Weddings are fun but expensive. From the venue, catering, dress and photography, the expenses pile on quickly. Brides spend a lot of money on many things, but beauty is obviously a huge part of it, especially when it comes to bridal hair and makeup. Many brides will go to a salon and have their hair and make-up done professionally on their wedding day. Brides are already dishing out a fortune on wedding flowers, dresses and endless trips to the salon that they generally can't afford to take out of their schedules. So it's no wonder some ask: Can you get discounts on the bridal package at a salon?

In this blog, we will break down some of the factors that determine whether or not you can obtain a discount on bridal packages. We’ll also have some home shopping tips to help you save money and still get a great product.

What Are Bridal Packages?

Before you start parsing discounts, it’s important to get a sense of what a bridal package should include. The Bridal Package is a combination of services for the bride, focusing on her special day. A package may differ from salon to salon, but packages commonly include:

• Hair Styles: From casual curls to fancy updos or braids.
• Makeup: A professional makeup artist with makeup to match the bride’s look.
• Skincare treatments: Some salons also offer facials, skin treatments or waxing.
• Bridal party services: Most salons offer bridal party packages for the rest of the group: bridesmaids, mothers of the bride, flower girls, etc., including discounts for large parties.

A bridal package does cost differently depending on where the salon is located, the reputation of the salon and the services they offer. Some salons also offer full-day packages that include hair and makeup, as well as other services like a manicure or facial, while others may offer just hair and makeup.

Can You Expect Discounts on Bridal Packages?

Wedding packages can be pricey, and you may be wondering: Do salons ever offer discounts to brides? Though, discounts aren't always the same, with salons offering deals and reduced rates. Here are some ways to save money:

Group Discounts

Consider if you are also going to have your bridal party (bridesmaids, mother of the bride, etc.) get their hair and makeup done as well, most salons will offer some type of group discount. For instance, if you schedule services for a group of people, the salon might shave a bit off the price for each person. Especially when there’s five or more people in the bridal party.

With a larger group, you may also get bonuses, like the occasional complimentary add-on, such as a fast pre-ceremony touch-up for the bride. The more people you have with you, the more likely you are to get a discount.

Off-Peak Season Discounts

Salons frequently have great deals during off-season wedding months. Wedding season is usually in full swing from spring through early fall. If your wedding date falls outside of these months, you may end up getting a deal, not because anyone will have too much downtime, but because there is simply less demand for bridal services during these months. Book your bridal package off-season, usually at the tail end of fall through winter, and save a bundle.

Weekdays tend to be a lot quieter than weekends and the salons often give a discount for weekday weddings. Having the wedding on a Friday or Monday may make it cheaper than a Saturday wedding, when the salon is unlikely to be at full capacity.

Package Deals and Bundles

Some salons will give you a discount if you book more than one treatment together. If you are hoping to get your hair, makeup and skincare done at the same salon, you might be able to work out a bundle deal. Often, salons will have pre-set wedding packages that save money when you bundle services, but it can’t hurt to ask if they are offering any specials that give more for less.

For instance, a bridal hair styling, makeup and facial package could be cheaper than paying for all services individually. These packages will save you money by selecting all the things you need in one swoop!

Early Bird Discounts

Salons also give the early bird discount. If you schedule your bridal package far ahead (usually a couple of months before the wedding date), the salon may offer you a cheap rate for the package. Booking ahead enables salons to schedule their day and as a result of that, they offer you a discount.

The sooner you book, the more choices you have in appointment times and availability of salon stylists, especially when your wedding is during peak seasons.

Promotions for Returning Customers

If you are a regular customer and availed their haircuts, facials, and beauty services in a salon previously, then you might fall into an ideal package and get a discount on their bridal packages. A few salons will offer return customers promotions and loyalty discounts. Even if you’ve never previously booked a bridal package with them, ask if they offer any deals for current clients.

It could be in the form of loyalty discounts such as free sessions, lower rates, or even a price reduction for final bridal packages.

How to Maximize Your Savings?

How to maximize your wedding beauty savings OK, now that you understand how salons can discount wedding services, here are more tips for saving money on bridal beauty.

Ask for Custom Packages

Most salons have a standard bridal package they offer but are willing to tailor one to your needs if you ask. You can ask the salon to customize the packages if you want a more simplified hairstyle, or if you don’t need full makeup application. If you just pick what you need, you could save some money.

It’s also crucial to be clear about what you want, since paying for unwanted add-ons can cause the price to skyrocket.

Inquire About Off-Peak Times

Even if you’re getting married during the salon’s peak period, ask if there are off-peak hours during the day or week that the salon offers a discount. For instance, a Saturday morning appointment could trigger a lower fee than one scheduled in the afternoon.

Salons may also discount last-minute appointments, particularly if they’re building their schedule, so it’s worth asking if you have some flexibility.

Consider a Trial Session

Numerous brides plan a hair and makeup trial prior to their wedding. When you love the outcome, you’re more apt to move forward with the full package. Some salons also provide cheaper pricing at the time of the trial, or will include the cost of the trial in your bridal package if you book ahead.

The trial is one of the best chances to try out varied look and not have day-of shockers. While it’s an additional expense, it can keep you from shelling out cash on services you don’t like after trying them.

Do Reputation of Salon Affect the Discounts?

The more high-end the salon, the less discount you’re going to see. Prime locations top salons charge a fortune for bridal packages because of the demand on same. That being said, high-end salons tend to offer very personalized service, and they may throw in extras like a bridal suite or groom’s hair styling.

Smaller, unknown studios may give some discounts and these types of hair stylists should be willing to negotiate prices since they have less competition. If you’re not wedded to a particular salon, you can shop around and find the best deal for your budget.

Final Thoughts

Although some salons may not promote sales on bridal packages, many bestow ways to shave off dollars from your wedding day beauty services. With group discounts, early booking, off-peak times and bundle deals, there are ways to keep your beauty bill in check. Always make it clear what it is that you require and inquire as to whether if the salon can offer you a custom package.

If you want clients that flock to their salons for cutting edge bridal packages that don’t skimp on quality or service, then Cheryls is your best option. Years of experience, good old fashioned customer service and a team of stylists that pride themselves in their work, Cheryls provides a range of wedding packages to suit every bride. With gorgeous hair and makeup options, plus a complete salon & spa, Cheryls has everything you need to look and feel beautiful on your special day.

Have Cheryls join you on your wedding adventure because every bride should sparkle!