Over on my Ask The Wedding Etiquette Expert message board, we've been discussing wonderful ways to invite your friends, sisters and cousins to be bridesmaids. From presenting them with roses, jewelry for the wedding day, a surprise champagne toast, and dinner, this invitation starts your planning process off in a very special way.

Now the key to keeping that special feeling so that you all share a peaceful planning process is making sure you regularly show appreciation for your bridesmaids' work in helping to create your special day. So on a regular basis, send out pretty thank you e-cards or print cards no matter how small their contributions of ideas or suggestions of vendors. Appreciation is the key to maintaining a peaceful planning group.

If you need to say No to a thoughtful suggestion -- which many brides say can be overwhelming when everyone wants to help so much -- is to respond right away with a 'thanks for offering, but I found my favors last week!' And then follow that up with a suggestion that the great idea be used for the wedding breakfast or another element of the day. "Everyone will love your great idea!" will make your bridesmaid beam.

Key #2 is not to get too far ahead. You don't need to start peppering them with your wishes for their open-toed shoes a year in advance. Stick to the tasks at hand right now.

Key #3 is to share the credit. Bridesmaids LOVE it when you include their helpfulness, creativity and input on your wedding blog or personal wedding website or talk highly about them to friends and family.

Key #4 is to use good etiquette by letting them know exactly what their roles are, and what will *not* be expected of them, such as paying for their own lodging or throwing a bachelorette party if you don't want one. Bridesmaids love having the relief of knowing they won't have to spend a fortune.

And Key #5 is to let them know they can call you any time with questions or if they need help with anything. When you show at Minute One that you're going to be a Dream Bride, your entire group is far more likely to be a harmonious planning circle all the way through.