RESOURCES BY SUBJECT l FTF LIBRARY

Premarital Preparation   

NEW Premarital class:   It Takes Two: Keys to a Rewarding Relationship.       A Fun interactive class for Communication and Conflict Resolution Tools that work based on long term University of Denver Research.  Great for marriage preparation or for enrichment: www.PREPinc.com For scheduled workshops or to schedule in your organization or church call  288-3431).  Link for more info and next workshop.    Research on why it works.

Click here for 2 for 1 discount coupon for Bridal Showcase pdf

• "It Takes Two:  Keys to a Rewarding Relationship! (PREP).  Also called Fighting for your Marriage.    A Fun interactive class for Communication and Conflict Resolution Tools that work based on long term University of Denver Research (Also Faith based version for churches: A Lasting promise))    Great for marriage preparation or for enrichment: www.PREPinc.com For scheduled workshops or to schedule in your organization or church call  288-3431).  Link for more info and next workshop.    Research on why it works.
• Pre-marriage training makes a difference:  Research report from Premarital Education, Marital Quality, and Marital Stability: Findings From a Large, Random Household Survey
• http://www.slidingvsdeciding.com blog revolves around themes about the nature of commitment. Sliding vs. Deciding is a theme that comes out of my study of commitment dynamics in relationships. university of Denver researcher Dr. Scott Stanley
• Tips from our Relationship Coach and other bridal experts at http://www.bridesight.com/resources.asp 
• Marriage Mentors using a Relationship Inventory (FOCCUS or PREPARE) couples with a good Marriage Skills Education (A Lasting Promise Workshop (PREP or C-PREP)) plus God as Third Partner are the basic elements that will make a marriage be full of joy and last a lifetime.  for those of you who will not have the opportunity to have the best preparation, LifeBranch Institute International has a web site with an inventory of topics to discuss with a potential mate.
• PREPARE/ENRICH Relationship Inventory from Life Innovations; used as counseling or mentoring tool. Training for Clergy & Counselors is available from Bob Ruthazer, Marriage Builders Alliance 282-9763(13)  For churches using, see website.
• FOCCUS/REFOCCUS Christian based Relationship Inventory from FamilyLife Office; used as counseling or mentoring tool. Training for Clergy, Counselors or Marriage mentors is available from Marriage Builders Alliance 282-9763(ext13).
• Preparing Cohabiting Couples For Marriage Video Workshop for clergy & Mentors also from FOCCUS Inc
• Have a GREAT wedding for under $4000. http://www.thisyounghouse.com/wedding-album/
• VIPCare: Pastoral Counseling and Premarital and Marriage Workshops monthly. contact  VIPCare 282-8332 for dates.
• Christian Marriage Formation. Catholic Premarital preparation.. Loraine Tracy Coordinator 358-3539
• Engaged Encounter in Richmond area:  A Wedding is a day, a Marriage is for a lifetime http://www.richmondvacee.org/  
• The First Dance is a program to look at Family Dynamics of Wedding planning.  FTF occasionally offers a FREE group class or you may purchase the DVD at www.TheFirstDance.com    
• Wedding Stress Coaching is available at  www.WeddingStressCoaching.com
• "Before I Do"    a Great Premarital preparation book for premarital preparation. can be used with mentors or stand alone. Biblical Christian Perspective.  www.FullMarriageExperience.com 
• Growthtrac.com:  tools for enriching your marriage www.growthtrac.com 
• PREPARE To Last:  New Group Program for Premarital & Newlywed Couples. www.preparetolast.com 
• Book: The F Word: A Fiancee Shares Her Story From "I Will"  to "I Do" by Kelly Bare.  First hand experiences gained while navigating the premarital minefield provide reassuring and helpful information to ease the journey. Bare and her fiancee attended THREE marriage education classes and she distills the wisdom of many Smart Marriages experts in a user-friendly, accessible format
• Talk it out before you marry, a list of key things to talk out with your future spouse (faith based by Julie Ferwerder) link
• Is this the one?  a checklist for a future spouse (faith based by Julie Ferwerder) link

National Healthy Marriage Resource Center launched April 2006 www.healthymarriageinfo.org 

Articles & News

• Should we Live Together before we say "I do?" – National Healthy Marriage Resource Center (PDF - 34 KB)
• Many Couples Giving Up Sex in the months before Wedding  By DAVID YOUNT (link for article)
• **NEW*** How Effective Are Premarital Prevention Programs?  (link for article)  A recent study by Carroll and Doherty (2003) evaluated the effectiveness of premarital prevention programs and produced some promising results. Results revealed that the average person who participated in a premarital prevention program was significantly better off afterward than 79% of people who did not participate.  The findings suggest that premarital prevention programs are generally effective in producing immediate and short-term gains in interpersonal skills and overall relationship quality and that these improvements are significantly better than nonintervention couples in these areas. It does not compare those programs that are most effective, however it does indicate that Premarital Prevention is effective and identifies PREP and Relationship Inventories such as PREPARE or FOCCUS (above) as effective strategies whether presented by mental health professionals, clergy or laity!

Does Premarital Education Make a Difference?

• Nearly one-third (31%) of currently married individuals reported somesort of premarital education experience.
• The percentage of individuals who received premarital education has increased from 22% in the 1960s, to 32% in the 1980s, and 44% in the recent period.
• Premarital education is associated with roughly a 30% decline in the odds of divorce for the couple.
• The amount of time a couple spends in premarital education positvely effects the couple's relationship. The longer a couple spent in premarital education (up to 10 hours, and 20 hours respectively), marital conflict decreased, and marital satisfaction increased.
• Individuals who participated in premarital education reported a higher level of marital satisfaction then couples who did not participate in premarital education.

Other links:  http://www.bridesight.com 

These web sites are listed as a FREE Community Resource.  We do not endorse or promote any site or resource but rather list it for your convenience.  You are responsible for your decisions; Your use of the resources listed is at your own choice.  FTF and the Board is not responsible for any decisions you make