Families For Life | Why You Should Attend Marriage Programmes

What is a marriage preparation programme?

You've finally proposed or said "Yes!" to the love of your life and now you are both thinking of the next steps, such as wedding preparation. You are both making the to-do list and checking off the venue, theme, wedding dress, guest list, etc. But there's one other important thing to definitely add to your to-do list - making the time to attend a marriage preparation programme with your future spouse.

It's an important consideration which will help both of you tremendously by

• Making the transition to a married life much easier.

• Laying a strong foundation for a healthy and resilient marriage.

A marriage preparation programme is a good way for you and your future spouse to make sure that you discuss important decisions pertaining to your values and expectations before you get married. You may already have discussed some or all the important aspects of how your future marriage would look like. The programme could thus support in addressing other issues that may have been missed out, or even gaining new insights to these issues.

What will I learn at a marriage preparation programme?

Each programme varies in terms of focus and content, and you should choose one which would fit your needs. In general, most programmes would cover the following key topics:

• Communication styles and preferences

• Conflict and problem resolution styles

• Your expectations, roles and responsibilities

• Your relationship with your in-laws and family

• Managing finances as a couple, family planning and other important topics

You should attend if:

• You are soon-to-wed OR

• You have been married for less than two years

Marriage Preparation Programmes: Evidence-Based Programmes

What is an evidence-based programme?

Evidence-based programmes are programmes that have been rigorously tested in controlled settings, proven effective and translated into practical models that can be used within community settings. The evaluation of such programmes has been subjected to critical peer review and proven themselves to be efficacious.

1. Prevention and Relationship Education Programme (PREP)

Developed in the United States, PREP supports couples in building a strong marital foundation for higher relationship satisfaction through the teaching of communication and conflict-resolution skills to couples.

Research in the United States has reported that couples have more positive interaction consistently, up to 5 years after programme completion. Local studies have also shown that couples demonstrated higher communication skills scores within a year of attending PREP.

Programme Details

PREP is a 12-hour workshop, conducted over 2 days. Attendance of PREP can help couples with expectation management, supportive listening and speaking, problem-solving, as well as the maintenance of fun, friendship and sensuality in the relationship.

Topics Covered

• Communication and Conflict Management

• Roles and Responsibilities

• Goal-Setting and Marriage Visioning

• Trust and Commitment

• Marital Expectations

You will receive a $140 rebate upon completion of PREP provided:

• You are a soon-to-wed couple or have been married for less than two years, and are attending PREP for the first time.

• Either one of you is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.

• Both of you are aged 21 years and above.

2. Online PREP (ePREP)

ePREP is an online, self-learning version of PREP, that covers similar topics. ePREP has been proven to help couples learn how to protect and preserve fun and friendship and enhance their commitment and love for each other.

Programme Details

ePREP consists of 6 self-learning sections that you can complete at their own convenience over a period of 3 months.

ePREP is a complimentary programme for eligible couples provided:

• You are soon-to-wed couple or have been married for less than two years, and are attending ePREP for the first time.

• Either of you is a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident.

• Both of you are aged 21 years and above.

Marriage Preparation Programmes: Evidence-Informed Programmes

What is an evidence-informed programme?

Evidence-Informed Programmes (EIPs) are programmes that draw on research evidence and best practices but may also include other factors like practice experience and community input.

1. Marriage Preparation Programmes in the Community

These programmes include PREPARE/ENRICH marriage preparation programme and those specially curated for local context by MSF’s appointed service providers. These programmes are led by experienced facilitators and may include couple assessment tools and sharing on marriage-related topics by married couples.

You may view the various programmes here.

You will receive a $70 rebate upon completion of a listed marriage preparation programme provided:

• You are soon-to-wed couple or have been married for less than two years, and are attending ePREP for the first time.

• Either of you is a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident.

• Both of you are aged 21 years and above.

2. Cinta Abadi Marriage Preparation Programme

The Cinta Abadi (Eternal Love) marriage preparation programme helps soon-to-wed and newly-wed couples learn and discover more about themselves and their partners. This programme is supported by MSF, MUIS and ROMM and is delivered by MSF-appointed service providers.

Programme Details

Cinta Abadi marriage preparation programme is a 2-day programme conducted in English and Malay. Through a variety of interactive activities, you will learn skills and knowledge to build a strong marriage foundation.

Key Topics

• Marriage Expectations

• Roles and Responsibilities as Couples in Islam

• Starting a Family

• Visioning & Goal-Setting

• Communication and Conflict Management

• Financial Management

• Strengthening Emotional Bonding

• Building Relationship with In-Laws

You will receive a $70 rebate upon completion of Cinta Abadi MArriage Preparation Programme provided:

• You are soon-to-wed couple or have been married for less than two years, and are attending ePREP for the first time.

• Either of you is a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident.

• Both of you are aged 21 years and above.

What is a marriage enrichment programme?

You've been married for a few years, and everything is going well – why would you need a marriage enrichment programme? Well, unlike traditional marriage counselling, which often focuses on resolving conflicts or addressing specific issues, a marriage enrichment programme is suited for couples like you who are looking to deepen their connection, improve their communication and nurture a more fulfilling partnership. The focus of a marriage enrichment programme is to build on existing relationship strengths, improve communication, equip you and your spouse with practical skills and tools to foster intimacy, enhance their emotional connection to navigate challenges in a healthy manner and build resilience in your marriage.

You should attend if:

• You have been married for more than 2 years.

Sign up for a marriage enrichment programme to enrich your marriage together!

1. PREPARE/ENRICH Marriage Enrichment Programme

PREPARE/ENRICH helps you identify your relationship strengths, understand dynamics, and build skills. Facilitators administer the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment, provide results through feedback sessions, and promote relationship growth. Personalised results provide insights that will put you on a path toward life-long relationship growth.

Research has shown that the act of taking an assessment improves relationship satisfaction.

Programme Details

Over either three 4-hour sessions or four 3-hour sessions, with the help of a Certified Facilitator and the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment, you will identify your strengths and growth areas, gain insights into relationship dynamics, personality, spiritual beliefs, family systems, and build confidence in your relationship skills.

PREPARE/ENRICH marriage enrichment programme is complimentary for eligible couples provided:

• You have been married for more than 2 years

• Either of you is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.

2. Cinta Abadi Marriage Enrichment Programme

Cinta Abadi marriage enrichment programme supports Muslim couples’ transitions to marriage and parenthood.

Marriage Modules

• Marriage Check-Up

• Money Matters – Making Cents (Sense) Together

• Love Matters – Nurturing and Appreciating Each Other

• Relationships Matter – Revisiting Boundaries

Parenting Modules

• Parenting Smart – Negotiating Parental Roles

• Parenting Positive – Building Attachments

Cinta Abadi marriage enrichment programme is complimentary for eligible couples provided

• You have been married for more than 2 years.

• Your marriage was registered at the Registry of Muslim Marriages.

• Either of you is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Financial planning for couples

Learn how to draw up a financial plan as a couple and take steps to ensure your family is in good financial health by saving, having sufficient insurance and investing. You will also be taught how to budget for your new home and to plan ahead by making a Lasting Power Attorney (LPA) and CPF Nomination. Conducted on a quarterly basis, sign up at here for the workshop by IFL.