From Tacky to Transformational: How to Throw a Divorce Party That Feels Damn Good

A lot of people seem hung up on whether divorce parties are tacky, as if Google should decide whether you’re allowed to celebrate. Critics say they make a mockery of marriage—and if you stumble onto Reddit, you’ll see some folks calling divorce party ideas “stupid” or “embarrassing.” Girl, no. This is your time to shine, so ignore the haters and start planning. And if you’re here looking for divorce party ideas that are anything but basic, you’re in the right place.

What Is a Divorce Party Anyway?

A divorce party is exactly what it sounds like: a celebration that marks the end of a marriage and the beginning of a new chapter. It can be anything you want it to be—quiet reflection with friends, a big splashy bash, a solo trip, or a symbolic fresh start. It’s not about mocking the past; it’s about reclaiming your future.

Ultimately, you really only have one person to answer to on this, you. And the only question you need to answer honestly is thus; is my divorce a cause for celebration or quiet reflection?

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Why I Need to Celebrate the End of My Error

According to the Life Change Index Scale, divorce and separation are the second and third most stressful life events. My score was over 300 in the first year of separation, putting me at an 80% higher risk of developing an illness. That doesn’t even factor in a pandemic and parenting teenagers. When my divorce was finalized, I didn’t just want to celebrate—I needed to. Not because I was glad it happened, but because I survived it.

So yes, I threw a divorce party. A big one. Because just like birthdays and weddings, surviving hard shit deserves recognition.

And I didn’t keep it subdued. To be fair, I very briefly considered how some might find me celebrating the demise of my union as très tacky, but then promptly dismissed those feelings and proceeded to plan a blow out. After all, just because someone doesn’t like birthdays, doesn’t mean others can’t have birthday parties.

A celebration, by definition, is “the action of marking one’s pleasure at an important event or occasion by engaging in enjoyable, typically social, activity.” Nowhere in that definition does it indicate what important events or occasions, can or should be celebrated. As far as I’m concerned, shaking my ass with my besties to mark the milestone was the only appropriate response.

Divorce parties are as varied as the people who have them. Some want subdued affairs with just a couple of close friends. Others plan spa retreats, or trips out of country. Personally, I wanted something representative of my journey. At every turn I was held back and down by my ex-partner and a broken court system. I felt suffocated and lacked any authority over my own life. What I wanted more than anything was to feel empowered as I stepped confidently into my next chapter.

So I became the Captain of my own ship, literally and figuratively.

I was invited by Le Boat Vacations to write about the incredible trips they offer on the Rideau Canal in Canada, and I asked if I could bring a few friends along. Ten to be exact, who would hop on and off over the course of five days to help me celebrate. Le Boat was happy to oblige and from there is was straight into party mode.

@candacesaid

Thank god for dock trollies ???? #divorcetok #divorce #divorcehumour #boatlife

♬ original sound – The Irish Connection

What to Wear to a Divorce Party

Anything you damn well please. Who do you have to answer to? No one. Personally, my favourite outfit of the weekend was a custom-made “UNFUCKWITHABLE” shirt one of my besties had made for me. But maybe you want something more subdued—and that’s cool too.

There’s no dress code for starting over. Maybe you’re feeling fierce in sequins, maybe you want to roll up in leggings and a hoodie that says “finally free.” Whatever makes you feel most like the woman who made it through hell and is still standing? Wear that.

Bonus points if it makes your ex wish they had appreciated you more. Just saying.

Fun Gifts to Bring to a Divorce Celebration

You don’t exactly put your name on a registry for a divorce party, but if you have really good friends, they’ll bring you something anyway. Here’s some inspiration if you’re planning your own celebration—or shopping for someone who’s finally unhitched. (Wait!! I stand corrected. There actually is a place you can put your name on registry. Brilliant!)

The Mug That Says It All

This little beauty made me laugh so hard, and it still makes me smile every time I use it. Petty? Maybe. Perfect? Absolutely.

Custom Shirts That Commemorated the Weekend

My crew showed up with matching shirts that were bold, cheeky, and ridiculously spot on. “Drop it Like It’s Yacht”, perfect for our boating adventure. Whether it’s a power phrase or an inside joke, a well-timed custom tee can be the crown jewel of your divorce party wardrobe.

The “End of an Error” Banner

This was sixty bucks well spent. We slapped this banner on the side of the boat and fully committed to the bit. Zero regrets. We also got a lot of laughs from other boaters on the water.

Matching Totes for the Girls

Finally, my girlfriend Linda brought these “Girls Weeknd” totes for everyone and they were the perfect cherry on top. Cute, coordinated, and totally on theme.

Bottom line, if you’re attending someone else’s divorce party, skip the sympathy card and go for something that brings joy, laughter, or support.

And now for the sappy part. Nobody had to bring me a gift—the real gift was in their presence, their support, and their full-on commitment to the silly. Divorce parties might look cold or tacky to some, but in reality, they’re cathartic as hell. They mark the line between what was and what’s next. Just like a wedding, only with better stories, fewer compromises, and usually a whole lot more fun.

*Death of a spouse is the top stressor. So in summation, the three biggest life stressors involve marriage. Good to know.

Updated May 11, 2025