Pick up some brownie points by knowing exactly what you should be doing and when!

ONE YEAR BEFORE...

• Decide on a budget and then try to stick to it when the bride gets carried away
• Book a reception and ceremony venue – easier said than done, this might involve endless drives around the country to find the perfect venue

NINE MONTHS BEFORE...

• Help bride decide guest list – think about it this way: if you’re involved now you’ll know when the bride starts expanding the guest list (and your budget!) later on, so pay attention
• Investigate the ultimate reward for all this hard work: your honeymoon
• Begin thinking about outfits for you, the best man and ushers – even if you’re known for your ‘individual sense of style’, definitely co-ordinate with the bride on this one; you’re not allowed to attract more attention than her!

SIX MONTHS BEFORE...

• Book transport to the ceremony and reception for the whole wedding party – you might even enjoy this one, especially if you go for a few test drives in the name of research
• Finalise honeymoon plans, look out passports and start paying for it
• Order buttonholes for the men in the wedding party; explain what a ‘buttonhole’ is to any confused males.
• Look into accommodation for guests
• Book your own accommodation for the first night, after checking that it’s not part of your wedding package already.
• Try to get a definite number for the daytime and evening guest list
• Order the wedding rings – don’t suggest buying them from Ratners, this is one purchase that’s supposed to be romantic
• Order your outfits and start trying to lose that beer gut so you don’t show up your beautiful bride

THREE MONTHS BEFORE...

• Choose items and/or vouchers for your gift list; don’t worry, this is not like normal shopping, it’s more fun – at Debenhams they give you a laser gun and you prowl the shop scanning all the things you like.
• Have fittings for your outfits, try not to giggle when they measure your inside leg.
• Make sure your best man has the stag do organised - don't believe, 'Yeah it's all sorted, don't worry mate,' until you see evidence of concrete plans.
• Start writing your speech. Don't buy a sample speech off the internet and fill in the blanks - women can smell insincerity you know.