Enough with the flakiness in 2026
Plus, more stats on the future of parties.
For readers who may not know (hello and we love you, new followers!), The Imperfect Host is the brainchild and side project of a group of party aficionados who work at Evite. Yes, that Evite (psst…we’re still around and better than ever these days!).
One of the perks of working at Evite is our access to a vibrant community of people who love to gather for all occasions—whether it’s a birthday party for a beloved pet, a holiday party, or a recurring book club and beyond. Recently, we surveyed over 5,000 people from our community for a deeper look into the pet peeves, hosting habits, and budgets that will shape the party landscape in 2026.
Check out some of our favorite findings from the 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.
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.
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.
People still 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!
Not gonna lie, I’m sort of relieved that “personal creativity” is among the top!
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? How about fruit?! Nearly 25% of respondents said they’d throw a strawberry-themed party in 2026, so maybe start planning your red outfits now.
Bespoke themes are all the rage
A trend of meaningful, easy-to-DIY themes continues to emerge.
Key Takeaways for 2026
Focus on quality over quantity when planning your guest list.
Be a responsible guest and honor your RSVP commitments.
As a host, provide all the necessary details to avoid guest confusion and stress.
On a budget? Get creative with DIY decor, affordable activities, and potluck-style food.
Offer a variety of beverage options, including non-alcoholic choices.
Etiquette reigns supreme.
Did any of these stats surprise you? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
partying from the coziness of our own homes ;-)