Latest Divorce Trends: Parties, Photoshoots, and Registries

More and more, many of us are seeing people embrace their divorce with parties, photoshoots, and now online gift registries. Wilkinson & Finkbeiner, a divorce and family lawyer group said that almost 50 percent of all marriages in the United States will end in divorce or separation. They also pointed out that researchers estimate that 41 percent of all first marriages end in divorce. While there are many reasons for a divorce to take place, the way people choose to handle it has evolved.

Instead of focusing on the end of marriage, people have been gathering to celebrate the beginning of independence with divorce parties. Just like graduation bashes or retirement celebrations, divorce parties mark a big life change, but they do it with a positive spin and a hint of humor. By ditching the stigma around divorce, these parties help people see their split as a chance to grow and evolve personally.

On Etsy and Amazon, you can find supplies like "End of an Error" sashes, "Thank You Next" gold balloons, and "I do. I did. I'm done." t-shirts to add to the festivities. Companies like Evite and Paperless Post offer templates for hosts.

There’s even a movie, The Divorce Party, that can serve as inspiration.

If you were invited to a divorce party, it can be a bit weird if you’re friends with both people divorcing. But who knows, maybe the divorced couple may have a joint shindig celebrating their divorce.

Some people are hopping on the latest trend of online gift registries for divorce. This is the perfect way to collect items you may no longer have due to separating from a partner. When you're going through a breakup, money can get tight, and you might find yourself with only half (or even less) of your stuff, like appliances, tools, furniture, and everyday essentials.

But some people might say they've already done their part by chipping in for the wedding or baby showers. "Divorce registry?? dang first u give em' wedding and baby shower gifts.. now i gotta give u gift cuz it didnt last? wtf lol," one said on X, formerly Twitter.

Another person said, "Petition to make divorce registries a thing. When I got married I already had everything I needed but I’m about to give up half my stuff and the idea of buying a new set of measuring cups is depressing."

On social media platforms like TikTok, people have shared their divorce photoshoots. Some show people burning or ripping their wedding dresses, destroying wedding photos, doing a sexy boudoir "Legally Single" shoot, or eating a divorce cake.

Psychology Today reported that normalizing divorce can reduce the stigma and foster a more supportive environment for those going through it. Divorce is often a difficult and emotional process, and offering support can make a significant difference. And when you really think about divorce parties, photoshoots, and online gift registries, that’s just another way of finding support during an emotional time and embracing a new journey in life.

Leave it to social media to remind you about your singleness. With "We’re engaged!" and "Celebrating X years together," posts, it seems like everyone you know is coupled up. But not everyone wants commitment or a relationship with someone. Some people prefer being single. And no, that doesn't mean that someone who prefers to be single is bad at relationships. There’s actually research that shows people are waiting longer to settle down or commit to someone.

Many people choose the single life for various reasons. Maybe you’re happy living it up as a single person or trying to find your internal happiness until you meet the right person. Either way, there are perks to being single.

Most couples figure out issues together or may even rely on their partner to take care of things. Meanwhile, single people are challenged to be more responsible for themselves. This not only builds your character, but it puts you in charge of your own well-being.

Being single can also put you in a great position career-wise. For instance, you’re free to pursue your career choices without having to consider another person. You don’t have to take into account what your partner thinks you should or shouldn’t do. Some research even suggests that single people value meaningful work even more than married people do.

It’s often said that once you’re in a relationship, you gain weight. Men's Health magazine reported that, on average, couples gain about 17 pounds within one year of finding love. ABC reported that newly married women in their early 20s gained 24 pounds in the first five years of marriage. They also said that newly married men gained 30 pounds in the same age group. Is this what happens when you trade in your morning Saturday walks for "staying in bed just a little longer" with your babe?

Check out some of the top reasons people love being single below.

You can dance to your own music when it comes to scheduling. Single people can create a routine that works for them. This includes consistent meal times, bedtimes, and events. You never have to consider your partner's schedule. You can even pick up more hobbies, like weekly trivia or a class you've been wanting to try. For better or worse, your time is your own.

If you're single, chances are that you don't have to worry about spending money on anyone else but yourself. You can keep your money for yourself and use it for a solo vacation or a rainy day fund. Not to mention, you no longer have the financial obligation of buying someone a nice gift for birthdays, and couple-y holidays like Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, or Date-a-versaries.

Single people get more freedom. Without the obligation of another person in your life, you'll have more time for activities. One of the many perks of being single is just having space and time to focus on yourself and emotional needs. You even get a chance to know yourself better during the added free time. Use your time the way you want.

Married folks can go ahead and sit this one out for sure. The benefit of running to the dance floor to vibe out to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" hit, is for those who are single. If you've been to a wedding chances are that this song was used to get all the unmarried or single ladies to the dance floor. Let's be honest, it was your moment to shine in all your singleness.

Single people don't have to deal with the phrase, "Let me try some" while eyes are glaring at their plate. That's right, you don't have to share a thing. Another food benefit of being single is taking advantage of not conforming to someone else's habits or preferences. You can try a new diet or completely indulge without the extra commentary or worrying about someone else's needs. You don't have to worry about if the food you like is off-putting to your partner.

Watch what you want, when you want without the worry. Many couples like to watch a new TV series or movie together. But Heaven forbid you tune in without your partner. That's one way to start an argument. So, if you're single go ahead and binge that new Marvel series without looking over your shoulder. Also, you don't have to sit through shows or movies that you don't care for, because your partner wants to. Watch what you want!