A recent study from University of Virginia revealed some interesting information about what factors contribute to a quality marriage. Findings support that the fewer number of relationships you have prior to your marriage and the more people who attend your wedding, the more likely you will report having a high quality marriage. That caught my attention as I know of several couples that had very large weddings. They ended up divorced.
"How people conduct their romantic lives before they tie the knot is linked to their odds of having happy marriages, the study's authors argue. Past experiences, especially when it comes to love, sex and children, are associated with future marital quality." (source: sciencedaily.com) Those with a larger number of romantic experiences are less likely to report a high quality marriage.
"Having more guests at one's wedding -- the biggest ritual in many relationships -- is associated with higher marital quality, even after controlling for income and education, which may be proxies for how much the wedding might have cost, the study found. Among couples who had weddings, the sample was divided into those who had weddings with 50 or fewer attendees, 51 to 149 attendees, or 150 or more attendees. Among each grouping, 31 percent, 37 percent, and 47 percent, respectively, reported high marital quality." (source: sciencedaily.com)
One thing the authors emphasize is that it's not the amount spent on the wedding that matters. It's about having a substantial number of good friends and family supporting the marital union.
To find out more details about this interesting study, visit the links below.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140819094003.htm
http://before-i-do.org/