An immense amount of time and effort goes into planning for such a wonderful occasion, but as well as wanting their special day to be perfect, Alastair and Juliet decided to enrol on a pre-wedding marriage preparation course to help the two of them make the best possible start on their journey together.

They chose to attend a course delivered by Marriage Care at the Birmingham centre. Since their wedding in 2009, they say ‘We have certainly not perfected the skills introduced on the course. However, we are more conscious of a toolset we can use to continue to grow in love.’

Alastair & Juliet commented ‘the course was very enriching… A learning point for us was the appreciation that every marriage is unique and that what works for one couple may not work for another…it is up to the two of us to deepen our understanding of each other…learning how to communicate in a way that is loving and effective.’ The course gave them the time and space to explore areas such as communication, conflict resolution, each other’s expectations of their upcoming marriage and understanding what commitment means. They say, ‘As a result it made each of us a better listener, communicator and partner’.

In the end it is the two people, in the relationship, who make a lifelong commitment work. The preparation provided by the professionally trained volunteers in Marriage Care is an opportunity for couples to learn and share together in a safe environment. The course content is delivered in a variety of forms, including presentations, group discussions and couple shared time.

The Birmingham Centre of Marriage Care, based in Acocks Green, offers services to help people prepare for, achieve and sustain successful marriages and to support them should they experience marital breakdown. The team of Counsellors, who are professionally trained volunteers, offers relationship counselling. Further information on all services can be found at www.marriagecare.org.uk.

Tel: 0800 389 3801