A divorce has historically been an immensely sad ordeal, but that is all changing as experts have revealed that more and more Brits are throwing wild parties and buying expensive gifts to celebrate the end of their marriages.

From divorce cakes, to divorce rings the drive to symbolise your separation, which 42 per cent of all UK marriages end in, has been rising for a quite a few years. 

Model Emily Ratajkowski caused a stir last week when she revealed she had her engagement ring split into two diamonds to make divorce rings following her separation from Sebastian Bear-McClard in 2022.

The supermodel, 32, split from her ex-husband Sebastian in July 2022 after four years of marriage and the birth of their son, Sylvester Apollo, now three.

Now, experts have revealed how her actions are just another example of a growing trend in Britain.  

Emily Ratajkowski has revealed she has had her engagement ring split into two diamonds to make divorce rings following her split from Sebastian Bear-McClard

Divorce cake on TikTok. In 2021, there were 113,505 divorces granted in England and Wales, a 9.6% increase compared with 2020

Welbeck Manor Hotel in Plymouth, who publicly advertise divorce parties as part of their packages online, said: ‘Divorce parties have become increasingly popular in recent years, and although some believe they are in bad taste, they can be cathartic for people who escaped abusive or destructive relationships.’ 

According to data by Moonpig, divorce parties ranked second for the most popular life event to celebrate, with the online card retailer reporting that there are 26,220 searches each month for ‘divorce parties’ from Brits looking to mark the occasion. 

The Welbeck Hotel added: ‘It might seem strange that we’re predominantly a Wedding Venue but we’re all for helping people celebrate whatever the heck they want to celebrate!

‘We throw parties to celebrate major life events such as birthdays, graduations and weddings; so why not divorce? Whether you want to burn your wedding dress, tear up your marriage certificate or drink wine all night with your closest friends, divorce parties celebrate new beginnings.’

In 2021, there were 113,505 divorces granted in England and Wales, a 9.6% increase compared with 2020 when there were 103,592 divorces.

Ilma Amin, 28, from Tower Hill in London, threw a ‘glam’ themed party with 30 of her closest friends after finalising a divorce with her husband of three years in May 2023.

Describing her special day, she exclaimed: ‘It was the most perfect night ever. I never got to have that white wedding, so the party was me having it. It was like a bachelorette party and a white wedding all at once.

‘I had a full bouquet and I threw it to the next person that’s going to get divorced. I had speeches, divorce maids and my best men’.

Ilma also donned a silver ring stylised in the shape of a question mark: ‘It shows that I’m not done’ she said.

Ilma also donned a silver ring stylised in the shape of a question mark (pictured): ‘It shows that I’m not done’ she said

Wedding and engagement ring specialists at Jessica Flinn have claimed they have gotten a 300 per cent interest in remodel requests. A divorce cake on TikTok 

Dr Paula Freedman from Humankind Psychological Services argued that celebrating these unusual events is very psychologically important for people to do.

‘These celebrations can mark the end of a challenging phase and the beginning of a new chapter. They help in reframing a potentially negative experience into a positive one, emphasising personal strength and the ability to move on to something greater.

‘Celebrating these moments can aid in the healing process, providing closure and a sense of empowerment.’

Wedding and engagement ring specialists at Jessica Flinn have claimed they have gotten a 300 per cent interest in remodel requests, where divorce rings fall.

Jessica Flinn-Allen, CEO and founder at Jessica Flinn, said on her website blog: ‘We have seen a steady rise over the past 2 years. Recently, we have seen more customers come into our store and request rings following a divorce.

‘I feel like more people than ever before are now moving away from social stereotypes regarding life timelines such as career, buying a house, getting married, and having children. 

‘Instead, we see customers coming in with so many stories to tell, from having children first and then deciding to tie the knot to women coming in wanting a bespoke design to celebrate their divorce.

‘Divorce is normally something that is frowned upon and tends to have negative connotations, which is why we love it when customers come in to celebrate themselves because they are doing what’s right for them.’