Editor-Curated Chicago Wedding Hair and Makeup Pros Under $300

Planning wedding beauty in Chicago on a $300 budget can feel daunting, but it’s absolutely doable for a single service when you know where to look—and what to ask. We curated this list to help you quickly find reputable pros for either hair or makeup without surprise fees. In this guide, “under $300” means single-service pricing—hair OR makeup—at $300 or less before gratuity and travel. We’re focusing on artists who publish clear pricing, offer on-site wedding hair and makeup or in-salon options, and have portfolios that span natural to glam.

As a mom and longtime editor navigating real-life timelines, I’ve learned that calm mornings start with clear, written quotes and a plan. Below you’ll find vetted picks, what $300 typically buys, and exactly how to keep day-of peace while respecting your budget.

A Day in Mollywood

We’re here to make wedding beauty feel calm and doable, not like one more spinning plate. Our editor-curated picks balance budget realism with care for your mental load—timelines, trials, and fees translated into plain language. We spoke with Chicago brides, combed directories, and verified public pricing so you can move forward with confidence. Bookmark this guide to reference while you price-check quotes.

We write in solidarity with family-minded readers juggling schedules, childcare, and vendor emails. When the to-dos stack up, choose the path that preserves your energy. And if you’re feeling the planning squeeze, consider blocking 30 minutes for gentle self-care the week-of—it pays off on the morning you need it most.

Always confirm quotes, policies, and timelines in writing.

How we vetted budget-friendly Chicago beauty pros

• We started with Carats+Cake’s Chicago directory, which lists 27 wedding hair and makeup vendors—a credible starting point (see Carats+Cake’s Chicago directory).
• We prioritized transparent pricing pages that break out trials, add-ons, and policies—like Appease’s detailed Chicago rates (see Appease’s Chicago rates).
• Community reports consistently note that Chicago bride pricing often reaches $300+ per person for hair or makeup; sub-$300 is more common for single services or bridal party rates (see this AskChicago thread).

What under $300 really gets you in Chicago

A single service at or under $300 typically covers a standard bridal hair style or a full-face makeup application (traditional or sometimes airbrush) with light lashes, done in-salon or on-site, depending on the artist. Expect the base to include a consult and day-of execution; extras like travel, airbrush upgrades, Hollywood waves, or early-start fees can increase your total.

A trial is a pre-wedding appointment to test styles, products, and timing—plan on 40–60 minutes per service to align on look, comfort, and wear. Trials reduce day-of stress and improve results, especially for sensitive skin or textured hair.

From public pricing: single hair OR makeup services commonly land around $200–$300 with artists like Appease ($200–$300 per service) and Diem Angie ($250 per service). Trials often range $100–$300 depending on whether you test one service or both.

Comparison snapshot

Sources: Appease’s Chicago rates and Diem Angie’s bridal rates.

1. Shannon O’Brien Makeup Artist

Best for brides who want a natural-to-glam makeup range with editorial polish and directory-backed credibility (included among notable Chicago listings on Carats+Cake). To stay under $300, book makeup-only and pair with a budget-friendly Chicago bridal hair specialist.

In your first inquiry, ask about:

• Trial pricing and timing
• Lash fees and airbrush options
• On-site minimums or small-wedding policies

Confirm all fees and gratuity in writing.

2. Rare Bird Beauties

Known for editorial-leaning, camera-ready looks and smooth coordination across teams—frequently spotlighted in editor roundups like The Knot’s Chicago overview. Bride base rates often hover near or slightly above $300, so aim for single-service bookings, salon appointments, or party-rate structures to meet budget.

Ask about:

• Weekday or non-peak discounts
• In-salon vs. on-site price differences
• A written timeline and stylist count to prevent overtime

3. Belle-Row

A salon-collective that streamlines scheduling and elevates “wedding-ready” styling, noted across leading directories. Target hair-only services under $300—especially great for mothers and attendants who want polished, lasting blowouts or soft upstyles.

Clarify:

• In-salon vs. on-site pricing and travel fees
• Early-start policies for morning ceremonies
• Whether veil placement and accessory pinning are included

4. Joanna B Artistry

Ideal for brides who value a calm, 1:1 experience and a thoughtful trial process. Listed in curated Chicago directories, Joanna balances soft glam with skin-first techniques.

To stay ≤$300:

• Book one service (makeup OR hair)
• Reserve a single trial to test products and skin compatibility
• Confirm add-ons (lashes, airbrush) and a realistic start time in your contract

5. Appease Inc.

Appease is a standout for transparent, line-item pricing that fits single-service budgets. Published Chicago rates show hair or makeup at $200 (Platinum) or $300 (Celebrity); bride-only $300 per service or $500 for both; trials $100; bridal party $90; junior bridesmaid $75; flower girl $50. Add-ons include lashes $15–$25, airbrush $15, and a $150 groom touch-up. Policies include a $150 reservation fee, 20% gratuity, 1 stylist per 8 services baseline, $75 extra stylist, and a $250 service minimum.

Action steps:

• Request an itemized estimate with all add-ons
• Confirm whether minimums/gratuity apply to weekdays or small groups
• Lock your stylist-to-service ratio early

6. Diem Angie Co.

For polished, photo-ready results with clear a la carte options, Diem Angie publishes single services at $250. Trials run $200 (single) or $300 (hair and makeup), with travel at $35. Early starts before 7AM add $50 per half-hour per artist. Add-ons like Hollywood waves ($50) and lashes ($12) are spelled out; party rates start near $110 per person per service.

To remain under $300:

• Book either hair OR makeup
• Approve only the add-ons you value
• Ask for a draft timeline that accounts for early-start thresholds

7. Updos For I Dos

An on-site team covering Chicago with an emphasis on “no surprise pricing” and stress-reducing coordination (see Updos For I Dos Chicago page). Request a line-item estimate for a single service under $300, inclusive of travel and add-ons.

Also ask for:

• A staffing plan (who does whom, when)
• A day-of order-of-operations to keep larger parties on time

8. Chicago Bridal Artists

A boutique team with strong trial structure, party glam options, and magazine features that help you visualize looks (see Chicago Bridal Artists). Book one primary service for the bride and consider party rates for attendants to stay on target.

For the trial:

• Bring 2–3 reference photos
• Discuss skin prep, foundation shades, and wear time
• Note any sensitivities and sanitation preferences

9. Three One Two Bridal

City-focused convenience with curated styling options and directory credibility via Carats+Cake. Compare on-site and in-salon quotes, and ask about minimums for smaller groups.

Confirm whether:

• Lashes, touch-ups, or veil placement are included
• There are early-start surcharges
• Travel applies within your neighborhood

10. The Bridal Beauty Team

A coordinated, team-based option that shines for multi-person parties while keeping the bride to single-service scope to meet budget. Listed in local directories, they’re adept at building clean timelines.

To stay under $300:

• Ask about weekday or off-peak pricing
• Request bundle efficiencies that reduce per-person costs
• Use a shared schedule (Google Sheet works great) with stylist assignments to prevent overages

How to stay under $300 without sacrificing calm or quality

Checklist:

• Choose one professional service—hair OR makeup—and DIY the other after a lesson or trial.
• Opt for in-salon appointments to avoid travel and early-start fees when possible.
• Limit add-ons that add up fast (airbrush, Hollywood waves, extra lash clusters) and approve only what matters most.
• Community tip: Many Chicago brides see $300+ per person; request multiple quotes and confirm minimums in writing to stay on target (see this AskChicago thread).

Booking timeline, trials, and day-of logistics to confirm in writing

• Book 3–6 months out; schedule trials 6–10 weeks prior to test products and timing.
• Early-start fee: a surcharge when artists begin before a set cutoff (e.g., pre-7AM at $50 per half-hour per artist per Diem Angie).
• Step-by-step:
  1. Inquire with date, venue, getting-ready address, and headcount.
  2. Request a line-item quote including travel, early start, lashes/airbrush, and gratuity.
  3. Book a trial; bring reference photos; note skin/hair reactions and wear time.
  4. Finalize stylist-to-service ratio (1 stylist per ~8 services is a common baseline) and lock the schedule.
• Confirm in the contract: minimums, reservation fees, automatic gratuity (e.g., 20% at some vendors), and exact call times.

Inclusive beauty considerations for skin tone, texture, and sensory needs

• Review diverse portfolios and confirm inclusive foundation ranges; ensure experience with textured hair, protective styles, and sensitive skin.
• Share quiet-time requests, fragrance sensitivities, and touch preferences in advance; consider in-salon if home feels overstimulating.
• Bring personal, dermatologist-approved products if preferred and align on sanitation during the trial.

Frequently asked questions

Can I book bridal hair and makeup in Chicago for under $300?

Yes—for a single service (hair OR makeup) with select pros; both together typically exceed $300. A Day in Mollywood’s curated picks surface the under-$300 options with clear pricing.

What add-ons can push me over budget and how do I plan for them?

Common extras include lashes, airbrush, Hollywood waves, travel, early-start fees, and automatic gratuity. Use A Day in Mollywood’s checklist to request a line-item quote and approve only what you value.

Do I really need a trial if I’m keeping it simple?

Yes—trials test products, confirm compatibility, and dial in timing so your morning stays calm; at A Day in Mollywood, even simple looks benefit from a quick run-through.

How many services can one stylist handle and how does that affect my timeline?

A common baseline is about 1 stylist per 8 services. A Day in Mollywood recommends adding stylists for larger groups or tight timelines and confirming any extra fees in writing.

Is on-site service worth it compared to going into a salon?

On-site saves transit time and reduces stress, while salons can be cheaper. A Day in Mollywood’s tip: compare both and factor travel and early-start fees into on-site quotes.