The quickest way to perturb your best friends? Invite them to be in your wedding party, then turn them into fashion victims. Use these helpful hints to retain your composure -- and your friendships -- when choosing bridesmaid dresses.

DO:
Remember why you chose your bridesmaids in the first place (i.e., they are your closest friends, whom you love dearly and would never intentionally upset).

DON'T:
Dress your maids in something hideous so you'll look better in comparison.

DO:
Take your time and decide how you want the bridesmaid dresses to complement your gown.

DON'T:
Choose dresses that make your maids look heavy or sexless.

DO:
Choose colors you like and think would look good on all of your friends (consider their complexions and hair colors).

DON'T:
Assume all colors will look great on everyone.

DO:
Choose a style that flatters the different sizes and shapes of your bridesmaids.

DON'T:
Try to cram a tall, voluptuous maid into the exact same style as a petite, skinny brunette (totally unfair to either).

DO:
Consider choosing a color and then letting each maid pick a style that will suit her.

DON'T:
Say, "Wear whatever you want," because you really never know...

DO:
Appoint your maid of honor or a highly responsible bridesmaid to be in charge of organizing gown purchases.

DON'T:
Be a control freak and try to do everything on your own.

DO:
Think about what your maids will do with the dresses after the wedding (jackets over dresses, sweater sets and skirts, and dark-colored slip dresses are all totally reusable).

DON'T:
Ask your friends to purchase an outfit they absolutely wouldn't be caught dead in ever again.

DO:
Remember that simple, elegant designs make every body happy.

DON'T:
Go over the top with details, embellishments, and accessories.

DO:
Think about everyone's present financial situation.

DON'T:
Make maids buy really expensive dresses unless they are all independently wealthy (a general price range for bridesmaid dresses is $100-300).

DO:
Ask your maids to go dress shopping with you.

DON'T:
Take all your maids shopping at once if you have more than four.

DO:
Use The Knot Bridesmaid search and email info about dresses you like to your maids.

DON'T:
Make a decision without first showing/telling your maids what type of dress you envision.

DO:
Think about incorporating part of the cost of the dress -- or one of the accessories -- as part (or all) of your bridesmaid gift to them.

DON'T:
Offer to pay for anything unless you really mean it.

Now, sit down and list your maids. Put notes beside each name about what kind of dress you think would look good on her, how much you think is fair to ask her to pay for a dress, and anything else that strikes your fancy. Finally, keep some of these "dressing" tips in mind: