I went through the initial experience of being shocked at how expensive weddings are when I started planning.  And then I did some more research about reasonable prices, why certain things were as expensive as they were, how to bargain, how to make some items myself, and places to look for things that may be better priced.  I thought I had it in under control and I wouldn’t be facing more price shocks.

From ecu.edu

Unfortunately, I was wrong.  Early in the planning process, my mother and I discussed hair and make-up.  I have to admit that I’m not that good at hair so I was amenable to going to a salon but I was pretty sure that I could manage my own make-up.  I do it on a fairly regular basis, and I don’t like to wear that much of it anyway.  Somehow, I let my mother convince me that I needed someone to do my hair and make-up, and that it would be best to find someone who would come to the hotel so we wouldn’t have to travel.  And she also mentioned that she knew the perfect person.  She is considered to be one of the best Indian hair and make-up artists in the area and very much in demand.  Initially, I thought this would be a good idea because she would do both hair and make-up.  That should save money and time, right?

From www.lailasbridalmakeup.co.uk

Of course, she wouldn’t give us a price quote right away.  That should have been a hint.  I finally scheduled a trial, which actually turned out pretty well.  However, she still wouldn’t give a price quote and said she would have to calculate everything and call us during the week.  Keep in mind that we had initially contacted her three months before the trial, so I’m not sure why she couldn’t have determined a price during those three months.

She finally called with the price.  She wanted $1100 for hair and make-up for three people, plus additional for costs for travel to Columbus from Cleveland!  Of course, this seems completely ridiculous to me.  That costs more than my dress.  Unfortunately, by the time we received this information it was less than six months until the wedding.  My poor mother felt horrible that she had taken over this area and we hadn’t done any additional research.

Thankfully I was able to make some calls that evening and find hair and make-up artists in Columbus who were still free on my wedding date.  I have trials set up for the next time I’m in Columbus, and they both seem like lovely people.  They also have given me price quotes in advance and in writing, which are much more reasonable.  So, lessons learned.  It’s worth it to research various vendors for each area and get price quotes in writing soon after initiating contact.   Don’t let people tell you you don’t have options.  I’m sure we would have been able to find something else no matter how much time was left until the wedding.  Or I would have gone back to my original plan of doing my own make-up and going to the salon in the morning.  Also, don’t let your mother talk you into things you’re not sure you want!