What You Can Expect from Marriage Classes

With the intense planning that goes into today's weddings, many couples don't take the time to think about what the actual marriage itself will entail. Marriage classes can help couples to think about what it takes to make a successful marriage and prepare for the good (and bad) times that will inevitably come with being married. Some religions, most notably Catholic, require that those getting married take marriage classes before the wedding to ensure that the bride and groom have prepared not only for the big day, but for the lifetime commitment that they are making. So, what can one expect from these marriage classes?

First, church-sponsored marriage classes can take place over a 1 - 2 day period, with some marriage classes requiring an overnight stay by the couples. Marriage classes can also be held in the evening, with couples attending classes 4-6 times over a several month time-period. The marriage classes themselves are typically led by married couples or religious leaders and will cover a variety of topics. Some subjects that can be discussed in marriage classes include the transition from being engaged to being married, family life, and financial issues. The married couples who lead the marriage classes often discuss their own relationships and issues that they have faced in being married, with advice on how they have solved problems in their own marriages, while religious leaders typically focus on how the importance of faith in married life.

In addition to the marriage class discussions, many couples will also be asked to take a "compatibility test" in which each person separately answers questions regarding themselves, their future spouse, and their expectations regarding the relationship. There is no right or wrong answer to these questions; instead, couples should use this to gain an understanding of how each person is thinking as they enter the marriage. After the marriage classes are completed, the results from the test are reviewed by a counselor or sponsor, who will discuss potential relationship issues and watch-outs with the couple. Often, couples are given additional reading materials to supplement the marriage classes. These include books and other literature regarding married life, allowing the couple to reflect upon other potential marriage challenges and pitfalls.

It may seem as though the marriage classes and supporting materials focus only on the trials of being married, but marriage classes do focus on the happiness that comes in a good marriage, with the couples leading the marriage classes discussing their happiness in detail. Marriage classes may be helpful for you or a couple that you know as a way to prepare for life after the wedding.