To say weddings in the Philippines are a circus of their own is an understatement. Between securing your CENOMAR and other legal documents, managing a 300-person guest list, and narrowing down to 10 pairs of ninongs and ninangs (godparents)—all while dodging the incessant comments of well-meaning relatives—there’s immense pressure to make everything picture-perfect for your big day.
Many years ago, going big, grand, and luxurious was the standard. A woman’s wedding day wasthe perfect excuse to go all out: a big-name designer gown, x-course meals by celebrity chefs, and a fairy-tale setup. And as expectations–and the long list of “musts”–ballooned, so have the costs. The trendy Same-Day Edit wedding video (a.k.a. the “SDE”) was born in the Philippines, after all, upping the ante in the already lucrative wedding industry.
That is, until the pandemic happened, and weddings were trimmed down to just the essentials. Yet, even years post-COVID, a new generation of would-be spouses find themselves doing things differently: opting out of traditions for tradition’s sake, paring back to the necessities, and keeping things low-key. These couples are cost-savvy—often paying for their own nuptials—which all the more makes the budget a major factor. Finding the love of your life and making that grown-up decision to tie the knot is cause for celebration, but do you really need to spend a fortune for just one day?
Why Bridal Makeup Gets a Bad Rap
These days, with the dawn of bridal forums and social media groups, it’s easier for brides-to-be to compare notes, canvas options, and score better deals for wedding suppliers. All the same, it’s also easier to be swayed by the opinions of complete strangers on the internet. Common advice from graduate brides and brides-to-be who’ve done their homework? “Whatever you do, don’t say the W-word.” Because apparently, the moment you mention a wedding, the rates magically multiply.
On the bridal makeup corner, Reddit threads like WeddingsPhilippines reveal how brides-to-be have reportedly resorted to booking “regular glam” makeup sessions without disclosing that they’re getting married later in the day. Or, they pay for a trial session and discreetly go to their prenup shoot afterwards. All done in the name of getting a professional makeup servicefor a lower rate.
In retaliation–or rather, in response–some makeup artists have required clients to wipe off all the makeup after a test session, or would only do the test look on half the face. That way, would-be offenders won’t be able to use the makeup look elsewhere. Ridiculous times call for ridiculous measures?
Hair and makeup artist Aldrin Jalandoni, who has worked with brides for a decade and counting, says: “I personally don’t work that way. Clients deserve clarity on pricing and inclusions, and artists deserve respect for their time, skill, and labor.” For him, there ultimately shouldn’t be “unspoken rules.” “Both should have clear communication, transparency, and mutual respect. Expectations should be met and aligned on both sides.”
“If you book me for makeup for an event and don’t require me to stay with you or do retouches, then what you do after the session is out of my hands.”—makeup artist Chuchie Ledesma
On the flip side, there are makeup artists who actually want brides to use the trial makeup for their prenup shoot or a similar event. That way, you get to see how the makeup wears after hours, reacts to your skin, and stands against sweat, harsh lights, all the beso-beso (cheek-to-cheek kisses), and whatnot.
“If you book me for makeup for an event and don’t require me to stay with you or do retouches, then what you do after the session is out of my hands,” Chuchie Ledesma, a Seoul-trained makeup artist who specializes in Korean-style beauty, explains. “If you use that makeup for your wedding without disclosing it, that’s your responsibility–especially if the makeup doesn’t last the entire day.”
She notes, though, that makeup for paid ads, commercial purposes, and the like is a different story altogether. “I always ask questions and clarify expectations in the beginning to avoid misunderstandings,” Ledesma shares. “But if a client intentionally deceives me just to get a lower rate, I’ll still do my job professionally, but I won’t accept future bookings from them.”
The Wedding Premium
A burning question from brides-to-be: Do makeup artists really charge more once they find out it’s for a wedding? Well, there is truth to the fact that the wedding industry has its fair share of “opportunistic” pricing, but you may also be looking at what’s actually a fair and humane rate. According to the pros, there’s a method to the madness.
The common argument goes that makeup artists are using the same products and the same techniques, anyway, so why the higher price? But following this logic, would you shell out five to six figures for a dress you’ll be wearing… when you’re just attending as a guest?
Ledesma reiterates how other special occasions don’t demand as much from them compared to weddings. First, less prep time beforehand is required for regular events, unlike for a bridal look, which is usually planned weeks, months, or even a year ahead.
“Clients who ask to have their makeup done for a regular event don’t really send me ‘pegs’ and don’t really need a very detailed or refined look,” shares Ledesma. “They usually just tell me ‘I’m just going to attend’ or ‘I’m not the main character here’ so there isn’t really much thought put into it.”
“It’s usually a quicker, touch-and-go style that requires less time, less focus, and fewer long-wear techniques compared to bridal services,” adds Jalandoni.
Another factor is the time and the team effort required. “In my case, it takes around 2 to 2.5 hours to do bridal makeup, whereas a regular makeup look just needs around 1.5 hours,” says Ledesma. “I also always factor in the interruptions typical of weddings–like when the coordinator needs to brief the bride, or the photographer steps in to document the session. Eight out of 10 times, that happens,” she recalls.
Perhaps the most glaring difference is that bridal makeup requires careful thought and attention to detail as opposed to regular glam. Per Ledesma, while she uses the same products and techniques regardless of occasion, in doing makeup for a bride, everything (can’t stress this enough!) is factored in.
“Remember that what you pay for is not just a single look. It covers the ceremony, the beauty shoots, and even the reception look–with us staying on hand to ensure everything stays flawless.”—hair and makeup artist Aldrin Jalandoni
Expect the bride to be eating and drinking. She will greet the guests. Dance. Take lots and lots of photos and videos: phone selfies, TikToks, professional photos under harsh lighting, closeups, and stolen shots. She’ll give a speech and maybe cry. Walk more than 10,000 steps. Her every move will be watched–and documented. All of these need to be taken into consideration.
The bride is the star of the show, after all. Imagine the pressure!
“Remember that what you pay for is not just a single look. It covers the ceremony, the beauty shoots, and even the reception look–with us staying on hand to ensure everything stays flawless,” Jalandoni points out. Note that the professional fee also reflects the opportunity cost of the team members committing to the entire day, plus their food and transport expenses.
“We don’t take other clients that day, so the bride can relax knowing she’ll remain camera-ready with tear-proof makeup throughout,” Jalandoni adds. “What you’re paying for, really, is the certainty and consistency of your look–and most of all, your peace of mind.”
Here’s Where the Money Goes
“Bridal makeup is often described as ‘simple’ or ‘parang wala lang’ (barely-there) but what many don’t realize is that the most natural-looking makeup is actually the hardest to execute,” explains Ledesma. “We have to be extremely careful not to alter the bride’s face too much, even when using different techniques or products.”
“A bridal look should feel timeless. Less is often more,” Jalandoni stresses. “The goal is to enhance a bride’s natural beauty–and it should still look beautiful years later.”
That kind of restraint doesn’t come easily. “It takes years of training, trial, and mostly error on my part to master a no-makeup makeup look that lasts an entire day. Anyone can do a ‘fresh’ look, but will it still look fresh after hours of photoshoots, walking, greeting guests, sweating, and dancing?” Ledesma points out. “Will they know what to do if a bride breaks out or has an allergic reaction to the skincare she used the night before? That’s where experience really matters.”
And that’s on top of the more explicit costs. “From the skincare and makeup to the disposables and equipment, creating a bridal kit requires a six-digit investment,” reveals Jalandoni.
For a 14-hour wedding, for example, long-wearing products are obviously non-negotiable. “I only use high-end products for my clients,” he shares. “For starters, a Dior or an Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation can easily be around ₱3,000 to ₱4,000–and you need at least five shades in your kit. Imagine, we’re just talking about the foundation!”
Beyond products, the tools alone add up. Jalandoni carries a RIKI tall mirror (a professional-grade, lighted makeup mirror) that costs around ₱25,000, plus a smaller version at ₱19,000. Add to that a light stand priced at about ₱10,000, and a makeup chair at ₱5,000.
Finally, the work extends beyond the actual look. Given the high-pressure nature of weddings in Filipino culture, “the emotional and mental preparedness is another invisible layer of the work,” shares Ledesma. “My canvas is a living, breathing human being who feels or reacts. And I have to be prepared for whatever may arise that day. Anything I say or do can affect the mood of the entire session and how the client ultimately perceives my work. Emotional maturity and professionalism are crucial.”
And it takes a seasoned pro to manage this oft-overlooked part of the job. “As makeup artists, we rely on our years of experience to make the right decisions under pressure and be able to provide emotional support in a high-stress environment,” Jalandoni concludes.
Is It Worth It?
In plain terms, the cost of good-quality bridal makeup comes down to this: looking your best on your big day. It means skin that still looks like your skin–not cakey, not mask-like. It means not shocking your husband in a bad way, not looking baduy (tacky or cheesy), and definitely not looking older than your actual age (very, very important). It means not having to deal with unprofessional behavior that can easily sour an otherwise special moment. Ultimately, it means not having to worry about how you look, so you can really soak in your day with ease and confidence.
What you’re really paying for is that unforgettable glow that looks au naturel—courtesy of your makeup artist, and your own lit-from-within radiance that comes from the pure joy of being wed. Bridal bliss, as they say!
All things considered, not every bride can–or wants to–shell out five figures for her makeup. It’s not always the most practical choice, especially if the plan is just a simple, ceremony-only celebration that won’t even hit the two-hour mark (in which case, makeup prep might even take longer).
The best part about being a bride today is that times have changed. There’s (hopefully) less pressure to perform and to make everything relentlessly picture-perfect. Whether you choose to scale down or go all out on your bridal look is entirely up to you. And that philosophy shouldn’t stop at makeup—it applies just as much to inviting people you barely know or splurging on designer wedding shoes that are, to be honest, a pain to walk in.
Focus on what’s important to you. In case you need reminding, it’s your wedding, your rules–and your budget.
A Comprehensive Guide to Bridal Makeup: Do’s, Don’ts, and Insider Tips
With so much to do as a bride-to-be, let your bridal look be the one thing you can fully leave to the pros. While understanding costs is important, knowing how to work with your makeup artist can save money, stress, and disappointment, too.
From choosing “The One” (your makeup artist) to prepping before the Big Day, here are a few things to take note of.
1. Book a makeup artist you can trust.
Is this your first time having your makeup professionally done? If so, research or ask around for recommendations. “Find an artist whose work, values, skin tones, and features align with yours,” says Ledesma. “Then meet them in person or online. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.”
A note of caution, though, when researching: “Don’t judge based on social media fame alone. Don’t base your final decision solely on what’s written on public forums or bridal groups,” advises Ledesma. “Some artists are viral but inconsistent, while others with fewer followers offer exceptional service.”
Last but not least, choose someone you can trust, whether it’s a makeup artist you’ve already worked with and can vouch for, or a new name you’ve scouted online and have a good gut feeling about. “Trust is essential,” says Jalandoni. “That way, you can sit comfortably and let the makeup artist do the work.”
2. Be super honest.
Remember, you’re the paying client. So don’t hesitate to ask all your questions and be upfront about your concerns, inclusions, and yes, your budget. Just remember to communicate politely and respectfully.
“Brides should feel free to tell me exactly what they want, and I won’t take it against them,” says Ledesma. “On my end, if I feel a look won’t work, for example, I’ll explain why and offer solutions. Everything is delivered with care and respect.”
All the same, be professional, even when sharing negative feedback. “Concerns should always be addressed privately first,” Ledesma adds. “My contract states that if a bride is dissatisfied, she should message me directly instead of immediately posting on social media, where nothing ever really gets resolved. Being clear, for me, is equivalent to being a kind person to others.”
3. Share your pegs.
“Showing a peg is a great help because we use it as a guide to customize a look that would perfectly suit the bride,” shares Jalandoni.
At the same time, clients should be aware that the artist isn’t meant to literally copy the peg–and the client shouldn’t expect to look exactly like the peg (they are called pegs for a reason!). “We are trained to bring out your best features,” says Ledesma. “Please extend grace if we can’t replicate a reference exactly–after all, I’m a mere makeup artist, not God!”
4. Don’t be afraid to share any insecurities or imperfections you’d like to address.
“They have to tell me their deepest secrets! LOL!” Jalandoni jokes. But, really, whether it’s dark undereye circles or jowls or asymmetrical eyelids, be open to your makeup artist. That way, they can actively try their best to work around your least-loved features.
Be sure to mention any allergies or skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, so they can plan accordingly. For new clients, Ledesma goes a step further: she asks for photos where they feel they look their best, what makes them happy–inside and outside of beauty, and the mood they want to carry on their wedding day.
5. Consider a trial session as an option.
“A trial session is a test run for your wedding day look. It’s the planning, customizing, and perfecting your makeup so there will be no surprises on your wedding day,” explains Jalandoni.
“During the trial, we prep the skin, match colors, test the makeup look, and adjust everything to suit your face and comfort level—ultimately finalizing your wedding-day look,” he shares. “You also get to see how the makeup feels and wears over time.”
Generally speaking, a trial session isn’t necessary, especially if you already know what you want and the look you’re after. You likely won’t need it if you’ve had your makeup done professionally before, or you’ve already worked with your makeup artist in the past.
But a trial makeup is helpful if you have a variety of bridal beauty pegs and you want to see how they look on you. “A reference photo is very different from seeing the look executed on your own face,” explains Ledesma.
She usually creates two bridal looks—ceremony and reception—over a four- to five-hour trial. She often invites the groom, too: “I value his opinion because he’ll be looking at her all day, and I want that experience to be special for him as well.”
6. Avoid skincare actives and treatments close to your wedding day.
“Fresh facials, chemical peels, or other treatments can leave the skin sensitive, red, or with temporary marks that are difficult to fully cover,” says Jalandoni. “I always recommend planning any skincare treatments well in advance so the skin has time to heal, ensuring a flawless, long-lasting bridal look.”
Most important skincare tip before the big day? “Make sure to get enough sleep. Hydrate and moisturize the skin,” he adds.
7. Be extra prepared.
Some things are non-negotiable if you want your bridal prep to go off without a hitch. From being on time to providing food for the team, these sound like nice-to-haves but are actually essential in giving them the energy and good momentum to do their work.
8. Remember: Your opinion matters the most.
In case a tita walks in with an unsolicited opinion, remind yourself: this is your wedding, and ultimately, your face. Remember that you’ve thought this through, and you’re working with a pro here!
“I’ve had brides who’ve been rattled by comments from family or the bridal party–even after a successful trial. Most of the time, these suggestions are just noise, and they delay the process,” recalls Ledesma. You know yourself best–and you’re in good hands. Nothing to worry about!
MEET THE MAKEUP ARTISTS
Aldrin Jalandoni has been a professional makeup artist for 12 years. “Working with brides has always been a passion of mine,” he shares. “Over the years, many of my brides have become friends, and some still reach out to me for special occasions long after their weddings.”
For Jalandoni, to create a good bridal look is “to enhance her natural beauty, not change it.” “I create bridal looks that are timeless, elegant, and personalized,” he says. “My focus is flawless, radiant skin, soft yet defined eyes, and lips that complement the overall look. The goal is a confident, glowing bride who feels like the best version of herself all day–and in every photo.”
Chuchie Ledesma has been in the business for 15 years, with over 10 years dedicated to bridal makeup. She’s known for her skin-like, Korean-style makeup and has been training in Seoul, South Korea, since 2023. “My signature style is Korean-Pinoy. I love clean, fresh Korean techniques like glowy skin, combined with Pinoy preferences such as subtle bronzing and softly defined eyes.”
A bridal look that has that distinct Chuchie touch is one “where there’s always a hint of a client’s personality that only she and her closest tribe can recognize,” says Ledesma. “Like a hint of blush that is so xxx-coded. Or a sharp winged liner that only xxx can pull off,” she explains.
“A Chuchie look is put-together, classy, youthful,” she adds. “I often jokingly refer to this look as the fresh newborn look,” she quips. “And you can clearly see the person’s face instead of the makeup. The face can breathe because the colors and textures are thoughtfully and strategically placed.”
Likewise, Ledesma echoes: “A good bridal look is timeless and classy, designed to highlight the bride’s natural features.”
