After several emails with the manager of the Mandara Spa, I now have ‘tentative’ appointments for Saturday for me, my girls (bridesmaids) and my mom. I had to secure the appointment with my credit card but am told it will not be charged until the appointment. (You can cancel up to 24 hours before the appointment. If you cancel less than 24 hours before you will be charged for the appointment.) The only frustrating thing is I don’t have pricing. She says they don’t really know until your ‘consultation’ and the actual appointment. They need to see the hairstyle desired and see the hair type of the person. I pushed for a ‘price range’ (an average), because I’ll be having my hair done no matter what, but for my bridesmaids and mother the price could definitely make a difference.

On one hand, the Marriott’s wedding package pricing tells you $150 for a bridal updo. I’m wondering is a bridesmaid updo the same? Even if its a simple french twist or bun? Finally I’m told that any updo ’starts at $75′. That’s definitely better than a guaranteed $150, so I’m expecting it to fall somewhere in the middle. She says you can help control your cost by showing up with your hair freshly washed and blow dried.

Make-up starts at $85, whether you are a bride or member of the wedding party.

So, I was thinking maybe the salon visit would be something I will treat my bridesmaids to (I only have two) and treat my mother to hair and makeup. But that would really add up. I would expect those three hairstyles and makeup could easily reach $400 by the time service fees are added in. (You still have a service fee with the spa, but by booking your appointment directly, don’t also have a service fee from Marriott.) And of course I’m counting on my hair and make-up running about $250. So now, what to do? If I’m going to spend $100 on each of the girls, I have to wonder if there is something they’d like more than a hairdo. Like a J Crew gift certificate or spa treatment?

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