When planning your wedding, the furthest thing from your mind is the possibility of your marriage resulting in divorce. Rather, your focus is on the flowers, the venue, the tuxes and bridesmaid dresses, invitations and catering. However, according to recent studies, the bill of your wedding may have some correlation to the likelihood your walk down the aisle may not end in happily ever after. If you spent a large amount of money on your wedding, do not fret. We only provide you with this information to enlighten you on certain facts and statistics that may allow you to refocus on your marriage and meaning behind your nuptials rather than the dollar signs.
A recent study has discovered there may be an association between the amount spent on a wedding and engagement ring and a divorce. The study consisted of over 3,000 couples and they found that there is an inverse relationship between the money spent on an engagement ring and wedding ceremony with the duration of a marriage. In America, the average cost of an engagement ring is $6,163 dollars while the cost of a wedding averages around $33,391. The men in the study who spend between $2,000 and $4,000 on an engagement ring had a 1.3 times higher chance of divorce, compared to their counterparts who only spent between $500 and $2,000.
Meanwhile, couples who spent less than $1,000 on their wedding had a significant decrease in their chance of divorce as they were 53% less likely to find themselves divorcing in comparison to the couples who spent between $5,000 and $10,000. However, those who spent over $20,000 had the highest rates of divorce as they were almost 50% more likely to separate in comparison to those whose nuptials cost around $5,000.
These numbers are staggering and can place fear in the minds of individuals. However, these numbers do not cause much shock when you consider the reasons for divorce. The number one reason couples find themselves contemplating divorce is due to financial hardships. Therefore, when a couple spends large amounts of money on an engagement ring or wedding, they may find themselves in a great deal of debt which is difficult to overcome and plan for in the first year of marriage. Another reason some find these results to be true is the emotional ties to a wedding ceremony. Some report there to be no need for a large extravagant wedding because a marriage is between two people and the commitment and foundation, they intend to build their life upon rather than a showy display for others. Therefore, they save the money for their future together and build upon it as a couple.
Of course, other factors may need to be considered when assessing a couple’s likelihood for divorce. Many common factors increasing your divorce rates include; age, careers, relationship history such as second or third marriage and children. Regardless if you fall within any of these categories and believe they may have affected your marriage, reach out to an Orlando Divorce Attorney to discuss your options moving forward.
Speaking to an attorney at our Orlando office is free of charge, and we accept calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us at 407-512-0887 or complete an online contact form to get in touch with a member of our team today.