Marriage rate in Britain falls to lowest level since 1862

[Miss Demeanour]

The number of people getting married has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 1862

For the first time ever fewer than 2 in 100 women, over the age of 16, got married in a single year. In 2008 the marriage rate for women fell from 2 per cent to 1.96 per cent, less than half the rate 25 years ago.

The rate for men has shown a similar decline, according to the annual figures published by the Office for National Statistics.

The figures highlight how marriage has substantially fallen out of favour. From a peak in 1940, when 426,1000 young couples ? spurred on by the urgency of World War II ? married for the first time, just 147,130 marriages in 2008 were where both partners were getting wed for the first time.

In total, just 228,204 marriages took place during 2008 in England and Wales.

The escalating cost of weddings, and the failure of the Government to support the institution of marriage were among the factors blamed. Though, long-term changes in society, especially the increase in the number of women working and their desire to get married later in life, are also key factors.

The average age of women marrying for the first time has nearly hit the symbolic 30-year-old barrier, at 29.9, up from 29.8 during 2007. For men, the average age of getting married for the first time was 32.1 years, up from 32 the previous year.

Many expressed sadness at the statistics.

The 'many' may have expressed sadness but certianly not surprise.

When TMR finally weds Mrs TMRBB that will get everything back on track again  

[Nick]

And what contribution are you making?

[Miss Demeanour]

Actively looking 

[Nick]

Should have gone to Specsavers 

[Uncle Mort]

Actively looking 

Do you need to? they seem to be beating a path to your door. 

[Miss Demeanour]

 

But the path to the door only has crazy pathing 

[Uncle Mort]

So these men are not all they're cracked up to be?

[Nick]

 

[Barman]

So these men are not all they're cracked up to be?

I think Miss D has been leading them up the garden path.... 

[Nick]

...on a leash

[Darwins Selection]

Could this statistic explain in any way the much vaunted reduction in divorce rate? 


Miss D, stop 'looking'. Anyone found during a deliberate search will be a dead loss.

Just have some fun and he will turn up unbidden.

[Miss Demeanour]

Don't worry DS I'm not looking - my head is always down

[Darwins Selection]

Don't worry DS I'm not looking - my head is always down

 

[Barman]

Anyhoo...

It is apparently my wedding anniversary today...

LL tells me is is 'Sapphire' - i told her I'd buy a new stylus for the record player then.... 

[Miss Demeanour]

Can you not paint her cast blue