Why do many couples have such long engagements?

[jamary1]

We just skipped the whole engagement thing and got married after two dates.

I remember a few years ago reading the laments of a woman who "couldn't get engaged yet" because they hadn't "saved enough money for the engagement photography yet"($3000, if I remember correctly). Of course, they had had two kids during their three years together. Maybe after the second one graduates from college?

[rrah]

I know this is an old thread. I thought of another reason for long engagements for a second wedding. My cousin is divorced, in her 40s and has 3 kids. Her fiance also has 1 or 2 kids. They're waiting until her kids finish college. They get better financial aid with just her teacher salary.

[MKTwet]

I think the definition of marriage should be changed so that we can feel freer to marry without the strings attached.

The problem with engagements and marriages are because the laws are too strict and not relatable with the times.

IF you marry under 30 today, I would wager 80% chance of divorce within 5 years. If you're under 40, I think 60% of those marriages will fail within 5 years.

Nothing wrong with it, I just don't think marriages will last forever anymore.