RD Bridal Atelier — Blog
Tipping Etiquette for Wedding Hair & Makeup
Not sure how much to tip your glam team? You’re not alone. Tipping for wedding hair and makeup is one of the most Googled etiquette questions out there. Here’s what’s standard, what’s optional, and how to avoid day‑of awkwardness.
Is tipping required?
No rulebook forces you to tip—but it is industry standard. Think of it like dining out: if you received excellent service, a gratuity is expected. Most brides budget 15–25% of the service cost for hair and makeup pros. Travel fees, early start times, or additional assistants may warrant more.
Who should you tip?
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Main artist(s): Your lead hair stylist and makeup artist who handled your bridal look.
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Assistants: If assistants styled bridesmaids or moms, tip them directly or add extra to the main artist’s envelope with instructions to distribute.
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Salon owner caveat: If your stylist owns the business, tips are still common but sometimes but never expected.
Cash, card, or gift?
Cash in labeled envelopes is the classic route (and easiest on a busy wedding morning). RD Atelier also offers the ability to add gratuity directly to your invoice to avoid the chaos of trying to figure it out on the morning of the wedding. Some artists accept Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp—ask in advance.
Group payments made simple
Instead of every bridesmaid fumbling with cash, designate one person (often the bride, MOH, or planner) to collect gratuities and hand them out. This keeps things organized and discreet.
FAQ
Should I tip at my bridal preview?Totally up to you! If you feel inclined to tip, some will tip for the entire invoice all at once which also includes the preview already. Others will tip on the day of the preview for that service then again on the wedding day for that service.
Do I tip if gratuity is already added? If your contract states “gratuity included,” you don’t need to add more. At RD Atelier we feel tips should be offered solely at your discretion and will never be included automatically.