[eccentric]

I am asking about this in light of the announcement of an upcoming wedding for a grandchild. They are waiting a year so that they can save up money for a big wedding after they have traveled, etc. At least they don't have kids yet. (Most of my grandchildren have the kids and no marriage.) And I am wondering, why? Should I feel happy for what seems to me to be just a big party?

[Unam Sanctam]

Does anyone nowadays understand what the bride’s white wedding dress is supposed to symbolise?

[Pollster1]

“Marriages don’t necessarily last longer than just living together”

Necessarily? no. Usually, yes. Marriages are overwhelmingly more likely to last forever compared with living together.

[freedumb2003]

By today’s standards: nothing.

[Bigg Red]

I hear you. Have it my family, as well. Sad.

[DoodleDawg]

Marriages don't necessarily last longer than just living together, so it is not a lifetime commitment, i.e. 'til death do us part.'

Then it is not a marriage as Jesus defined it.

[hecticskeptic]

What is marriage? What is the purpose of marriage? What does it mean?

Simple… Marriage is the institution created by God which allows mankind to realize and fulfill the sexual component of their humanity in the only way that He approves.

[CodeToad]

“Marriages don’t necessarily last longer than just living together”

Yes, it does. Don’t believe the liberal nonsense that divorce rates are high. They have been falsely reported to destroy marriage as an institution.

[discostu]

Fabulous cash and prizes, reduced insurance rates, limited power of attorney, makes certain family members stop whining, clarification of property situation when somebody dies. A lot of legal stuff gets easier with a marriage license, especially in a community property state.

[reasonisfaith]

The official marriage seals the commitment.

Without it the man (or the woman) will be predisposed to feel, perhaps on an subconscious level, that the door is open.

And it’s the right thing to do.

[Skooz]

Marriage exists solely to enrich attorneys. If not for the lucrative divorce industry, attorneys, judges, counselors used by the court, et al would need to find other, more strenuous, less well-paying work.

The machine requires a steady supply of dupes to line their pockets. The divorce industry is a multibillion dollar racket. Without marriage, it would not exist.

The End.