That is completely up to you, who you want with you when you get ready. Most brides have their bridesmaids and mum. Some also have friends, or grandma, and mother of the groom too. I find the more people you have, the more stressed out brides can be, becauseeveryone is fussing over the bride and it can be an overwhelming morning. I find the best is to keep things simple and just have bridesmaids and mums. That is what I did for my wedding and it seems to be the least stressful for most of my clients. I had my mother in law there too, so she could get styled up, then she went to where my hubby was getting ready. so she has the best of both worlds.
As for who pays what... I arranged and paid for my bridesmaids, myself and the 2 mums for hair and makeup. Anyone else wanting hair and makeup had to pay for their own. I organised an artistfor them, but that is what my business is all about, so it made sense for me to do this. It is completely up to you though if you pay for it or not. That is something you have to discuss with your party. If they pay for their own, but you book them in witha professionalartist, you know they will still look good in photos, but you might have to discuss cost with your party before confirming with the artist. If you let them go and find their own artist, you do run the risk of them going with a non-professional who doesn't use photo-friendly products, which can make them look a little odd in photos. I have a blog on my website about what questions to ask and how to pick the right artist for you. :)
