Photo:Lia's Photography
Planning a wedding in Arizona is exciting, but it comes with a long list of expenses. One budgeting method you may not know about is the 50/30/20 wedding rule. I have to admit that I only discovered it recently and this is what it means:
50% – Essentials: Venue, catering, wedding dress, officiant and other must-haves.
30% – Wants: Photography, entertainment, décor and yes, for most brides, wedding makeup.
20% – Savings and Contingency: Surprises, taxes and unexpected costs.
Why Bridal Makeup Falls Under the “Wants” Category
Makeup is not considered a necessity and you can say “I do” without it. However, for most brides, it is more than cosmetics. You can think of it as a wedding accessory, since it complements your dress, jewelry and the bridal look in general. Without professional makeup, especially when you wear a white or ivory outfit, your complexion often appears washed out in photos due to light reflection.
Step-by-Step Guide: Budgeting for Your Bridal Makeup
Set Your Total Wedding Budget
Before anything else, decide on your overall wedding spending limit.
Choose a Beauty Budget Percentage
Most brides allocate around 6% of their total wedding budget to beauty, including hair and makeup.
Decide Who is Included
Will it be just you or will your bridal party, mothers, or junior bridesmaids also get professional makeup? Some brides gift this service to their wedding party, while others let their attendants cover their own costs. It depends on your financial comfort level.
Pick the Right Artist
Don’t go for the cheapest option just to save money, but you also don’t need the priciest celebrity artist. Look for someone whose style matches your own. Meet them for a trial run to ensure you “click” on a personal and professional level.
Factor in Extra Costs
Always check the fine print of your artist’s package, like travel fees (especially in rural Arizona or from Tucson to Phoenix), early morning or “before sunrise” start fees, assistant fees if multiple makeup artists are needed, touch-up options for the ceremony and reception.
And lastly, Book Early, as popular Phoenix and Scottsdale bridal makeup artists often book months in advance during peak wedding season (October–November and March–April).
If you are planning a wedding in Arizona and want a professional, long-lasting bridal makeup, start securing your artist now. Reach out today to book your trial and lock in your date.