Sunny Health

Your parents probably knew what they were doing when they insisted on throwing a large wedding banquet and inviting all your neighbours, family and friends and maybe a few people off the street.

According to a report published by the National Marriage Project, a formal wedding, and the larger it is, may lead to happier and longer-lasting marriages. Reasons for such findings have been offered.

Public declaration of commitment encourages people to see through their commitments. This also leads to greater sense of security.

As weddings are traditionally public celebrations involving family, close friends and a wider network of people around the couple, a large wedding suggests stronger social network and greater social support, which are also important for a blissful marriage down the road.

There is also that feeling of contentment and ascertainment, from receiving the blessings of many important people in your lives, that one has done the right thing / married the right person.

Of course, this is also subject to individuals, and not having a formal or large wedding does not spell doom to your marriage. After all, a successful marriage is made up of many other components.

Throwing a lavish wedding despite the lack of financial means, for example, lands a couple in debt, which can lead to friction and become a cause for separation later when clearing the debt becomes a hurdle. Additionally, there have been horror stories of couples succumbing to stress and dissatisfaction at the other person's apparent lack of interest and contribution, and consequently calling off the marriage.

When getting married, it is very important to discuss with your partner about the necessity of a formal wedding, what kind of wedding both parties would like it to be, and what both of you are willing to do to make it a successful and happy occasion instead of a point of conflict. If you feel that you are unable to afford a wedding of your dreams, or can't spare the time and effort at the moment, consider holding the wedding later after your marriage, when you do have the means. It is never too late! In fact, renewing of marriage vows among old couples is becoming more popular, especially among those who have never had a wedding.

And if the parents are offering to organise the wedding and pay for it, well, why not graciously accept their offer and make it the best of all worlds?