Twelve months is plenty of time to plan a wedding, right? Nope - you need to set the ball rolling as early as possible if you want to take some of the planning pressure off your lovely fiancée and ensure that you aren't both nervous wrecks in the run up to your big day. Our checklist of essential tasks will help you plan well ahead and have her raving to her friends about her wonderfully efficient and masterful man!

12 MONTHS TO GO

1. If you haven't asked her yet, now's the time.
   Without getting the nod, reading this article is um a bit premature to say the least!
2. Decide who is paying & establish a budget
   Agree with your fiancee and both your parents how you'll divide up the bill.
3. Purchase an engagement ring
   If you havnt done so already, take your fiancée engagement ring shopping or surprise her if you trust your taste and judgement.
4. Agree on the style of wedding.
   You can decide between traditional or contemporary, which could take place at home or abroad.

11 MONTHS TO GO

1. Research your wedding attire.
   An early start will give you an idea of the range of different styles available, from sherwanis to tuxedos and everything in between.
2. Set the date
   Visit some of the venue options for your wedding and reception, taking into account the notoriously fickle British weather and air fares for international guests.
3. Help organise the wedding and reception.
   Hunt out the best caterers, DJs, bands and entertainment using our wedding directory, interview suppliers and book them.
4. Get In Shape
   Now would not be a bad time to join a gym and get back into shape so your bride has something to look forwrad to on her honeymoon.

10 MONTHS TO GO

1. Select your attendants.
   Your best man and grooms men have an important role to play. Choose friends and family you can rely on and decide how much or how little you want to involve them all.
2. Research honeymoon locations.
   Time to figure out where you want to spend your honeymoon. Check out list of top 20 destinations.
3. Arrange the cars.
   Make sure that transport for you, your families and attendants - to and from the wedding venue - is all arranged.
4. Contact your guests.
   You don't need to send out invitations yet but a reminder to save the date is a good idea.

9 MONTHS TO GO

1. Decide on a menu.
   A tasting session with your caterer will help you choose the most appropriate dishes.
2. Order the alcohol (if applicable)
   Find out if glassware is included and if corkage charges at your venue are applicable
3. Book your buttonholes.
   Talk to your florist about a arrangements that will go with the bridal bouquet.
4. . Discuss who will speak at the reception.
   A few months' notice will give them enough time to get over their nerves and objections.

8 MONTHS TO GO

1. Plan the ceremony.
   If you are not familiar with the religious traditions, meet with your pundit/granthi/imam to discuss the same.
2. Finalise your guest list.
   It's time to have that really big row about all the relatives who your parents want to invite.
3. Plan your trip.
   Extra honeymoon treats such as spa sessions, exclusive restaurant reservations should ideally be arranged in advance.

7 MONTHS TO GO

1. Decide on your order of service.
   Agree your plans with your priests and print booklets for all your guests to understand your ceremony.
2. . Order the invitations.
   Take this opportunity to buy place cards and menus from your printer too.
3. Choose a cake.
   A wedding cake is just one option. try petit fours or traditional indian desserts.
4. Meet up with your best man.
   Let him know what you will expect of him over the coming months.

6 MONTHS TO GO

1. Choose a hotel for your wedding night.
   Book your first-night hotel if you are not travelling straight to your honeymoon. Now is a good time to arrange little extras such as flowers, chocolates, CDs and champagne.
2. Check out local hotels.
   Your guests will need accommodation and you may be able to arrange a group discount for them.
3. Book transport.
   You'll need a car to take you to your wedding night hotel or the airport.
4. Check your passports.
   Make sure they haven't expired if you're planning on honeymooning overseas.

5 MONTHS TO GO

1. Organise your wedding present list.
   Most large stores make this enjoyable task incredibly easy.
2. Choose your wedding rings.
   You might like to get them engraved - your jeweller will be able to arrange this for you.
3. . Plan your honeymoon wardrobe.
   Whether it's shorts for beach or party wear for the clubs, figure out what you're going to wear on your trip.
4. Arrange your jabs.
   Book any inoculations that may be necessary for a far-flung honeymoon. Your GP will be able to advise you about what you need.

4 MONTHS TO GO

1. Plan a stag night.
   Meet up with your best man to decide what kind of stag night/weekend you'd like to have. You might want to set some limits.
2. Arrange some treats.
   Plan something special to do when you return from your honeymoon. Your calendar will feel empty after all the wedding planning that's taken up your time, so book some theatre tickets and a weekend away to have on your horizon.
3. Learn to dance.
   A few lessons will help you prepare for the all important first dance at the reception.
4. Apply for your visa.
   Check to see if there are any special entry requirements for your honeymoon destination.

3 MONTHS TO GO

1. Purchase your wedding outfit.
   By now you should be ready to choose your wedding outfit. Make a day of it with all your grooms men and male relatives.
2. Send out your invitations.
   Keep on top of acceptances and refusals.
3. Buy your thank you gifts.
   Pick out presents for your best man, wife, mother in law and any other relatives.

2 MONTHS TO GO

1. Lay out a reception seating plan.
   This is your chance to play cupid with (or wind up) your single friends and cousins.
2. Order your honeymoon currency.
   Shop around for the best exchange rate.
3. Do a final head count.
   Confirm the number of guests with your caterers and let them know if anyone has special dietary needs.
4. Confirm all your bookings.
   A final check with ALL your suppliers could save a lot of heartache on the day !

1 MONTH TO GO

1. Pick up your Wedding outfit.
   Collect it approximately a week before the wedding and make sure everything fits.
2. Fetch your rings and marriage licence.
   Agree with your best man on a safe place to keep them
3. Go on your stag night/weekend
   Leave plenty of time for recovery - or rescue!
4. Book a hair cut.
   A week before grooming session and haircut will give you the relaxation time that you'll need.
5. Panic about your speech.
   Read our speech feature then all you have to do is relax and enjoy the big day.