How to launch your course

It's really fun and easy to get involved in hosting a launch event or Marriage Course Party. Here's 8 simple steps to get you started with planning your event:

  1. Register your event
  2. Team up with other churches
  3. Set the date
  4. Build your team
  5. Set your budget
  6. Find the venue
  7. Get the talk
  8. Plan to run The Marriage Course

Register Your Event

Registering your event gives you free advertising so guests can easily find it when they search online, if you are hosting an event in Marriage week then register it online.

Join forces with other churches

Working together is an easy way to increase your reach into the community - and to give your guests more options for evenings to come on The Marriage Course following your event.

Set the date

Set the date for your event and get it in your church diary

You can choose to run your launch event at a time that suits you best but don’t forget, Marriage Week UK, 7- 14 February is a good opportunity to raise awareness of The Marriage Course so why not host a Valentine’s dinner or another themed event in that week.

Build your team

A welcoming and hospitable team really add to the success of your launch event. Share the tasks amongst the team; for example decorating, finding caterers, advertising, etc

Pray together from the start and throughout your preparations – it will make a huge difference.

Set your budget

Many Marriage Courses run in homes and so they do not cost too much to run. However there are some costs to consider.

Think about:

  • Logistics (training etc)
  • Food and drink
  • Course resources
  • Publicity (posters, banner and invites)

Find a venue

Think about any venue where you can create a special and romantic atmosphere- your home, church, café, nearby hotel or restaurant; the choices are endless. Also remember, if you host your event in a café or restaurant, they may be able to help with serving and cooking and offer a good menu deal.

Get the talk

An essential ingredient to the evening is The Marriage Course Party talk which is Session 8 on the DVD. This gives couples who attend your event a taste of what they can expect on The Marriage Course. You can either play the DVD or give the talk live.

Plan to run The Marriage Course

At the end of your launch event, invite all the couples to attend your upcoming course starting soon.

If you’re interested in formal training, please e-mail us at relationshipcentral@alpha.org.

“We have had some fantastic comments back, and it looks as if our Marriage Course starting next week will be the largest one we have run!” – Valentine’s dinner hosts, 2010