The secret to a long-lasting marriage is a two-year age gap, four kisses a day and sex three times a week, according to a survey



Sharing two hobbies, having three cuddles every 24 hours, saying at least one 'I love you' a day and enjoying two romantic meals a month could also help ensure a lasting liaison.

Researchers also discovered the husband and wife who will stay true to their 'til death us do part' vow will have met through friends – and tied the knot after three and a half years together.

The profile of the perfect marriage was compiled by wedding planning website http://www.confetti.co.uk

More than 3,000 married adults were polled to discovere the secrets of their success in staying together.

Carol Richardson of confetti.co.uk said: "The research shows just how many components make up the perfect marriage, including the ideal age gap, dating duration and time to get married.

"It also seems couples are getting married older now which could be down to women putting more emphasis on their careers nowadays, resulting in romance and marriage playing second fiddle.

"Yet the perfect age gap for a ideal partnership still consists of the groom being older than the bride which must work due to the husband being more emotionally and financially stable.

"And after wedding hype is over, the study shows how important it is to keep the magic alive with regular kisses, cuddles and romantic nights out."

The study found the longest-lasting marriages involve a man who walked down the aisle at the age of 31 – two years and three months older than their partner.

They should also say 'I love you' to each other at least once every day and have sex three times a week.

The first child will arrive two years and two months after the wedding.

And to keep the spark alive the poll found that married folk should enjoy two romantic meals out each month and spend three nights of the week cuddling on the sofa together.

They will also keep in regular touch – even when they are at work – through at least three phone calls, text messages or emails.

Two surprise weekends away every year, one annual foreign holiday and two UK breaks will also keep the marriage strong.

But while the ideal couple will share two hobbies, the study also revealed it's important to keep some independence by having two separate nights out with friends a month.