Evite’s Pregame Report: Your guide to 2026 party trends & hosting habits
At Evite, we're all about making it easy to gather your favorite people for any occasion — and that means staying on top of the latest party trends and etiquette dos and don'ts. That’s why we surveyed 5,000 of our users (aka our nearest and dearest) for a deeper look into the pet peeves, hosting habits, and budgets that will shape the party landscape in 2026. Ready to dive in with us?
Here are some of the best findings from our 2026 Pregame Report.
The year of the introvert
Homebodies, it’s our time to shine. Our survey found that a preference for smaller, more meaningful gatherings is growing. From casual dinners to pet birthdays, people favor cozy, connection-focused events. The top events to throw an intimate gathering for? Birthdays (86%), holiday celebrations (75%), and watch parties (49%).
Gatherings like book clubs (43%) and events celebrating pets (35%) are gaining in popularity as well. Brb, got a dog quinceanera to attend.
Budget-conscious celebrations are on the rise
67% of our survey takers prefer DIY and affordable options, signaling a shift away from spending big on over-the-top parties and more toward creative, personalized experiences.
Projected party budgets for 2026:
Everyone’s tired of no-shows
A staggering 62% of respondents reported being frustrated with guests who RSVP "yes" and then don’t show. Yikes! Let’s make 2026 the year of honored commitments and clearly communicated RSVP updates. It’s the least we can do for our hosts, who put a lot of work into throwing their events.
Moms still dominate party planning
42% of our respondents believe invitations sent to moms receive more attention than those sent to dads or other family members and caregivers. Meanwhile, only 2% feel that more attention is given to invitations that are sent to dads — highlighting a significant gap. Dads: It's time to join the party, literally.
Avoid “planxiety” through clear communication
We asked guests their biggest party pet peeve, and a whopping majority (67%) cited a lack of details (like dress code or parking info) as their top issue. When guests show up confused or unprepared, or are texting you constantly with questions, it adds unnecessary stress. Hosts, take note: Clear communication is your best defense against "planxiety" and a smoother celebration for everyone.
(One great place to put all those event details: your Evite!)
People prefer human creativity over AI
It may seem like AI is popping up everywhere, but when it comes to parties, we still see a majority of hosts opting to use social media platforms (or their own personal ideas) to inspire their themes.
To help you visualize, we put together this word cloud showing which tools people plan to use to help put together parties in 2026. The bigger the word, the more likely people will use the tool to help them plan!
Cake remains the preferred sweet treat
No need to switch up your party menu just yet!
When in doubt… fruit!
Not sure what your next party theme should be? Try your favorite fruit! Nearly 25% of respondents said they’d throw a strawberry-themed party in 2026.
Bespoke themes are all the rage
A trend of meaningful, easy-to-DIY themes continues to emerge.
A look ahead to 2027:
As we look even further ahead, we predict a continued focus on intimate events, clear communication, budget-friendly ideas, inclusivity, and outdoor venues. Watch this space!
All this pregaming got you feeling ready to plan your next gathering? Start here.
