Bridesmaids lose their minds when the expenses start to pile up.

When they first agreed to be in your wedding party, they knew they were going to face a bunch of expenses. There's a dress to pick out, shoes to get, a bridal shower to plan. They know they'll take a financial hit, but you're so worth it!

It's when additional expenses add up over the course of the planning months that they (rightly) begin their silent (or not-so-silent) revolt. Of course, you're doing your best to keep expenses down across the board, but with your focus on so many things, you might not be fully aware of how the Bridesmaid Budget Tally is stacking up for your girls.

So few brides actually take this next step, which is why they lose sight of the money realities their maids are facing:

Make a list of what it would cost you to be your own bridesmaid.

It might look like this:

Dress: $120

Shoes: $40

Hairstyling for the wedding day: $60 for an up-do

Makeup for the wedding day: $50 if they want it, free if they don't

Manicure: $30 if they want it, free if they don't

You might not know the details of what they're spending on your shower, so just take a ballpark guest: $150 to $300 apiece, for instance

Now, here are some extras:

Travel to get to the wedding: $30 to $130, gas money or planefare

Hotel room: $99 a night, two nights needed (Ouch!)

Travel to fittings: $10 in gas money and time spent

Travel to planning meetings: $10 in gas money and time spent

Bachelorette party: $30 to $150 apiece, including limo, bar tab, food and entertainment

Photos developed: $25

Cell phone bill for a year of planning: $5 to $50

And it goes on.

If all brides took the time to list out what their bridesmaids are likely spending, there's going to be a lot more peace when they:

1. Cut out some expenses. Don't ask them to get makeup and nails done, since your asking could make them feel obligated

2. Offer to pay for their bridesmaids' hotel rooms as their thank-you gift [in addition to a cute little $15 bracelet or some other gift]

3. Don't even think about requiring them to go to boot camp with you

4. Show that you care about their money by telling them to email you with answers and responses; don't require phone calls, because you never know who has free minutes or who's facing overages

5. In this recession era, more brides are skipping the bachelorette party. Just something to think about.

6. Be open to the lower-priced dresses and shoes they find online. They don't all have to be in Vera Wang just because that's what you've always envisioned. Let them find great discounts, too.

7. Treat them nice. Invite them over for dinner or cocktails on a regular basis, without any wedding talk involved. Every bridesmaid appreciates a NICE bride!