Bridal Makeup vs Non Bridal: Is There Really a Difference?

As a MUA of almost 10 years, I’ve seen and heard it all. From clients booking "non-bridal" trials that turn out to be secret elopements, to online debates about whether bridal pricing is just a scammy bridal tax.

Here’s the thing. The bridal tax is real. But not in the way people think.

I’m not here to roast anyone. My branding is terminally chill and I genuinely want everyone to feel good about their choices. That said, I think it’s time I explained what actually goes into bridal makeup and why it costs more than your usual special occasion or non-bridal glam.

Let’s break it down.

1. Longer Duration and More Attention to Detail

For brides, I block out at least 1.5 hours per service (makeup or hair). That means 3 full hours just for the bride. For non-bridal clients, I allocate a maximum of 2 hours and usually finish in 1.5. So yes, bridal makeup takes more time. Not because it’s full glam. I charge the same whether you want soft glam or full coverage. It’s because I take extra time to perfect every detail. It’s your wedding day. I want it to be flawless.

2. More Communication and Planning

When you're a bride, we’ll talk a lot. We go through your vision, the bridal party, schedule details, what your mum wants, and even your aunty’s fringe. What you should do, all the consultations. These conversations happen before the day and outside of the appointment. I will prioritise your message over other messages.

3. Wedding Timeline Creation

This part is so underrated. Creating a proper wedding beauty timeline takes so much time. It needs to sync with photographer arrival, venue rules, how many services you’ve booked, who's get their makeup done at 10am. etc. Even AI sometimes can’t get it right because it’s a deeply human task. I take care of that for you.

4. Elevated Skin Prep

Bridal skin prep is next level. I use bougie sheet masks, massage (yeah i actually give good massage :p), and luxe skincare. It’s all about creating a calm, radiant canvas so you feel pampered and look glowy.

5. The Stress Level is Real

Weddings are emotional. I can feel the pressure you’re under. My job isn’t just to do makeup or hair, it’s to ground you and be your calm. That stress carries into how I manage the session, which adds a different layer of care.

6. More Responsibility

On wedding days, I take on way more than just glam. I’ve helped brides into dresses, driven them to venues, even calmed nerves before walking down the aisle. I care, and I go above and beyond. That level of responsibility is part of the bridal rate.

7. Unlimited Requests and Customisation

Brides get all the flexibility. Last-minute changes? New inspo board? Three different lip combos? I’ll make it happen. For non-bridal clients, I set clearer boundaries to stay on time. It’s a different level of commitment.

8. The Day Is Dedicated More to You

For non-bridal appointments, I usually have multiple clients booked in a day. That means less buffer time and a more structured schedule. For special occasion clients, I allow up to 30 minutes of buffer time between bookings. But for brides, it’s a different story. I allocate 3.5 hours for one bride, and if it’s a full bridal party, I’ll often dedicate the entire day to you. The only exception is if your party finishes early, like by 12 pm, and I have another client later in the afternoon, say around 4 pm. I also give brides a full hour of buffer time, just to make sure we stay relaxed and stress-free.

So, Should You Book Bridal or Non-Bridal?

Here’s my take.

The quality of my work is the same. Whether you’re a bride, birthday girl, or just want to look amazing for a shoot, I want you to feel confident. My makeup always needs to last 12 or more hours and photograph beautifully.

But if you’re booking non-bridal for your wedding to save money, just know that you’re opting out of the special bridal extras I listed above. If you’re truly okay with that, then I respect your choice. I’ve had clients who paid for special occasion rates for their elopement, and I wasn’t mad about it.

I’m not promoting this publicly because I know it’s a controversial opinion. I’m not disrespecting my artistry. I’ve worked hard for my skills. But I also run this business based on what I believe is right. If you’re not getting all the extra bridal care, then why pay more. As long as you understand what you’re getting and agree to the boundaries, I’ll always deliver what’s promised. No drama.

That said, if you expect the full bridal experience on a non-bridal rate, I’ll gently remind you that you get what you pay for.

And that’s me being chill.