The number of divorce parties reached a record high last year: Celebrating 'one of the bravest choices I've ever made'

Beth Levine, who filed for divorce two weeks ago, invited 30 of her friends to one of her favorite Houston bars to celebrate her newfound freedom with the theme "Beth isn't married anymore f–k yeah!"

In 2014, Levine, a 53-year-old executive assistant, got married, but broke up with their spouse less than two years later.

She knew she didn't want to be married to her then-husband due to various reasons such as infidelity, secret children, green cards, and her own general unhappiness.

She found the decision to leave difficult, but the act of leaving was liberating, she says. That's why she wanted to throw a "divorce party."

"Filing for divorce is a courageous decision," Levine remarks. "Why should I not celebrate one of the bravest choices I've ever made for myself?"

Last year, Evite data showed that the number of divorce party invitations reached a record high.

Evite's party data analyst, Olivia Pollock, states that the rise in recognition and appreciation for non-traditional milestones indicates a growing trend.

Pollock states that the trend indicates a shift towards using celebrations to turn life transitions into positive experiences.

Evite has observed a 5% increase in celebrations this year, which includes parties for paying off debt, breast reductions, vasectomies, and other significant life events.

Divorce, like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries, should be recognized and celebrated, says Pollock.

Divorce is no longer as stigmatized as it once was, so why not make the most of it with some fun? On average, divorce costs over $11,000.

'Divorce is more commonly accepted as a natural life event'

According to Pew Research Center, more than half of adults, 55%, believe that couples remain in unhappy marriages for too long. The American perspective on both marriage and divorce has evolved to become less inflexible.

While having a fulfilling job is important to 71% of adults, only 23% consider marriage to be equally important, according to Pew Research Center.

Pollock states that divorce is increasingly viewed as a natural life event, and individuals are seeking ways to celebrate the conclusion of a marriage in a positive manner.

It is mainly women who throw divorce parties, according to Evite data.

Levine feels as though societal pressure corners women into unsuccessful marriages.

"Women are more likely to remain in a suboptimal situation due to fear of a failed marriage. Similarly, people leave jobs when they are unhappy. One wouldn't stay in a restaurant and eat rotten steak to please someone. It's acceptable to walk away."

According to Lisa Marie Bobby, a relationship psychologist and founder of Growing Self Counseling & Coaching in Denver, the societal belief that ending a marriage is terrible does not always align with the feelings of those who go through it.

"Bobby argues that divorce is often viewed as a shameful thing in our culture, but in reality, many people experience it as a positive thing that brings them freedom and empowerment to live the life they want."

Divorce celebrations can indicate that this choice is something you are proud of.

Bobby says that when you host a party to mark the end of your marriage, you are sending a strong message to the world and yourself, expressing your excitement about the change.

'It was incredibly therapeutic'

To ensure a good time at a divorce party, Levine established a set of rules.

Don't bring up the ex, avoid getting too drunk, and choose a bar that doesn't remind you of your former spouse.

Levine says, "I relied on my best friend to convey that I don't want to discuss unpleasant matters and if you want to bring a cool gift, that's great because I deserve it."

She organized the celebration not only to mark the conclusion of an unhealthy relationship, but to express gratitude to the community that supported her during a challenging time.

"Celebrating my friends' continued liking of me despite months of listening to my crap was the purpose of the celebration," she explains. "They were in the front row and reacted with 'Oh my god, please leave this person.' It wasn't just about me, but everyone around me."

Although she has no desire to get married again, Levine admits that she would not hesitate to throw another divorce party: "It was incredibly therapeutic."

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