You’ve booked the venue. The dress is ready. The flowers are sorted. Now comes the part that keeps many brides up at night: looking like yourself on the big day, just better.
That’s where a bridal hair and makeup package comes in. But what does “package” mean? What are you paying for, and what’s not included?
If you’re comparing quotes and trying to figure out what’s worth the money, this breakdown will help.
We’ve been doing mobile bridal hair and makeup in Melbourne for years. We know what goes into a wedding morning and what brides need. Here’s the honest rundown.
What’s Actually in a Standard Bridal Hair and Makeup Package
Most bridal packages start with the same basics: hair and makeup for the bride, a trial session, and travel to your location on the day.
The trial is where you test the look. You bring inspiration photos, and we discuss what works for your face shape and hair type. It’s usually done 4-6 weeks before the wedding so there’s time to adjust anything.
You leave knowing exactly how you’ll look on the day. No surprises, no stress.
On the morning itself, we arrive at your house, hotel, or Airbnb with everything we need. Brushes, tools, products, lighting—the works. We start with the bride, then move to bridesmaids if they’re part of the package.
The timeline is planned around your ceremony start time. No one wants to sit in full glam for three hours before photos.
Travel within central Melbourne is usually included. If you’re getting ready in places like the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula, there may be a small travel surcharge based on distance.
It’s worth asking upfront to avoid billing surprises later.
What About Bridesmaids and Mothers of the Bride?
This is where packages start to vary. Some include one or two bridesmaids in the base price. Others charge per person after the bride.
We typically quote bridesmaid hair and makeup separately because every wedding is different. A bride with two sisters is a different job than one with eight bridesmaids wanting intricate updos.
Mothers of the bride and groom are usually priced the same as bridesmaids. If you want everyone ready by a certain time, let us know how many need styling when you book.
For larger bridal parties, we often bring a second or third artist to keep things moving. No one wants to wait two hours while others get pampered.
We time it so the bride is last, making her fresh and camera-ready when the photographer arrives.
Trials: Why They Matter and What Happens
The trial isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s crucial to stop you from panicking two days before the wedding because you’ve never seen the hairstyle on your head.
During the trial, we go through everything. You show us inspiration photos. We discuss your dress neckline, veil placement, and whether you want drama or something soft and natural.
We try the style, take photos in different lighting, and tweak anything that doesn’t feel right.
For makeup, we test foundation shades and find the right coverage for you. We also check for any skin sensitivities or allergies so we can switch products if needed.
Most brides bring their mum or a bridesmaid to the trial. A second opinion helps, especially if you don’t wear much makeup.
If you’re getting married in summer or outdoors, we discuss sweat-proof products. If it’s a Dandenongs winter wedding, we’ll ensure your hair can handle wind and cold.
Touch-Up Kits and After-Ceremony Services
Some packages include a small touch-up kit for after we leave. It usually has lipstick, powder, and a bit of hairspray. It’s not a full makeup bag, just essentials for quick fixes between the ceremony and reception.
If you want an artist to stay for touch-ups throughout the day, that’s usually an add-on. It’s more common for editorial shoots or long, multi-location weddings. Most brides don’t need it.
Good makeup and hair should last from morning through to the first dance without major intervention.
If you’re doing a dress change or want a different lip color for the reception, staying on-site for touch-ups can be worth it. Just factor it into your timeline and budget early.
Makeup and Hair Products: What We Use and What You Get
We bring professional-grade products. Brands that photograph well and last through tears and hugs. Think MAC, NARS, Bobbi Brown, and Charlotte Tilbury for makeup. Moroccan Oil, GHD, and Oribe for hair.
You don’t get to keep the products afterward. But you’re not paying for drugstore quality. The finish, staying power, and how it looks in photos—that’s where the investment shows.
If you have a product you love, bring it to the trial. We’ll test it and let you know if it works with the rest of the look. Some products play nicely together, some don’t.
For brides with sensitive skin or specific ingredient preferences, let us know when you book. We’ll ensure we have clean beauty or hypoallergenic options on hand.
Timing: How Long Does It All Take?
For just the bride, expect about 90 minutes for hair and makeup combined. That’s with a trial already done, so we know what we’re building.
Each bridesmaid takes roughly 45-60 minutes depending on the hairstyle. Loose waves are faster than a full updo with braids and pins.
If you have a bridal party of six, that’s around 4-5 hours total with one artist. With two artists, we can cut that time significantly. We schedule backward from your ceremony time for buffer time for photos and last-minute adjustments.
The trial session is usually 90 minutes. It may take longer if we’re trying multiple looks or if you’re undecided between two very different styles.
What’s Usually NOT Included
A few things brides sometimes assume are part of the package but usually aren’t:
Lashes. Some stylists include false lashes, some charge extra. We include them in our bridal packages because they make a noticeable difference in photos. Always check.
Hair extensions or clip-ins. If you’re using extensions for volume or length, you’ll need to provide those. We’ll style them in but we don’t supply them.
Flower girls and kids under 12. Kids’ styling is usually quoted separately. If your flower girl wants “hair like the bride,” we can do a mini version. Just let us know in advance.
Rehearsal dinner or pre-wedding event styling. That’s a separate booking. Some brides want a casual blow-wave or makeup for the night before. We can absolutely do that, but it’s not included in the wedding day package.
Veil or accessory placement. We do this as part of the styling, but if you have a complicated headpiece, mention it during the trial so we can plan for it.
How Pricing Works for Mobile Bridal Packages in Melbourne
Pricing varies based on how many people need styling, where you’re getting ready, and what time we need to start.
A standard bridal package (bride only, including trial and travel) typically starts around $400-$600. Add bridesmaids at $120-$180 each for hair and makeup combined. Pricing goes up slightly for outer suburbs or regional areas like the Yarra Valley.
Early starts cost more. If we need to arrive at 5am to have everyone ready by 9am, there’s usually a surcharge because it’s a long morning.
We quote everything upfront. No hidden fees for extra bobby pins or a second coat of mascara. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before you book.
Why Mobile Packages Are Worth It for Melbourne Weddings
Melbourne weddings are rarely simple. You might be getting ready in Hawthorn and getting married in the Dandenongs. Or staying at a Mornington Peninsula Airbnb with six bridesmaids, and no one wants to drive to a salon.
Mobile makeup and hair styling means everyone gets ready in one place. No one is late because they got lost. No one is stressed because the salon overbooked. You stay in your robe, drink champagne, and let us handle the rest.
It’s also more personal. We get to know you during the trial. On the day, we’re not juggling three other brides in the next chair. It’s just you and your crew, and we’re there until everyone looks exactly how they want.
How to Choose the Right Package for Your Wedding
Start by counting heads. How many people need full hair and makeup? How many just want one or the other? That gives you a baseline for quotes.
Then think about timing. What time is your ceremony? When do you want to start getting ready? How much buffer time do you need for photos?
If you’re unsure whether you need two artists or one, ask. We’ll be honest about what’s realistic. One artist can handle a bride and three bridesmaids without rushing. Any more than that, and you’ll want a second pair of hands.
Finally, book your trial as early as possible. It’s the best way to know if a stylist is the right fit. It gives you one less thing to worry about as the wedding gets closer.
The right bridal hair and makeup package should feel like a calm, organized start to your wedding day. Not another thing to coordinate or stress about. If you’re ready to talk through what you need and get an honest quote with no surprises, get in touch with us and we’ll build something that works for your wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my hairstyle after the trial?
Yes. The trial is there to test the look. If something doesn’t feel right, we’ll adjust it. Just let us know at least two weeks before the wedding.
What happens if one of my bridesmaids is running late on the day?
We build buffer time into the schedule. If someone’s significantly late, it can throw off the timeline. Let us know as soon as possible, and we’ll shuffle the order to keep things moving. The bride always goes last.
Do you work with all hair types and textures?
Absolutely. We’ve styled everything from fine straight hair to thick curly hair and textured hair. If you have specific concerns, mention them during the trial.
How far in advance should I book my bridal package?
For Melbourne weddings, 6-12 months is ideal, especially in peak season (October to April). That said, we’ve worked with brides who booked 6 weeks out. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you’ll have.
What if my makeup doesn’t last through the whole day?
It should. We use long-wear, photo-ready products and set everything properly. If you’re worried, we can include a touch-up kit with powder, lipstick, and blotting papers for quick fixes during the reception.