I think in the modern day we can focus so intently on status, disregarding what we really want in favor of how we want to be seen/perceived by others. I had a co-worker once tell me about their wedding - nearly everything they listed off wasn't really what they as a couple would want, but more a symbol of status. It was all about the expense over the passion, interest and heart. They HAD to have the "best". What would everyone think, if not? - For a day that happens once in your life, it can become very materialistic. It can be about what OTHER people want. I think these bonds would last a lot longer if they were about the couple from the start, instead of being seen as a relationship milestone to reach, or just something for everyone to talk about in the office on a monday morning. This is just one example of many. If it makes you happy, it doesn't have to make sense to other people.