Getting married has been named the most unforgettable moment in life, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 adults found that 49% said tying the knot was their most memorable milestone, closely followed by the birth of a first child (47%) and the loss of a loved one (45%).
Family moments dominate the top 40
Other treasured memories in the top 40 include adopting a pet (21%), witnessing a favourite artist perform live (20%) and achieving financial independence (20%). Purchasing a first car, securing a dream job and graduating from university also featured heavily.
In total, 57% of the most unforgettable moments are related to family, with only 4% linked to work and careers.
Experts comment on the findings
Pip Deacon from John Lewis Money, which commissioned the research, said: "Whether moving into your first home, experiencing the chaos of a new puppy, or going on the holiday of a lifetime - it's the memorable milestones that make life special."
"No one looks back fondly on life admin or even work, aside from those 4% in our survey, which is why we're helping customers take care of the things they love - from pets and homes to cars and holidays - so they can focus on making lifelong memories."
Preserving memories
Nine out of 10 people believe it is crucial to preserve these memories. The research found that 97% would like to relive their most unforgettable moments, with just under a quarter (24%) wishing to do this at least once a week.
Additionally, 68% believe reflecting on their happiest moments provides a boost when they are having a bad day. Some 52% enjoy preserving memories by browsing through photo albums, while 37% do this by flicking through pictures on their camera roll.
Three in 10 keep important letters and cards, and 19% create memory boxes filled with keepsakes like notes and train tickets.
Meanwhile, 56% are eager to discover what their next milestone will be, with Gen Z being the most enthusiastic as 85% claim this to be true, according to the statistics by OnePoll.
Pip Deacon added: "It's heartwarming to see how treasured people's memories are, and how impactful they can be on a bad day. And with people already looking forward to making new memories, there will be plenty of exciting times ahead."
