What is the obsession with marriage?

You knw i think things are starting to change a lil... well maybe just where i live cos i can honestly say that i can only remember 2 weddings that ive been to where the brides have been young (18). All the other weddings ive ever been to the brides have been at least 23+ and have either just about finished their education or have finished and have been working for a year or two. even a few of my friends that have really strict conservative parents are finishing uni and finding jobs before they think of marriage so i think in that respect things are changing. infact with one of them her dad even said to her not to bother thinking of marriage until she finishes up uni and this is coming from a family where a generation back she would have got married off after college for sure. ppl are accepting that women want to do more than just turn 18 and be married off and realising the importance of a woman gaining education first and settling into a career so she can at least support herself.