Big weddings may be linked to happier marriages.
A pair of researchers from the University of Denver found that couples who married in front of at least 150 guests were more likely to have “high-quality” marriages than those with just 50 or fewer guests, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The study suggests that having more witnesses may “strengthen marital quality.”
So, forget the sinking feeling you feel when the catering company says the price-per-head is basically your monthly salary and add those “maybes” to your invite list.
Also, if the study is right, consider passing on that hook-up.
Study participants with fewer partners pre-marriage scored higher on marriage quality - the researchers asked them about their happiness, confiding in their spouse, beliefs about the quality of the relationship and thoughts of divorce - than those with the average five partners or more.
The researchers suggest people with more exes may be more cynical about relationships. Some might have brought children from previous relationships to the marriage, which can increase stress.
So what does lead to a high-quality marriage?
According to the study, taking things slowly.
For example, people who live together before committing to marriage reported less high-quality marriages. It could be that some of these people enter marriages they otherwise might avoid because things like finances and living spaces are already merged and difficult to untangle, the study suggests.
Consider trying a vacation together first, the study says, which is a great excuse for clicking “purchase” on that all-in-one resort deal you’ve been eyeing.
Ultimately, relationships take communication and commitment. If a previously married pair who tie the knot in front of two people are willing to talk openly and make important decisions together, there’s no reason they can’t have a happy marriage.
Emily DeRuy is a Washington, D.C.-based associate editor, covering education, reproductive rights, and inequality. A San Francisco native, she enjoys Giants baseball and misses Philz terribly.