Mother of Groom Hair and Makeup Costs: Who Pays?

Oct, 25 2025

When the big day rolls around, everyone expects the bride’s side to handle the glow‑up details, but the question of mother of groom hair makeup costs often sparks lively dinner‑table debates. In Australia, especially around Melbourne, there’s no hard‑and‑fast rule - it’s all about tradition, expectations, and smart budgeting.

What exactly is the "Mother of Groom Hair and Makeup" expense?

Mother of Groom Hair and Makeup is the service package that covers professional hair styling and makeup application for the groom’s mother on the wedding day. It typically includes a trial session, travel fees, and any touch‑up kits needed for the ceremony and photos. This line item often appears under the broader category of wedding beauty services, alongside the bride’s preparations.

Why the confusion? Traditional expectations vs. modern budgeting

Historically, the bride’s family footed the bill for most beauty services because the bride was the visual focal point. However, modern couples are splitting costs more evenly, and the groom’s family is increasingly stepping up to cover their side’s beauty needs. In Melbourne’s multicultural scene, you’ll hear a mix of British‑style etiquette, Italian family expectations, and Australian pragmatism.

Who typically pays? A breakdown of common approaches

Below is a quick snapshot of the most common payment scenarios you’ll encounter:

Factors that influence the decision

• Family dynamics: If the mothers are close friends, they may each cover their own costs.
• Budget constraints: A tight wedding budget often forces couples to distribute expenses based on who can afford what.
• Cultural expectations: Some cultures expect the groom’s family to cover all parental expenses.
• Vendor relationships: A trusted hair stylist or makeup artist may offer a discounted package if the bride’s family books the entire bridal party.
• Location costs: Melbourne’s average hair‑stylist fee for a wedding day is about AUD 350, while makeup averages AUD 300. Travel and accommodation can add another AUD 100‑200.

How to budget the mother‑of‑the‑groom’s beauty costs

Start by adding a line item in your wedding spreadsheet called “Mother of Groom Beauty”. Here’s a simple cheat‑sheet you can copy:

1. Trial session fee - estimate AUD 150‑200.
2. Day‑of styling - AUD 350 (hair) + AUD 300 (makeup).
3. Travel & accommodation - AUD 150 (if the artist is out of town).
4. Touch‑up kit - AUD 50‑80.
5. Contingency (10%): add AUD 95.

Total estimated cost: AUD 1,045. Adjust numbers based on the artist’s rates and any discounts you negotiate.

Negotiating with vendors: Tips from Melbourne’s wedding pros

When you call a hair stylist or makeup artist, keep these points top of mind:

• Ask for a combo package that includes both mother‑of‑the‑groom and the bride’s party - you’ll often get a 10‑15% discount.
• Inquire about a trial‑only fee if the mother‑of‑the‑groom wants to see the look beforehand without committing to the full day.
• Clarify travel costs up front; many Melbourne vendors include a 20‑km radius travel fee.
• Request a written contract that outlines the exact services, timing, and any extra fees for touch‑ups.

Real‑world example: A Melbourne wedding in 2024

Emily and Jack planned their ceremony at a historic chapel in Carlton. Emily’s budget was set at AUD 35,000, and they decided to split beauty costs evenly. Here’s how they handled the mother‑of‑the‑groom’s look:

1. Emily’s mother hired a local stylist for AUD 350 (hair) + AUD 300 (makeup).
2. Jack’s mother wanted a more relaxed style, so they booked a junior artist for AUD 200 (hair) + AUD 180 (makeup).
3. Jack’s family covered the trial session for his mother (AUD 150) as a goodwill gesture.
4. The total spent on Jack’s mother was AUD 830, well within the couple’s allocated AUD 1,200 beauty buffer.

By communicating early and using a shared spreadsheet, the couple avoided awkward conversations and kept the day’s focus on celebration.

Checklist: Who pays for mother‑of‑the‑groom hair and makeup?

• Confirm the mother’s preferred look and required services.
• Set a realistic budget based on local Melbourne rates.
• Decide which party (bride, groom, couple, or mother herself) will cover the cost.
• Book a trial session at least 2-3 months before the wedding.
• Get a written contract with clear fees, travel costs, and cancellation policy.
• Add the final amount to your wedding budget spreadsheet.
• Communicate the decision to both families early to avoid surprise expenses.

What if the budget can’t stretch?

Don’t panic. Here are three low‑cost alternatives:

1. DIY trial: Have a trusted friend with makeup skills practice the look at home.
2. Bundle with other family members: If the mother‑of‑the‑groom and the mother‑of‑the‑bride want the same stylist, ask for a group discount.
3. Allocate a beauty voucher: Some Melbourne salons sell wedding‑day vouchers that can be split among family members.

Key takeaways

• There’s no universal rule - the decision hinges on family dynamics, cultural norms, and budget.
• Start with a clear line item in your wedding budget and adjust based on local Melbourne rates.
• Open communication with both families prevents misunderstandings.
• Negotiating a combined package can save 10‑15% on total beauty costs.