To think that you can generally guess the chances of a successful marriage based on the wedding?

[EatsShitAndLeaves]

So DM emailed yesterday to let me know a family member is getting married for the second time.

All well and good and I'm happy for them.

However it inevitably reminded me of their first outrageously luxurious wedding which cost DH and I a small fortune to attend where DH and I concluded half way through the event that we had wasted a shit load of money we couldn't see the marriage lasting more than a year.

As it happens we were wrong - it all fell apart after 8 months...

Thinking about it more, nearly every wedding I've attended had a "sense" of if it's likely to work out in the longer term - and the odd exception aside, I've been right.

To be clear I don't go to weddings with the intent of conducting a forensic analysis of the relationship! I genuinely want these people to be happy and for it to work out, but sometimes I can't help that "spidy sense" feeling.

AIBU to think this pretty common?

There is a look in the eye when they get to the "I take you as my lawful wedded husband/wife" bit of the vows.

My groom was looking at the vicar! I do hope he behaved better at his next wedding.

boo that's so sad. DH and I have been married for 25 years. Of all those weddings of that time (at least 10), three have ended.

I've just counted up, I've been to 17 weddings, 4 divorced. 3 because the groom cheated, one because the bride did.

We paid less than a grand for our wedding two years ago and whilst we couldn't be happier several of my friends are now divorced/facing divorce and they all spent silly money on their weddings.

Really interesting thread. Have read every post. Would particularly like to hear more from the ex wedding planner.
DH and I were together for 12 years before we got married. I'm sure some of our family members assumed I was pregnant.
I was 16 when we got together and always thought we were meant to be together but never had any intention of getting married. My DH had always wanted to marry but I told him not to push and be prepared that I might never want to do it. And had always thought that if we did, we would elope and do it with no family or friends present.
Anyway, one day I was in town with my Mum, Nana and Auntie and we had a bit of time to kill. I suggested on a whim that I wanted to go and try on some wedding dresses. Went into a bridal shop that happened to have a space between appointments. Saw my wedding dress as we walked into the viewing area. Ended up having a fairly expensive (for us) do, fairly close to home with all our family and friends in attendance. Totally the opposite of what I would have thought we would do (if anything).
It was an brilliant day and we have been happily married now for 12 years.
I've only been to one wedding which I feared was doomed and it was.
I'd kind of like to know what people thought on our day - because I'm a bit nosey.