Love and Marriage

19 May 2012

Following months of high-profile preparations, the big day is almost upon us as Prince William and Kate Middleton get ready to declare their love for one another during a ceremony which will certainly be fit for a princess.

While Friday will see all of our questions finally answered - what will the dress be like, what flowers have been chosen and what the first dance will be - one thing is for sure, the seemingly endless media hype will continue to be huge.

So far reports suggest that there will be over 1,000 reporters covering the big day - just UK broadcast journalists - and there will be even more personnel dispatched to London by the international media.

Some reports have even suggested that the wedding will be streamed live through YouTube and covered via Twitter. There's no denying that this will be one of the most high-profile events of the century, even with another 89 years left to go!

And while I'm sure Prince William and Kate will enjoy a long and happy marriage, the celebrations this weekend will be a stark contrast to the reality for the couples throughout the county dealing with the breakdown of their marriage.

Relationship breakdown is never easy and many will feel the additional pressures this week as the country can only talk about one thing: weddings. While most couples look back on their big day as one of the happiest of their lives, for some those memories are fractured as they deal with the trauma of separation.

Unfortunately divorce for many families is often unavoidable. More and more relationships are becoming the unspoken casualties of our poor economy, as continuing job losses and financial problems prove too much for fragile marriages.

Divorce should never be a long and drawn out situation, especially when children are involved, so couples who have decided to go their different ways should seek legal advice sooner rather than later in a bid to resolve matters as quickly as possible.

Northumberland residents worried about Family Law issues can contact DAWN Advice for free support and legal advice through the county's dedicated advice line on 0844 4111 309.

While many may choose to celebrate the royal wedding with a slight tipple this weekend - spare a thought for those who suffer much worse repercussions than just a bad hangover.

At DAWN we regularly help people who have fallen victim to their own alcohol abuse or are partners suffering at the hands of their loved one's addiction.

Excessive drinking can not only cause long-term health problems but can also be at the root of many financial, employment and housing issues - as some find themselves struggling to cope as their drinking spirals.

Of course we aren't trying to dampen anyone's bank holiday celebrations, just remember to stay in control and always drink responsibly.