PRESS RELEASE: Confetti (Secrets to Marriage)
Written: Monday 2nd March, 2009
HITCHER PERFECT
NEWS COPY
The sceret to a long-lasting marriage was revealed for the first time yesterday (Sun) - a two-year age gap, four kisses a day and sex three times a week.
Sharing two hobbies, having three cuddles every 24 hours, saying at least one 'I love you' a day and enjoying two romantic meals a month will also ensure a lasting liaison.
Researchers also discovered the husband and wife who will stay true to their 'til death us do part' vow will have met through friends - and tied the knot after three and a half years together.
The profile of the perfect marriage was compiled by www.confetti.co.uk to celebrate their tenth anniversary as the country's leading wedding planning website.
More than 3,000 married adults were polled to discovere the secrets of their success in staying together.
Carol Richardson of confetti.co.uk said: ''The research shows just how many components make up the perfect marriage, including the ideal age gap, dating duration and time to get married.
''It also seems couples are getting married older now which could be down to women putting more emphasis on their careers nowadays, resulting in romance and marriage playing second fiddle.
''Yet the perfect age gap for a ideal partnership still consists of the groom being older than the bride which must work due to the husband being more emotionally and financially stable.
''And after wedding hype is over, the study shows how important it is to keep the magic alive with regular kisses, cuddles and romantic nights out.''
The study found the longest-lasting marriages involve a man who walked down the aisle at the age of 31 - two years and three months older than their partner.
They should also say 'I love you' to each other at least once every day and have sex three times a week.
The first patter of tiny feet will arrive two years and two months after the wedding.
And to keep the spark alive the poll found that married folk should enjoy two romantic meals out each month and spend three nights of the week cuddling on the sofa together.
They will also keep in regular touch - even when they are at work - through at least three phone calls, text messages or emails.
Two surprise weekends away every year, one annual foreign holiday and two UK breaks will also keep the marriage strong.
But while the ideal couple will share two hobbies, the study also revealed it's important to keep some independence by having two separate nights out with friends a month.
Carol Richardson added: ''Celebrating the wedding day is the start of every marriage and is a massive part of every couple's lives.
''Our website was set up 10 years ago to take the stress out of planning the big day - from venue finding to honeymoon destinations - and we have now become the UK experts in planning the perfect celebration.''
HOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT MARRIAGE
* Meet through friends
* Two-year and three month age gap (man older)
* Get married at 31(man) 29 (woman)
* Date for 3 years and six months
* Wait two years and two months to have kids
* 2 romantic meals a month
* 2 shared hobbies
* 2 separate nights out with friends (boys/girls nights) per month
* 2 surprise weekends away per year
* Say 'I love you' every day
* 4 kisses a day
* 3 cuddles a day
* At least 3 calls, text messages or emails during work hours
* 3 nights spent cuddled up on the sofa watching TV/film a week
* 1 holiday abroad together per year
* 2 holidays in the UK per year
* Sex 3 times a week
ENDS
Research conducted by global market research company www.onepoll.com
