As soon as the proposal pictures are posted on social media, couples typically turn their focus solely on wedding details for the next six months to a year. Unfortunately, most couples spend a tremendous amount of time, money, energy and effort making sure they have the picture perfect wedding. However, they do not spend the same amount of time, money, energy and effort in preparing for their marriage. In our current society, there is a trend to have the wedding ceremony be in a place of higher prominence than the marriage. This can lead to disillusionment and disappointment for those who enter into their marriage with “rose colored glasses” on. Some folks believe that marriage can solve all of their problems, including personal issues and areas of couple conflict. Oftentimes, couples initially fall into despair when they realize that their personal issues have not been resolved after they are married. However, if couples invest in preparing for marriage, not just their wedding, they can have a more realistic foundation on which to build their lives together. One way couples can do this, is by attending premarital counseling or premarital classes. Premarital counseling sessions or classes can provide prospective marrieds with tools that can prepare them for potential pitfalls that they may encounter down the line. Oftentimes, this type of counseling can actually prevent some post wedding conflicts and arguments. In these premarital courses, areas of incompatibility are often highlighted and resources for how to navigate these areas are usually offered as well. It is my belief that if couples spend as much time, energy, and effort on preparing for their marriage as much as they do in preparing for their wedding, they will be well equipped to have not only their fairytale wedding but their fairytale marriage as well.

Denise Payne, MS
Certified Prepare & Enrich Facilitator