Splitting Up Goes 'Divorce Chic'

April 14, 2007 — -- An estimated two million people in the United States are expected to get divorced this year -- and while going separate ways is a painful decision, many couples say it doesn't have to end in tears.

In an attempt to get some closure and go out on a high note, couples are celebrating their divorces.

With the help of the wedding ring coffin, couples are literally burying their pasts by burying their wedding rings.

Three-time divorcee Fran Van Tuyle of Boca Raton, Fla., held an unconventional memorial to close the door on her past loves.

"[Using the coffin] is a great symbolic way to say goodbye," Van Tuyle said. "I like to bury the negativity, and I want other to people to know there is hope out there -- that even though something ends something else will begin."

After attending a funeral, the coffin's creator Jill Testa came up with the unusual idea to give friends like Van Tuyle a fresh start.

"It's really about helping people find closure and helping people find humor at the same time," Testa said.

The lighthearted divorce bonding ritual was first immortalized in the movie "The First Wives Club."

But in recent months divorce chic has come a long way and businesses are cashing in.

In Virginia, Madeline Pollitt went from bitter to better after she sprung for a divorce-themed party.

"A new me a new beginning -- that's why I wanted to have the party," Pollitt said. "I wanted to celebrate my new life."

Former Miss USA Shanna Moakler also reversed tradition with her advertised divorce party in Las Vegas. The celebration included vengeful cake decorations with fake blood and a dead groom.

Adult divorce camps are also popping up -- like one in Minnesota that offers guidance and planning solutions.

There's even the new "Divorce Magazine," which is designed to educate and add some comedy to the stressful milestone.

"If you can read a book or have a party or go to a support group and it makes the situation feel lighter to you, then that's all good if it gives you the opportunity to move on," said Dan Couvrette, the magazine's CEO and publisher.

But not everyone thinks undoing those "I Dos" should be taken so lightly.

"If you get too carried away in joking around about it and making it into a trivial, light little thing, you're not going to face your feelings," said Diana Kirshner, a therapist and author of "Opening Love's Door."

But Van Tuyle, who's willing to walk down the aisle one last time, said her beach burial gave her the new attitude she was searching for.

"I am very happy to put the past behind me and start my life over," she said.

It seems to have worked for her; she has a new boyfriend.

And despite that evil cake, Moakler and her husband, drummer Travis Barker, reconciled shortly after her celebration.