High street fashion brand Oasis reveals results of survey about who should pay for bridesmaids' dresses

High street fashion brand Oasis - known for its collection of stylish occasionwear - has conducted a survey about who should pay for the bridesmaids' dresses and who decides on the style, colour and the shoes.

The results have found that brides may actually be overpaying when it comes to bridesmaid dresses. A survey of 1,563 brides and 673 bridesmaids has highlighted that while 75% of brides say they expect to cover the full cost of the bridesmaids' dresses, just 59% of bridesmaids expect to pay nothing.

Falling in line with bridesmaids' expectations on who should pay for dresses could save brides-to-be a fair bit on their wedding bill. The research revealed that the most common cost for bridesmaids' dresses (44%) falls between £50 and £100 on each gown, with the average cost per bridesmaid dress standing at £114. If brides were to ask their bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, this could result in savings for them of up to £342, based on an average of three bridesmaids.

Over one-third of brides (37%) said they chose the exact style and colours of their bridesmaid dresses and 45% of bridesmaids said they had their dresses chosen for them.
In further studies: 
*35% of brides picked the colour of the dresses and allowed bridesmaids to pick the style
*22% of brides gave bridesmaids a small selection of dresses to choose from
*2% of brides selected the style of the dress and allowed their bridesmaids to pick the colour
*97% of brides were confident in the choice of dress, saying that their bridesmaids liked the chosen outfit. Only 80% of bridesmaids agreed, however, with one in five bridesmaids (19%) stating that they did not like the outfit they wore.

Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life, says on the topic: “Be clear on expectations as early on as the bridesmaid proposal. Set expectations by saying something along the lines of 'If your time and budget allows, I would love for you to be part of my bridal party'. If you're asking your maids to buy their own dresses, expect to be flexible on the choices they suggest. You can suggest a theme but bear in mind that asking your bridesmaids to pay means they'll have a greater say in the style of dress they wear.”

For dress inspiration including this polka dot halterneck style, visit
www.oasis-stores.com and follow them on Instagram @oasisfashion