to celebrate it with us was welcome. No pressure. No expectations. The way weddings (and marriages) SHOULD be. Each to their own I say...if you're in to marriage then I'm not knocking you - I just think for some of us it is outdated. I don't see how such objects like a piece of paper and a couple of rings can make you anymore committed or happier or anymore faithful then you were prior to marriage.  I've been with my partner for over 16years.  My parents are still together and have been for over 30yrs.  My sister has been with her partner for over 5yrs and same with both my younger brothers (both in their 20s).  None of us a married... in fact both me and my sister have tried to avoid it. I find other things so much more important...DP asked me more than 10years ago and I said no... then he almost died and I thought - marriage isn't as important as your life.  Then we had kids and I thought that piece of paper and those rings don't mean as much to me as my kids/my family.  My partner's father has been divorced... oh and he cheated on one of his wives even when he was married.  DP's brother is divorced.  Neither stuck to their marriage vows - for better, for worse,.... in sickness and health or their committment to their other half. I also dislike the concept of the father passing on the daughter like a