A lot of it depends on what expectations that you have about marriage.

Suitability? perfect vs. average... Our popular culture teaches us to value the flash over the substance. This works great for photo-ops and sucks for long term marriages. Partnership, Communication, Common Interests and Relative Libedo are far more important. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Economics? Again depends on your expectations -- Are you looking for the 50's single income household with a picket fence? Is materialism a value that you share? Then, yes your income level going into a marriage is a big concern. Are you both looking to work as equal partners on the combined household, and seek out a less materialistic life? Then it's actually cheaper to get married or at least live together with the efficiency of shared resources.

In a survival situation? Its definitely valuable to have a second pair of hands that you can trust completely and psychologically healthier if you're isolated for even a short period of time. But, all these concerns are still the last reasons you should consider...

It's all about love...

(note to self: extra affection tonight for her crazy, nerdy and fuzzy hubby <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />)