Scientists: An expensive wedding and ring may lead to divorce

Scientists from the National University of Singapore, together with colleagues from Emory University, have found that an expensive wedding and a luxurious engagement ring do not guarantee a long and happy marriage. Moreover, large expenses may actually increase the risk of divorce.

The study involved more than three thousand people from the United States. The results showed that men who spent between $2,000 and $4,000 on a ring were about one and a half times more likely to divorce than those who spent $500–$2,000. A similar pattern emerged with the ceremony itself: weddings costing over $20,000 were more likely to end in separation than modest celebrations costing less than $1,000.

The authors explain this simply: excessive expenses at the start of married life can lead to debt and disputes over money. Financial strain often becomes a cause of conflicts and, sometimes, divorce.

However, the researchers noted an interesting detail — going on a honeymoon, even an inexpensive one, actually reduces the risk of separation. Couples who took a trip together after the wedding tended to break up less often on average.

The conclusion is simple: instead of going into debt for a lavish ceremony and costly jewelry, it is better to have a more modest wedding and spend the saved money on a shared vacation and strengthening the relationship.