Congratulations on your engagement!  This can be an extremely exciting and, sometimes, nerve wracking time.  For many couples, they feel a lot of pressure to create the perfect wedding.  We want to encourage you to use this time to prepare for a wonderful marriage.

Your wedding lasts only a day - your marriage is meant to last for your lifetime.  Investing time and energy in preparing for your marriage before it starts is the best way to build a strong foundation NOW that will pay off many times in the future.

Specific suggestions:

1.  Complete a pre-marriage inventory such as "PREPARE" that will highlight areas of your relationship to discuss BEFORE the wedding. 

2. Participate in a course or workshop that teaches effective communication and conflict resolution skills.  The Guilford County Marriage Resource Center and a variety of other community groups offer programs across the county. Click here to see the complete calendar of scheduled events.  

  3. Once you are married, continue to invest in this marriage relationship.  Would you buy a new car and then never change the oil?  Of course not - you recognize the importance of "preventive maintenance" for your car.  The same exact principle applies to your marriage.  

Every married couple can benefit from participating in some sort of structured "Marriage Enrichment" program every year of their marriage; that's one of the best ways to keep your love alive.   

You may be wondering if all of this is necessary. But wouldn't you agree that you are about to take a step that is literally the most important step you will ever take in your life.  With this much at stake, wouldn't you want to do everything you can to increase your marriage's chances of being strong, happy, and long lasting?  Of course you would!  This is NOT the time to be cutting corners or taking shortcuts.