How Much Does a Facial Cost? What to Budget for a Wedding Facial

If you're considering booking a pre-wedding facial and want to know how much does a facial cost, you've come to the right place. Pre-wedding beauty treatments, while not a requirement by any means, can be a great way to look and feel your best in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Many to-be-weds find facials to be both relaxing and an important step in taking care of their skin before the wedding. From knowing how much do facials cost to understanding the different kinds of facials, we spoke with Gina Lauricella, an aesthetician and facialist, about everything you need to know before booking a facial for your wedding. "The way your skin looks on your wedding day is so important because it affects the way the makeup will sit on it," Lauricella shares. Whether this is your first facial or your fiftieth, going in prepared will help you to have a great experience.

In this article:

• On Average, How Much Does a Facial Cost?
• How Much Facials Cost, by Type
• How to Choose the Right Wedding Facial for Your Budget
• How Much Do You Tip for a Facial?

On Average, How Much Does a Facial Cost?

The average cost of a facial ranges from $60 to $250, depending on a few factors. Your location as well as the type of facial you choose and the experience of the aesthetician will largely inform the cost of your facial. Lauricella tells us that her treatments range from $140 to $250. Certain facials utilize specialized technology or take much more time than other kinds, which will affect the cost as well. If you'd like to get an estimate, research local spas or call them to find out price ranges before booking your facial.

"Facial costs can potentially differ between solo aestheticians and med spas because the offering is different," Lauricella says. "But it's around the same price! There are certain treatments you can only get with a medical provider. Those are the most costly ones."

How Much Facials Cost, by Type

The cost of a facial will depend on both your location and the type of facial you choose. Whether you're targeting a specific skin concern (like getting rid of acne) or are just hoping to unwind and give your skin a refresh before you walk down the aisle, we've broken down some of the top kinds of facials and what you can expect to pay on average.

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Classic Facial

What it includes: If this is your first facial, a classic facial is a great place to start. This relaxing treatment often combines cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating procedures as a general one-size-fits-all facial. This is a great choice for an overall skin refresh not targeting one specific concern.

What it costs: $50–$100

Oxygen Facial

What it includes: An oxygen facial involves the typical cleansing and exfoliation of a facial with the added benefit of applying pressurized oxygen to the skin using a specialized device. These types of facials are said to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve blood flow to the face and collagen for a youthful appearance.

What it costs: $75–$200

Acne Facial

What it includes: For to-be-weds who want to get clear skin, there are specific facials targeted at acne-prone skin to soothe breakouts and inflammation. These may also include acne extractions and sometimes LED light therapy.

What it costs: $75–$200

Hydrating Facial

What it includes: Those with dry skin may benefit from a hydrating facial. As the name suggests, hydrating facials are meant to boost moisture and hydration in the skin to keep it feeling soft and calm. Key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and hydrating oils are used to give the skin an extra dose of hydration.

What it costs: $150–$350

Dermaplaning

What it includes: Dermaplaning or microdermabrasion is a type of facial treatment where the aesthetician uses a razor to gently shave away the top layer of your skin, removing any dead skin and peach fuzz. With consistent use, it's said that dermaplaning can help to reduce the look of acne scars and will leave the skin looking more radiant.

What it costs: $75–$150

Brightening Facial

What it includes: Those with dull skin love the benefits of a brightening facial. In this treatment, gentle acids and antioxidants are used to exfoliate the skin, revealing a radiant, glowing complexion. It's important to note that these kinds of treatments as well as others are not ideal for right before the wedding "24–72 hours before the wedding, no exfoliation and nothing aggressive," Lauricella advises. "It's important to focus on hydration, massage, some lymphatic drainage and some lifting/sculpting modalities"

What it costs: $100–$200

Light Therapy Facial

What it includes: As the name suggests, light therapy or LED facials use a mix of targeted light, including blue, red, yellow and infrared, to tackle various skin concerns. These treatments combine light therapy with various cleansing and exfoliating treatments to maximize the results. This is sometimes done in multiple sessions as well, as it can leave the skin feeling sensitive after treatment.

What it costs: $75–$200

How to Choose the Right Wedding Facial for Your Budget

When planning a pre-wedding facial, it's important to keep your budget in mind. Our wedding budget tool allows you to work the cost of your facial, including tips, into your wedding budget so you can account for this in your expenses. If you're on a tight budget, it's helpful to compare prices for different spas and treatments to find one that you feel comfortable with. "Most treatments with a modality (hydrafacial, microcurrent, etc) will be more expensive," Lauricella explains. "It never hurts to do a facial that is all masking and handwork!"

She also suggests vetting local solo aestheticians who are starting out in their careers, but have positive reviews, as an option for potentially less expensive services. The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a great resource to help you locate local makeup artists and aestheticians who offer facials and spa services. Simply enter your location and filter to "spas" under beauty services. You can read about local spas and aestheticians as well as read reviews from nearlyweds who have used them in the past.

Keep in mind if you have sensitive skin it may be wise to not try anything brand new right before the wedding. Talk to your aesthetician about your skin type and you can work together to find the best treatment for you. Plus, it could be helpful to do a trial run facial in the months leading up to the wedding to ensure your skin reacts well to the treatment. Lauricella suggests "At least six months prior to your wedding you should begin getting treatments at least every four weeks."

In addition to your pre-wedding facial, keeping up with your at-home skincare routine is crucial for maintaining your skin's health. "Being on the right home-care regimen to get real results is imperative," Lauricella emphasizes.

How Much Do You Tip for a Facial?

As for many beauty services, a 15–20% tip is customary for facials, so be sure to factor that into your budget as well. "The recommended tip amount is based on how you think your service went," Lauricella shares. "If it was outstanding, you should tip 20%. But you always need to tip!"

A high-end spa or more experienced aesthetician may warrant a higher tip percentage. It's important to note that some medical spas refuse tips for facials because of the more medical setting for the treatment, while others allow them. For day spas and aestheticians, on the other hand, it is typical etiquette to tip your facialist.