Some couples believe that entering into marriage without considerable preparation is like opening a business without any form of planning. It is a sad but very real fact that up to 50% of marriages result in divorce, with even less being truly contented long term. Of course engaged couples and newly weds don’t ever imagine that they will one day be contributing to these figures, but, unfortunately relying on love and luck alone to ensure the success of your marriage is not always enough.

It is believed that pre-marital counselling can minimize the risk of a marriage breaking down by around 30% and can result in achieving a considerably happier married life. Marriage research studies have also shown that it can also help lessen the stress of the pre-wedding run up.

Contrary to popular belief Pre-marital counselling is not therapy. It is a form of education originating from the idea that it is essential to continue to fortify your relationship and to be prepared to react constructively to the future trials and disagreements that the majority of couples inevitably encounter throughout their married life.

Typically couples who do obtain pre-marital counselling receive it from their religious guide. This advice can vary in content but often covers expectations, communication advice and recommendations for resolving conflicts. These sessions can also vary in quantity, from simply one or sometimes two sessions to a complete succession of meetings. Non-religious, professional qualified counselors can also supply expert pre-marital counselling and advice.

A national newspaper has recently reported that Prince William is planning to propose to his long time girlfriend Kate Middleton this Christmas with Royal Courtiers currently alleged to be considering Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral as possible wedding venues.

The revelation comes amid increasing rumours that the announcement of a royal wedding is just round the corner.

26 year old Kate has seen a substantial shift in her position within the Royal family of late. After separating with William for a short time in 2007, she has become engaged in an increasing number of public appointments since their reunion, attending a number of Royal events.

In May she was present at the Windsor Castle wedding ceremony of Prince Williams’ cousin Peter Phillips to his bride Autumn Kelly, even though William was not in the UK for the nuptials.

Insiders anticipate that William will propose to Kate in the near future, with a wedding to be planned for sometime during 2009. The commitment is expected as the Prince achieves a year of various secondments in the armed forces, intended to educate him the inner mechanism of the Military he will one day command.

If this is the first time that you have heard of a marriage proposal consultant then you are not alone. As more men than ever before consult the experts to help steer their efforts in asking the words ‘Will you marry me?’, this relatively recent concept is growing rapidly. Whilst the phrase remains timeless, gone are the days when it was sufficient to go down on bedded knee and request the hand of your beloved.

In this competitive era, many women demand more than an uncomplicated declaration of love. In the same way that some might employ an accountant or a personal trainer, it is now possible to hire the professional services of a Wedding Proposal Consultant to guarantee the most attractive approach to that all important question.

I read recently in an online survey that 85% of women were disappointed in the way that their partner proposed to them, suggesting that this service hasn’t arrived a moment too soon. Today’s women are looking for the ultimate display of affection, which is where the experts come in, helping men develop the most innovative ways of proposing, thus ensuring a positive response. The consultants services range from offering a few idea’s right through to arranging the whole event with military precision on their clients behalf.

So ladies, whether you want your proposal to be written in the sky, announced on a local TV station or you want to re-enact the scene from Sleepless in Seattle on top of Empire State Building, you can rest assured that help is at hand to make certain that in this age where excess is the norm, your wedding proposal is increasing likely to be as memorable as your wedding day!