Research has concluded that, the more expensive a wedding, the more likely it is that the couple will divorce. Research has also found that early divorce risk is higher where the wedding cost more than £20,000, or where there is a low number of guests at the wedding (less than 10).
In our view, this may be because an expensive wedding can often leave a couple with a significant level of debt before the marriage has even begun. A low number of guests may indicate financial difficulties or the lack of a support or social network for the marriage.
Of course, the expense of a wedding is a deterrent to marriage for many couples. The Office for National Statistics has recently reported that, while 91% of higher-income parents of newborn babies were married in 1988, that had fallen to 76% in 2019. The reduction was greater for the lower-income parents of which 68% were married in 1988, but that had fallen to 35% in 2019.
While we are experts in advising couples on divorce, we will always, if appropriate, explore with our clients whether there is a prospect of saving the marriage and help them to seek professional help from a counsellor/therapist. Where debt is an issue, we can also help couples to seek help from a debt specialist if appropriate.
For more information and to find out how we can help you, please contact us on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.