Couples often spend months planning out the details of their wedding. It is not unusual for a couple to schedule their wedding a year in advance. And when all is said and done, couples typically hope their wedding is a reflection of their relationship and a joyful way to start the next chapter of their lives together.
However, some studies suggest that there are details about a wedding that paint a different picture. There are some elements that could predict that a union will end in divorce.
The wedding
For instance, a recent study of 3,000 couples in the U.S. revealed a link between the cost of a wedding and the likelihood of divorce. The study found that in general, couples who spent more on their weddings were more likely to get divorced. Another statistic states that couples who spent more than $20,000 on their wedding face a higher likelihood of divorce than couples who spent less than $1,000.
The rings
Researchers found a similar trend when it comes to the cost of engagement rings, as well. Couples who spend between $2,000 and $4,000 on engagement rings can be 1.3 times more likely to divorce than people who spend between $500 and $2,000 on a ring.
The honeymoon
On the other hand, researchers have found that couples who put money toward a honeymoon are at a lower risk of divorcing. The reason for this association is not explained in the article, but it could have something to do with the fact that couples who are able to take a trip after the wedding may have more disposable income and less stress about money.
While these findings may be interesting, especially to people planning a wedding, understand that there is no precise means of predicting whether and how long a marriage will last, and there are no guarantees when it comes to relationships. Every couple goes through experiences that can change them, their expectations and their relationship; some couples end up on the other side together while others end up seeking divorce.