Tip Bridal Team: How to Tip Makeup Artists, Hairstylists, and Bridal Beauty Pros

When you hire a tip bridal team, a group of beauty professionals hired to prepare a bride and sometimes her party for a wedding. Also known as wedding beauty crew, it typically includes a makeup artist, hairstylist, and sometimes a skin prep specialist or manicurist. This isn’t just about looking good—it’s about trust, timing, and teamwork on one of the most important days of your life.

Most brides don’t realize that makeup artist, a professional who applies cosmetics to enhance facial features for events like weddings and hairstylist, a specialist who styles hair for formal occasions, often traveling to the bride’s location often work long hours—arriving early, staying late, and handling last-minute stress. They’re not just doing your makeup; they’re managing your nerves, adjusting for lighting, and making sure you look flawless from the ceremony to the last dance. In places like the UK, tipping isn’t legally required, but it’s widely expected when service goes above and beyond. Many pros rely on tips as part of their income, especially if they’re self-employed or freelance.

It’s not just about the artist. If your bridal team includes a skin therapist who prepped your skin weeks ahead, a lash technician who did your extensions, or even a makeup assistant who held your hair back during touch-ups—those people helped too. The bridal beauty team, the collective group of beauty professionals hired to prepare a bride and her party for a wedding works like a well-oiled machine, and everyone deserves recognition. You wouldn’t skip tipping a waiter at a restaurant for good service, so why skip it for someone who made you feel like a queen on your wedding day?

How much? A common rule is 10–20% of the total service cost, but it’s not set in stone. If your makeup artist stayed an extra hour to fix a smudge, or your hairstylist drove across town in the rain to get you ready, go higher. Some brides give £20–£50 per person. Others give a thoughtful gift—a bottle of champagne, a handwritten note, or a gift card to a beauty store. The gesture matters more than the amount. And if you’re on a tight budget? A sincere thank-you with a public review or a referral to a friend means just as much.

You’ll find plenty of advice online about tipping at Ulta or Sephora, but wedding day etiquette is different. This isn’t a walk-in salon. This is a personalized, high-stakes service delivered in your home, hotel, or venue. The professionals on your team are working under pressure, often with no room for error. They’re not just applying products—they’re creating memories.

Below, you’ll find real advice from beauty pros and brides who’ve been there. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid awkward moments when it’s time to hand over the envelope. Whether you’re planning your own wedding or just curious about industry standards, these insights will help you make the right call—without overthinking it.