Even the most modest weddings can make a significant dent in the finances of couples embarking upon a new life together. So scientific research from the University of Virginia in the US, which indicates that there is a link between larger weddings and happier marriages won’t come as welcome news for wedding planners thinking of saving money by purging the guest list. A key finding from the new study - Before ‘I Do’: What Do Premarital Experiences Have To Do With Marital Quality Among Today’s Young Adults? - which was conducted as part of the National Marriage Project at the university, is that having more guests at the wedding is associated with higher marital quality. Commenting on the results, W. Bradford Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project and a professor of sociology at the university, said “In what might be called the ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ factor, this study finds that couples who have larger wedding parties are more likely to report high-quality marriages … Note, however, this finding is not about spending lots of money on a wedding party. It’s about having a good number of friends and family in your corner.” The reasons for this link are uncertain but “One possibility here is that couples with larger networks of friends and family may have more help, and encouragement, in navigating the challenges of married life.”
“What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas”
Another key finding from the study relates to experiences of husband and wife in terms of their previous relationships. Referring to the “Vegas Fallacy”, the researchers explained that romantic involvement with other people before exchanging rings with their chosen one can potentially have a detrimental effect on marital quality. Commenting, study co-author Galena K. Rhoades, research associate professor of psychology at the University of Denver, said “When it comes to relationship experience ... we found that having more experience before getting married was associated with lower marital quality.”
The third main discovery, which is perhaps less surprising than the first two, is that couples who make conscious decisions about important transitions in their relationships - such as moving in together or having children - have a higher marital quality compared to those who tend to just “slide” through key milestones without much planning.
Helping you plan for the future
Whatever stage you’re at, getting legal advice from experienced family lawyers - whether it’s assisting you with a cohabitation agreement, pre-nups or shared financial affairs - can help to build strong foundations for a successful relationship. For more information about our services, get in touch with the friendly team at Crisp & Co.