Every bride wants to look and feel her best on her wedding day, but achieving that bridal glow doesn’t have to break the bank. While we all know how fantabulous the dress, the shoes, and the jewelry are, there are some places where you can save some cash.
From hair and makeup to skincare and nails, wedding beauty costs can add up quickly. Let’s face it; we can’t all have a budget that’s unlimited, right? With a little planning and creativity, you can save money without sacrificing style.
Whether you’re doing a DIY approach, booking beauty services strategically, or making smart product swaps, these 12 tips will help you look stunning on your big day while staying within budget.
12 Ways to Save on Your Wedding Beauty
DIY Makeup
Doing your own makeup for your wedding day can be a great way to save money and ensure you look exactly how you want. To make sure your makeup lasts all day, use a primer before applying foundation and finish with a setting spray. Consider investing in a good-quality makeup brush set to achieve a professional finish. And don’t forget these great lip tips for an irresistible pout.
Natural Beauty
Embracing your natural beauty doesn’t mean you have to forgo makeup entirely. You can enhance your features with a light foundation or tinted moisturizer, a touch of blush, and a neutral eyeshadow. Finish with a coat of mascara and a subtle lip color for a fresh, natural look.
DIY Skincare
Creating a DIY skincare routine leading up to your wedding can help ensure your skin is glowing and radiant. Try using a gentle exfoliator once a week to remove dead skin cells and follow up with a hydrating face mask to nourish your skin. Don’t forget to moisturize daily to keep your skin looking its best.
Look for Deals
Many beauty stores and salons offer deals and discounts for bridal parties. Consider scheduling a group appointment with your bridesmaids to take advantage of these savings. You can also look for package deals that include multiple services, such as hair and makeup, at a discounted rate.
Ask for Help
If you have friends or family members who are skilled in hair and makeup, don’t be afraid to ask for their help. They may be able to assist you on your wedding day or offer tips and advice for achieving your desired look.
Group Discounts
When booking beauty treatments for your wedding, such as hair and makeup, inquire about group discounts. Many salons and spas offer discounted rates for bridal parties, so be sure to mention that you’re planning a wedding, and don’t be shy about asking about package deals, when making your appointments.
Choose Budget-Friendly Brands
You don’t have to break the bank to look beautiful on your wedding day. There are plenty of budget-friendly makeup and skincare brands that offer high-quality products. Look for brands that are known for their affordability and effectiveness, and don’t be swayed by expensive packaging or marketing gimmicks. One caveat – splurge on the perfect lip color that won’t budge. You’ll look fabulous throughout the wedding and reception, and not have to worry about touchups.
Minimalist Approach
Sometimes less is more when it comes to bridal beauty. A minimalist approach to makeup can be just as stunning as a full face of glam. Focus on enhancing your natural features with subtle makeup techniques, such as contouring and highlighting, and choose a hairstyle that complements your face shape and dress.
Negotiate Prices
Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices with beauty professionals. Many vendors are willing to work with you to create a package that fits your budget. Be upfront about your budget constraints and ask if there are any discounts or special offers available. You may be surprised at how much you can save by simply asking.
Skip Unnecessary Treatments
Focus on essential beauty treatments and skip any unnecessary ones that add to the cost without significantly improving your look.
Borrow or Rent Pieces
Instead of buying new beauty items like hair accessories or makeup, consider borrowing or renting them. There are amazing accessories for your hair. From feather headbands to fascinators to birdcage veils and jeweled bobby pins, they all have their own appeal. Many of these come in an affordable option, too. If you’re so inclined, you can even create your own.
Consider renting your wedding dress instead of buying one. Renting a dress can be significantly cheaper than purchasing one, and you’ll still be able to find a beautiful gown that makes you feel like a princess on your special day. Plus, you won’t have to worry about storing or preserving the dress after the wedding.
Do your Own Nails
It’s easier than ever to master a DIY manicure or an at home pedicure. With the proliferation of at home gel nails or powder dip sets, you can get the salon look for a whole lot less. Just be sure to practice a few times to get the hang of whatever techniques and products you choose. You’ll want your nails to look amazing, as there will be lots of photos of them on your wedding day.
I think one of the best things is to be in the moment. Enjoy the moment. It goes by so quickly and the memories fade (after 20 years of marriage…)
Great suggestions. I think the best way is to get friends involved! Friends can do hair, makeup and more!
For our wedding all we wanted was to have fun and enjoy it with friends and family. We did a very low budget wedding at a local park and had so much fun and when it was all said and done it was paid for and cost less than $2000!
I think being yourself and enjoying the moment is key to wedding beauty.
My brother is getting married this summer, so forwarding your post to his fiancee!! I’m sure she’ll appreciate the info 🙂
Awesome ideas! I’m trying to win a GelNail Kit right now! 🙂
these are great tips. They will definitely come in handy for my big day.