💒 Splurge or Save, Sugar? 5 Wedding Planning Decisions That Deserve a Double-Take

Your wedding can be chic without costing a Cadillac. Let’s talk strategy—with a wink of 1950’s sass.


Planning your big day and stuck between “champagne dreams” and a “soda shop budget”? You’re not alone, sweetheart! Not every part of a wedding deserves your whole wallet—but some? Well, they’re worth the sparkle.

Here are 5 key areas of wedding planning where you can either splurge or save, depending on your style, priorities, and sass level—with 3 tips for each route, so you stay fabulous no matter the budget.


💐 1. The Flowers

💸 Save:

  1. Go seasonal – In-season blooms are fresher, local, and way easier on the purse.
  2. Repurpose arrangements – Ceremony flowers can double as reception centerpieces.
  3. DIY bouquets – Use silk, dried, or even grocery store blooms to make your own.

💎 Splurge:

  1. Statement installations – Think floral arches, ceilings, or photo backdrops.
  2. Custom floral design – A florist can elevate your vision with texture, color, and drama.
  3. Lush bouquets – Nothing says “bride” like a bouquet that makes jaws drop.

🎂 2. The Cake

💸 Save:

  1. Small display cake + sheet cake – Get the glam without the price tag.
  2. Cupcake or donut towers – Cute, casual, and easy to serve.
  3. Skip fondant – Buttercream is just as beautiful and a lot less dough.

💎 Splurge:

  1. Custom sculpted cake – For the couple who wants edible art.
  2. Multiple tiers, flavors, and fillings – Treat your guests to a full-on dessert experience.
  3. Sugar florals and gold accents – Details that photograph like a dream.

📸 3. The Photography

💸 Save:

  1. Hire an up-and-coming photographer – New talent = lower price with fresh style.
  2. Shorten the coverage – Just book for the ceremony + key moments.
  3. Skip the album – Order prints later or make your own book post-wedding.

💎 Splurge:

  1. Full-day coverage – From getting ready to the sparkler exit.
  2. Engagement session – Get comfortable in front of the lens and use the photos for invites.
  3. Two shooters – More coverage = more candids, more angles, more memories.

🎵 4. The Entertainment

💸 Save:

  1. Spotify + speakers – Create your own playlist and assign a DJ-savvy friend.
  2. Local solo acts or student musicians – Great ambiance without the headliner prices.
  3. Limit the hours – Just have music for cocktail hour and dancing.

💎 Splurge:

  1. Live band or DJ – They bring the energy and keep the dance floor hoppin’.
  2. Ceremony musicians – String quartets or jazz trios set an elegant tone.
  3. Custom music moments – First dance mashups, entrance songs, or live requests.

🎀 5. The Decor

💸 Save:

  1. Rent instead of buy – Linens, candles, signage—you name it.
  2. DIY table numbers, signage, and menus – Canva and a local print shop are your new besties.
  3. Minimalist style – Fewer items = less setup, less cost, more modern.

💎 Splurge:

  1. Custom installations – Think hanging florals, neon signs, lounge furniture.
  2. Themed tablescapes – Vintage place settings, layered linens, custom menus.
  3. Mood lighting – Uplighting, bistro lights, candles galore for major ambiance.

💡 BONUS: 5 Extra Tips & Tricks for a Budget-Savvy Bash

  1. Host your wedding on a Friday or Sunday – Venues are often cheaper and more available.
  2. Trim the guest list – 50 people you love beats 150 people you sorta know.
  3. Hire a planner (yes, really!) – A planner can save you money by negotiating deals and preventing costly mistakes.
  4. Borrow or thrift – Decor, accessories, and even your dress can be pre-loved and still perfect.
  5. Batch your beauty – Book hair and makeup artists who do both, and ask for group rates.

🍒 Let Cherry Pop Events Help You Splurge Smart and Save Stylishly

Whether you’re working with champagne dreams or a root beer float budget, Cherry Pop Events helps you get the most out of your big day. From custom planning packages to vendor wrangling and sassy solutions, we make sure you shine—without breaking the bank or breaking a sweat.

Want a wedding that’s totally you, totally chic, and totally doable?
Let’s plan it together, sugar. Contact Cherry Pop Events today and let’s get this party poppin’!


#CherryPopEvents #SplurgeOrSave #WeddingPlanningTips #1950sSass #RetroWeddingsDoneRight


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The Pin Up Planner Podcast

As Featured In:

Cherry Pop Events featured in SoCal Journal

I’m Laura

southern california cherry pop events Founder Laura kinniburgh

Well, butter my biscuit and call it fate — Laura Kinniburgh was born to plan a party, baby. With more than 20 years of experience wrangling everything from wild backyard birthdays to swoon-worthy weddings, this single mama of three and fearless founder of Cherry Pop Events has turned event chaos into cherry-topped charm one celebration at a time.

Raised on glitter, gumption, and a whole lotta “I’ve got this,” Laura’s been dazzling the Southern California event scene with her signature blend of 1950s sass, sky-high standards, and enough heart to power a vintage Cadillac. Whether she’s designing a dreamy full-service wedding or swooping in as a Day-Of Coordinator superhero, she’s got the eye, the hustle, and the humor to pull it all together without breaking a sweat (or a nail).

When she’s not knee-deep in linens, timelines, and seating charts, Laura’s wrangling her three incredible kids, walking her three rowdy pups, and proving that you can be a powerhouse planner and still make time for pancakes on Sunday.

So, whether you’re lost in the land of “where do I even start?” or just need a fairy godmother in cherry red heels — Laura’s your gal. And with Cherry Pop Events, she’s made it her mission to make wedding planning feel less like a meltdown and more like a martini. Because darling, love deserves a party — and Laura was born to throw it. 🍒💋

LOVE IS LOVE.

Let’s connect

Phone/ Text: 626 888 2479


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