There’s a new trend in dealing with divorce. And it involves cake.
It’s hard to imagine wanting to throw a party after receiving divorce papers in the mail. However, a growing number of estranged spouses are doing just that, choosing to embrace divorce as the beginning of a new and better life phase instead of lamenting the failure of their marriages.
Sammie Black was just about to turn 40 in 2012 when she received her papers. She took one look at the envelope and jumped around with excitement. The mother-of-two decided to throw a "Divorced and 40" cocktail party for herself and all her friends. She describes the event as 'cathartic'.
''I was extremely depressed in that marriage," she told Fairfax. "I felt like I was in jail in that I wasn't free to be me. The reason I wanted to celebrate was that it was the next chapter in my life - and it was all looking good.''
Now divorce parties are on the rise. They have become a way to take ownership of what can be a traumatic event in your life, and turning it into something positive.
Celebrities are hopping on the divorce party bandwagon, too. UK personality Katie Price decided to throw a three-day divorce party in Ibiza after splitting with Aussie singer Peter Andre.
White Stripes frontman Jack White and his ex-wife Karen Elson celebrated the end of their marriage with a joint divorce party, "to re-affirm our friendship and celebrate the past and future with close friends and family," White explained at the time.
There were also rumours the late Hazel Hawke had a big bash days after ex Bob Hawke married author Blanche d'Alpuget.
As divorce parties grow in popularity in Australia, the party planning industry is stepping up to offer amazing events. When party planners get involved it's not unusual to see bands, bars and even a divorce cake (see gallery bellow).
Last month Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin announced the end of their marriage. Their attempt at 'consciously uncoupling' just screams DIVORCE PARTY HERE. Hopefully somebody leaks the pics.
So while nobody is asking the children of these couples what they think of the whole divorce party thing, the end of marriages around Australia is leading to the popping of champagne corks and the cutting of cakes featuring spouses is vulnerable positions.
All we can say is, any excuse for a party.
What do you think of divorce parties? Are they a great way to embrace divorce in a positive way or in terrible taste.
No good party would be complete without a delicious cake. CLICK THROUGH this gallery of divorce cakes...
