New data from Moonpig has revealed the top celebration trends over the last 12 months based on Google search volumes and social media data.
Known for helping people celebrate the moments that matter, online greeting card and gift expert, Moonpig, has revealed the top celebration trends of 2024. By analysing Google searches and data from TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube, Moonpig has shared expert commentary on why these trends are so popular and predicts what trends will be prevalent in 2025.
The most popular celebration themes of 2024
- Bridgerton
- Dress to impress
- Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Last Rodeo Hen
- Cinema
- Charli XCX
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Last Disco Den
- Sten do
- Garden party wedding
2024 saw the release of the third season of Netflix series Bridgerton. This led to a staggering 650% Google search increase in the past 12 months as people seek inspiration for their regency-era soiree. Moonpig’s data found that Bridgerton party inspiration has become highly sought after on social media, with searches surging by 600% on Pinterest and 543% on YouTube. TikTok users were also found to be searching for the theme with a 520% increase.
Following closely behind as the second most-searched theme is ‘Dress to Impress’. The viral Roblox fashion game was released in November 2023 and gained cult popularity in recent months with a current player count of 399k and a 1038% uplift in Google search demand for the party theme over the last year alone.
Rounding off the top three is Midsummer Night’s Dream. The famous play by Shakespeare has inspired a popular party theme in 2024 with an 84% rise in Google searches in the past 12 months. Drawing inspiration from the forest setting of the play and its magical elements, the picturesque aesthetic makes it easy to see why TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube searches have each risen 86%, 80% and 81% in the last 12 months.
Sarah-Jane Porter, Moonpig’s global design and licensing director commented: “We often draw inspiration from popular culture when thinking of party themes, and research has shown that in 2024, consumers are becoming more inventive and increasingly creative, choosing themes inspired by viral online games like Dress to Impress or reimagining literary classics such as Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“At Moonpig, we recognise the significance of these cultural references in helping our customers connect with their loved ones. That’s why we are committed to offering a diverse selection of trending and topical cards to suit every taste.”
Future celebration trends predictions from Moonpig
- Pop culture themes will continue to dominate
Pop culture-themed parties will continue to dominate. 2024 has seen an influx in the rise of celebrities and pop culture moments influencing social media and the cultural zeitgeist. From Bridgeton, ‘Brat’ to Taylor Swift-themed parties, consumers are increasingly seeking more ways to emulate their favourite cultural moments.
Many fans are throwing these themed parties to show their appreciation by dressing up or creating themed activities. For example, we may see an influx of rock band Oasis-inspired party themes in 2025 with their reunion taking place.
2. Intimate affairs will be popular
The Pinterest and GWI report found that one in three people have noticed events getting smaller over time, an approach Moonpig anticipates continuing in 2025 with a trend toward more intimate gatherings.
3. Dressing the part
Embracing themed parties is predicted to continue to flourish in the future. The Pinterest and GWI report revealed that a third of consumers prefer to have a themed party, with celebrations becoming a collective effort and attendees investing in their outfits. This is unsurprising as social media users are placing greater importance on their online personality and how they are perceived on social media platforms. With clothing playing a large role in this, in 2025 we should expect to see more people enjoying dressing up for themed parties.
4. Celebrating every milestone
For 2024, Moonpig predicted an increase in consumers celebrating unexpected and unconventional milestones, from divorce to pet parties. This will continue into 2025 as consumers reimagine traditional celebrations and embrace the opportunities to celebrate new occasions and milestones.
- “Just because” celebrations
This year has seen a significant increase in consumers choosing to celebrate despite not having a specific occasion. The Pinterest report found that two-fifths of people who celebrate less traditional milestones say that they do so for the sake of their well-being or happiness.
Sarah-Jane continued: “Our research has identified a major shift and evolution in consumer behaviours and how they have commemorated special moments with their loved ones throughout the past year. The study has found that in 2024, the celebration trends have been largely driven by cultural phenomena and social media trends, and have highlighted a clear influence of popular culture, with themes like Bridgerton to celebrity themes such as Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan.
“We believe consumers will continue favouring pop culture-themed parties and themed dress-ups. However, celebrations will also be expanding to include unconventional milestones and those ‘just because’ moments.
“We know that these findings will also affect how our customers choose greeting cards for their loved ones, which is why we strive to align our diverse range of topical cards with these evolving trends, as we recognise the importance of cultural references in connecting with those closest to us.”
