With the Christmas season fast approaching, Brits are gearing up to make the most of their celebrations, from family gatherings to weddings and even divorce parties. But with an increasingly packed calendar, which events do people in the UK prefer, and what factors might put them off attending altogether?
New data from greetings card marketplace thortful reveals that birthday parties top the list, with 92% of respondents saying they most enjoy celebrating friends’ or family members’ birthdays. Notably, friend-hosted weddings outrank family weddings in popularity, with 90% favouring a friend’s celebration, compared to 88% for family ceremonies. The festive holidays – Christmas Day and Boxing Day – also scored high, with 89% prioritising these gatherings.
Interestingly, divorce parties remain divisive, ranking 12th in popularity, with nearly half of those uninterested citing them as an “unnecessary spend of money.” Gender reveal parties are similarly polarising; while 55% appreciate these gatherings, 48% find them “cringeworthy”. Halloween events, meanwhile, seem to be losing their charm, with a marked 70% decline in searches for “Halloween party” over the past year.
The survey also found that seasonal events like engagement parties (85%), housewarmings (84%), and New Year’s Eve celebrations (81%) are well-received, reflecting Brits’ eagerness to reconnect during the autumn and winter months.
When it comes to making attendance easier, Brits overwhelmingly prefer events that fit around their schedules. A significant 95% say they’re more likely to attend if they don’t need to take annual leave, while 96% are more inclined if children are welcome. Additionally, a more casual vibe attracts 87%, who’d rather skip the dress code, while 85% appreciate less emphasis on alcohol and 67% avoid gatherings perceived as overly materialistic.
Popularity ranking of UK events
1. Friend or family birthday (92%)
2. Friend’s wedding (90%)
3. Christmas and Boxing Day (89%)
4. Family wedding (88%)
5. Engagement party (85%)
6. Housewarming (84%)
7. New Year’s Eve (81%)
8. Wedding anniversary (80%)
9. Pregnancy announcement (70%)
10. Gender reveal/baby shower (55%)
11. Divorce party (54%)