ALL you need is love, even in a recession, as the number of couples planning to get married has increased despite the economic downturn.
Catholic
marriage service Accord revealed that the number of couples
booking marriage preparation courses with it online was up by 6pc in the
first six weeks of the year.
Some 1,255 couples have already
booked a course -- a compulsory requirement for those who wish to marry
in a Catholic church -- since the start of the year, 72 more than this
time last year.
"It is encouraging that, despite the economic doom
and gloom, couples are voting with their feet and taking the big step
to cement their relationship by committing to marriage," said Ruth
Barror, Accord's national director.
The increase came despite expectations that recession and insecurities about livelihoods might have an impact on marriage rates.
"This upward trend tells us that in 2011 commitment to marriage is more popular than ever," said Ms Barror.
Accord acknowledges the pressure economic and financial instability could put on relationships.
However, director of marriage education, Stephen Cummins, said many families also recognised the strength and mutual support found in marriage.