Well, if the results of a recent study are anything to go by, the reason so many couples head for Splitsville soon after tying the knot could be down to the costly ceremonies and lavish receptions.
According to The Metro, it all begins with the engagement ring.
Economics professors Andrew Francis-Tan and Hugo Mialon, from the National University of Singapore, surveyed 3 000 married people to look for characteristics that may increase their chances of divorce.
They found that the more money spent on the engagement ring, the higher the chances of a divorce – especially if the price exceeded R26 900.
“Specifically, in the sample of men, spending between R26 900 and R53 800 on an engagement ring is associated with 1,3 times greater hazard of divorce as compared to spending between R6 700 and R26 900,” the study states.
Independent adds that the extravagance of the ceremony also has a part to play.
Nuptials costing less than R13 500 showed a significant reduction in the likelihood of divorce. But those costing more than R269 000 were 1,6 times more likely to end in separation.
While the study suggests that couples might want to cut back on splurging on their wedding festivities, one feature they shouldn’t hold back on is the honeymoon.
Researchers discovered a luxurious honeymoon is “significantly associated with a lower hazard of divorce”.
SOURCES: THE METRO, INDEPENDENT.CO.UK, HER.IE