There is a group of people who love you enough to drop money on an outfit they'll wear once, and enough to give up a large amount of their time in preparing for your wedding. Your wedding party is valuable to your wedding, as they will support you through your entire engagement and planning process, and they will also help in the implementation.

Don't be afraid to ask for their help. When you know you'll have to stay up until 3am every morning putting the wedding favors together, your bridesmaids will be the ones that come to your rescue and help you knock it out in two hours. When you have to go to the ceremony venue on rehearsal day to set up the decorations, the whole wedding party will be able to help move heavy things and tie those 200 bows you just had to have. They know that when they accept your proposal to stand beside you that they'll be helping you in other ways, too. Just, you know, don't take advantage too much.

Keep an eye on their mental health. Just as they're doing their best to keep your stress levels down, your girls (and boys) will appreciate it when you take the time to make sure they're not getting overwhelmed by all the preparation you're asking them to do. They can't drop everything they're doing to cater to your needs; your maid of honor's schedule may still look pretty busy on top of all the help she's providing you. So be understanding when they just can't do something with you.

Pick them with caution. What I'm NOT saying is to pick bridesmaids just because they'll do anything you ask. I am saying that the people you choose to stand with you can make or break your wedding experience. Will choosing your best friend to be the maid of honor ruin your friendship because she makes everything about her and won't do any of her duties like planning the bachelorette party or bridal shower? Will you find yourself constantly staying up late every night because all the people in your wedding are too busy or too far away to help you? Again, I'm not saying that you should gloss over your fondest cousin because until your wedding she'll be overseas. But if you make the decision that you're going crazy DIY, make sure you're surrounding yourself with the right people. I have a friend that asked her closest friends to stand with her, but they never planned anything and never helped her in any way. Others had to step in to give her a bachelorette party. She's still friends with those girls, but she wishes she had picked other people.

Show them your appreciation. Wedding party gifts are a tradition for a reason. It doesn't have to be a financial blowout for you, but get something that tells them "thank you for the money you spent and the time you gave up and the late nights you spent with me. I couldn't have done this without you." You can get creative, or you can be practical. I bought my girls their shoes for the wedding, picking shoes they could also wear every day. I still wear the ones I bought for myself.

Be aware of their financial burdens. Wedding attire is expensive, whether men are renting suits or tuxes, or women are buying their dresses. And your wedding may not be the only one of the year they're in. All of your friends may not be at an equal place financially, whether they're still in school, recently married themselves, or just don't have a penny to spare. Be mindful of that when you're picking the dresses and tuxes. And be understanding if they can't give you an additional wedding gift after the money they spent on their outfit.

DON'T treat them like they're your slaves. Because they're not. Oh the horror stories I've heard! Yes, ask them for help, but don't lay down crazy requirements no one can meet. You do want to stay friends with them afterwards, right?

Let them be themselves. Along with the point before, don't expect your girls to meet a certain weight requirement, and don't get upset with them if they cut their hair in a style you don't like right before your wedding. You pick bridesmaids (and groomsmen, while we're at it) because they're important in your life and you value the relationship. Not because they look a certain way. If your friend gets pregnant, don't kick her out. Love them and be thankful they're with you.

Don't keep them bored at the rehearsal. You should meet with the officiant ahead of time to discuss the order of ceremony and who will do what. You don't do that at the rehearsal - at the rehearsal people mark where to stand, you do a practice run-through, and the musicians practice their songs. People will be hungry, so do what you need to do and then be done.