Write an article based on this "Start your marriage preparation program. Apply for financial help, if you need it. Take a Natural Family Planning (NFP) class. Decide on prayers and music. Go to confession before your wedding."
The Catholic Church requires couples go through preparation classes to confirm their commitment to each other and the church. Programs vary from parish to parish and different dioceses, but many include group interaction with other engaged couples. Some courses are weekend getaways, while some are held on scheduled evenings.  Specific programs are offered for things like remarriage, bringing children into a marriage and interfaith marriages. Some of the issues covered are prayer, the meaning of marriage and sacramental roles. Most classes are taught by an experienced married couple. You will receive a certificate of completion to present to the marrying priest upon finishing the course. The Catholic church stresses that financial issues should never be a hindrance, when a couple is ready for marriage. Wedding offerings are determined by each parish and can cover things like an organist or vocalist. Marriage preparation classes often include only material costs.  If you and your future spouse are experiencing financial hardship, you can come to an agreement with your local priest. Ornate clothes and fresh flowers are considered extras by the Catholic Church and are not things they help with. This is a requirement for marriage in a Catholic Church and early registration is recommended by most dioceses. They like couples to learn the method several months before marriage. The class will go over biology and how to use ovulation cycles to plan for children. The Catholic church has different handbooks you can choose prayers and music from. "Together for Life" and the "Rite of Marriage" have bible verses and music appropriate for a Catholic wedding.  You can make a couple of different choices on how you respond to the priest during the ceremony. You can choose from several different prayers the priest will use throughout the ceremony. Music must be similar to what you hear during regular mass. Some parishes require the sacrament of reconciliation before marriage, if both parties are Catholic. Others may not require confession, but they still strongly recommend it.