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

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!

Decide who is paying & establish a budget

Agree with your fiancee and both your parents how you'll divide up the bill.

Purchase an engagement ring

If you haven't done so already, take your fiancée engagement ring shopping or surprise her if you trust your taste and judgement.

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

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.

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.

Help organise the wedding and reception.

Hunt out the best caterers, DJs, bands and entertainment using our wedding directory, interview suppliers and book them.

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 forward to on her honeymoon.

10 MONTHS TO GO

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.

Research honeymoon locations.

Time to figure out where you want to spend your honeymoon. Check out list of top 20 destinations.

Arrange the cars.

Make sure that transport for you, your families and attendants - to and from the wedding venue - is all arranged.

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

Decide on a menu.

A tasting session with your caterer will help you choose the most appropriate dishes.

Order the alcohol (if applicable)

Find out if glassware is included and if corkage charges at your venue are applicable

Book your buttonholes.

Talk to your florist about a arrangements that will go with the bridal bouquet.

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

Plan the ceremony.

If you are not familiar with the religious traditions, meet with your pundit/granthi/imam to discuss the same.

Finalise your guest list.

It's time to have that really big row about all the relatives who your parents want to invite.

Plan your trip.

Extra honeymoon treats such as spa sessions, exclusive restaurant reservations should ideally be arranged in advance.

7 MONTHS TO GO

Decide on your order of service.

Agree your plans with your priests and print booklets for all your guests to understand your ceremony.

. Order the invitations.

Take this opportunity to buy place cards and menus from your printer too.

Choose a cake.

A wedding cake is just one option. try petit fours or traditional indian desserts.

Meet up with your best man.

Let him know what you will expect of him over the coming months.