hey ladies, as some of you know we are having a really small ceremony at a castle we have rented in Scotland. Its parents and witnesses only and I've arranged a professional make up artist and professional hairdresser from the Highlands to come to the castle the morning of the wedding, I booked them after having trial runs when we went up to Scotland on holiday in March.

anyway, I've since become friends with both ladies on fbook and I have noticed they both often post pictures of flowers, wine, chocolate etc etc that brides have gifted to them after their big day. I just wondered if this was the norm as it really didn't cross my mind and its not something I've arranged or given any thought too! there is 4 of us having hair and make up and that's costing £300 and I wouldn't have thought about adding a thank you gift for a service I have paid for but wondered if that's just me because its obvious from their post that lots of brides do gift. Your thoughts?

You don't have to give a gift to them; it's their job. If they were friends doing it for free it would be different.

When you say you have become friends, what you mean is better acquainted and they have built up a rapport with you. Its their business to do so and to help them better understand your personality and what look you want.

They do not need a gift as you are paying them. If you want to get them a gift, by all means do but it is not the norm and they shouldn't expect it. Nor should you feel bad that you don't. Its nothing more than a business relationship!

Nope, I'm paying for their services as it is. I know you say you've become friends but the money they charge you will ensure they don't come away empty handed, they'll have their profit margin built into the pricing

No way!
My sister didn't and I certainly didn't. I paid her loads for 3 hair and makeup so there was no way I was spending more than her charge which was well over £300!
I didn't buy any suppliers a present but did thank all of them and where I could thanked them on FB too as it's good for their reputation and business for happy clients to be seen xxx

And they should be doing a perfect job for £300 so being exceptional should be standard!

She was amazing Valentina, she does London fashion week and weekend and she did the most amazing job for my sister's wedding, she got my makeup perfect for that so I had to have her for our wedding, after church and reception venue were booked she was the first supplier I booked.

If they're from a salon, I personally would tip, as I always tip at a salon, and they will only get a cut.

If they own their own business, I find the idea of giving a tip or gift a bit weird, as they will be getting all the money, unlike at a salon where they will get a salary, or a proportion of it.

The only people we'll be tipping will be the wait staff/bar staff; everyone else owns their own businesses so I don't think it's necessary. The only time I'd give a gift is if I felt someone went above and beyond; I may get our ring company something for the office to share (eg chocolate) as they've been so amazing, but that's it.