London - A lifetime of wedded bliss is the aim of most people planning to get hitched.
But a survey of the happiest married couples reveals it will cost £267 357 (about R5.8-million).
It starts by laying the “foundations” with a lavish big day and honeymoon, costing an average £21 257.
But regular holidays, flowers and gifts help keep the spark alive.
The marriage also benefits greatly if couples have three date nights together a month, spending an average £39 per date night. The happiest couples also have three romantic nights at home, spending an average £15.50 per night. And getting “date-ready” for their other half costs £267 per year.
The study also revealed time together with no children was integral to keeping a marriage alive, with the average couple claiming one holiday a year together and three mini breaks was optimum, costing £2 337 per year.
Twice monthly gifts also made the list of secrets to a happy marriage – costing £25.40. In terms of more lavish gifts, the yearly spend on jewellery came to £477.
However, a further 21 percent said they spent more than £1 000 a year on jewellery for their other half. Wives also received one bunch of flowers per month.
Encouragingly an impressive 84 percent of those polled for rewards site Quidco said they were in a happy marriage.
A spokeswoman said: “While the best things in life, in this case love, are free –ostentatious gestures to demonstrate it come at a cost.
“Half of people surveyed believe a dream wedding plays a part in setting you up for a strong marriage but engaged couples need to keep an eye on their budget to avoid starting their wedded life in debt.”
Daily Mail