the ‘why do you charge for travel?’ questions.

At the end of the day, clear, confident pricing = no awkward conversations. Set your rates, stand by them, and watch brides accept them without question.

5. Smart Pricing Strategies to Maximize Income

Your travel fees should work for you, not against you. Here’s how to charge strategically without losing money:

Waive Travel Fees for Big Bookings

Offer free travel for 6+ services – but only if your rates are high enough to absorb the cost. Brides love a “perk,” but you’re still profiting.

Trade Travel Fees for Extra Services

Instead of discounting, offer a bridal trial, engagement glam, or touch-ups as an incentive. This adds value without cutting into your profits.

Stand Firm – Brides WILL Pay for Convenience

Luxury brides expect to cover travel. If a bride questions your fee, don’t justify it – frame it as part of your premium service.

Wrong: “I charge $75 to cover my fuel.” (Sounds defensive!)

Right: “My travel fee ensures I arrive fully prepared for a seamless, stress-free experience.” (Confident & non-negotiable.)

Ultimately… Charge like the CEO you are babe!

Final thoughts

Your time, expertise, and effort have value – so your travel fees should reflect that. Test different pricing methods, adjust as needed, and most importantly, stand by your rates with confidence.

You deserve to be paid for every mile, minute, and service you provide. 

FAQs

How do I decide whether to charge by mileage, time, or a flat rate?
Test different methods and see what works best for your market, costs, and workflow.

Should I charge for both one-way and round-trip travel?
Your return trip isn’t free, so always charge round-trip.

What if a bride says my travel fee is too expensive?
Stand firm. If she values your work, she’ll pay for the convenience.

How do I handle parking fees at hotels or venues?
Make sure brides cover all parking, valet, and toll costs in advance.

Do I need to adjust my travel rates for peak wedding season?
Yes! High demand = premium pricing.

Should I charge for overnight stays if a venue is far away?
Yes – factor in lodging, meals, and per diem expenses.

How do I communicate travel fees without scaring brides away?
Be clear, confident, and upfront – travel is part of your premium service.

Can I waive my travel fee in exchange for more bookings?
Only if it benefits your bottom line. Don’t discount at the expense of profit.