Getting married tops a new poll of life’s most unforgettable moments, with 49% of respondents naming it their top memory, ahead of the birth of a first child at 47%.
The survey of 2,000 adults also placed losing a loved one third at 45%, followed by other cherished milestones such as getting a pet (21%), seeing a favourite artist live (20%) and achieving financial independence (20%). Buying a first car, landing a dream job and graduating from university also featured prominently in the top 40 list.
Family memories dominate the top 40
Overall, the poll found 57% of the most unforgettable moments relate to family, while only 4% relate to work and careers. Nearly all respondents (97%) said they would like to relive their most unforgettable moments, with just under a quarter (24%) wanting to do this at least once a week.
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."
How people preserve their memories
As many as nine in 10 think it’s important to preserve these memories. The research found 68% believe thinking about their happiest moments helps them on a bad day, while 52% like to preserve memories by looking through photo albums, and 37% do this by scrolling through pictures on their camera roll.
Three in 10 save important letters and cards, and 19% make memory boxes full of keepsakes like notes and train tickets. Furthermore, 56% are excited to find out what their next milestone will be, with Gen Z being the most excitable at 85%, according to the stats by OnePoll.
Pip Deacon added: "It’s heartwarming to see how cherished 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."
