2018: The Year of the Divorce Party
When the new year starts, it’s time for a change. For some of us, it’s the best of intentions to hit the gym, go dry for a month or improve our diets. For others, it’s about tackling life’s big issues head-on.
The start of a new year is always the busiest time for divorce lawyers. While it was once a dirty word and something people felt ashamed of, it’s now gone full circle and is being celebrated by divorce parties. Women are feeling empowered to make the right changes in their lives. And they want to shout about it!
A Rising Trend
While the number of divorces in the UK went up by 5.8% in 2016, we’ve seen interest in celebrating them treble in just one year – social mentions on Twitter and Instagram went from 11 million in 2016 to 33 million in 2017, with the trend only set to increase.
We teamed up with Divorce Party guru Christine Gallagher to get the inside scoop on what happens at divorce parties…
Who’s Celebrating with Divorce Parties?
According to Christine, women of around 35 and up who’ve recently left lengthy marriages are ready to party. And they like to do it with a bang. She said:
“Divorce is devastating. We need an event to mark this huge life change. All the other significant events in life have ceremonies or rituals. The party can mark the end of something, the beginning of the rest of her life.
“The point of the party is to own what’s going on, to push aside old ideas of shame around divorce.”
What Happens at Divorce Parties?
It’s all about the games! And a bit of fun! It’s a celebration after all!
As you can imagine, Christine has seen it all. Anything that banishes the relationship to the past is top of the agenda. Activities include a ring funeral, the burning of something significant like a veil, and the Marriage Game (a bowl of funny quotations about marriage that are read aloud).
One of Christine’s personal favourites was the burning of a hunting trophy which was once over the couple’s bed. “It was his prize possession; it was very symbolic for her.”
And it wouldn’t be a party without the music. As you’d expect, Gloria Gaynor’s hit – ‘I Will Survive’ is always a party pleaser.
Christine’s Top Five Divorce Party Tips
If you get these five things right, it’ll be a day to remember:
- Choose your guests carefully – don’t invite anyone who dislikes this kind of party
- Be sure the party tone matches the person’s emotional state
- Make sure you invite 20 people at least to get the party atmosphere going
- Be sure who’s paying for it to avoid any awkward disagreements
- Bring plenty of gifts – think of it as a divorce shower
And Can the Ex-Partner Be There Too?
According to Christine, it’s rare. “They have to be in a very good relationship with each other. It happens mostly I think with older couples who will have an event to let their friends know that they don’t have to choose sides, that both people are accepting of what’s going on.”
We think it’s so important that divorce isn’t seen as a taboo anymore. As it’s becoming so much more accepted in society we’re now seeing a generation of women that are taking risks with their home lives and careers when they know that change is right.
And it’s something that should be celebrated.
You can find out more about Christine and her work on her website and her book, The Divorce Party Handbook.