🗂️ The Not-So-Sexy Side of “I Do”: The Boring Bits of Wedding Planning (and How to Handle Them with Grace & Grit)

Because not every part of your big day is champagne, cake, and canapés—but it all counts, sugar!


Now listen here, sweetheart—we all love the pretty parts of wedding planning: dress shopping, color palettes, floral fantasies, and cake tastings (yum!). But tucked right behind that tulle and sparkle is a little corner I like to call “The Wedding Admin Zone.” It’s where contracts lurk, licenses loom, and Great Aunt Marlene decides she must bring her three cats to the reception.

It’s not glamorous, and it sure ain’t fun—but it’s essential, honey. Don’t fret, though—your favorite retro wedding pro is here to break down the dull bits and show you how to handle them with grace, good humor, and a lipstick smile.


📝 The Not-So-Fun Fundamentals of Wedding Planning

📄 1. Contracts & Paperwork

These aren’t just signature scribbles—they’re what protect your budget, your vision, and your sanity.

You’ll need contracts for:

  • Venues
  • Vendors (photographers, caterers, DJs)
  • Rentals
  • Officiants

Graceful Ways to Handle It:

  1. Read Every Line (Then Read It Again): Boring? Yes. Necessary? 100%.
  2. Ask Questions: If something’s confusing, don’t be shy—ask for clarification.
  3. Keep Everything in One Place: A cute wedding binder or digital folder goes a long way, darling.

📑 2. Marriage License & Legal Must-Haves

Yes, you need more than a Pinterest board to make it official. Each state (and even some counties) has different rules about what’s required to legally wed.

You may need:

  • A marriage license (usually 1–3 weeks before the big day)
  • Two witnesses
  • A registered officiant
  • Proper ID and sometimes proof of divorce if you’ve been previously hitched

Graceful Ways to Handle It:

  1. Research Early: Don’t let bureaucracy ruin your bouquet.
  2. Set Reminders: Treat your license deadline like it’s your dress fitting.
  3. Do It Together: Make it a date—grab your fiancé and head to city hall, then go for milkshakes afterward!

🧾 3. Vetting Vendors & Venues

Your wedding dream team is only as good as their experience, communication, and reliability.

What to ask:

  • Are you insured and licensed?
  • Do you have backup plans?
  • Can I see testimonials or a portfolio?
  • What’s in the fine print of your cancellation policy?

Graceful Ways to Handle It:

  1. Interview like a boss: You’re hiring them, not begging them.
  2. Trust your gut: If something feels off—it probably is.
  3. Get everything in writing: No promises should be made without a contract.

🙃 4. Dealing with Difficult Family Members

Oh honey, nothing says “wedding” like unsolicited opinions, emotional meltdowns, or passive-aggressive RSVPs from your second cousin.

Graceful Ways to Handle It:

  1. Set Boundaries Early: Clear is kind—especially with pushy relatives.
  2. Choose Your Battles: Not every moment is worth a duel at dawn.
  3. Assign a Buffer: Ask a trusted friend or sibling to run interference when needed.

💄 Sassy Tip: You’re not in charge of anyone’s feelings but your own. Be kind, be clear, and keep that crown on, doll.


🎉 Bonus: Ways to Make the Boring Bits More Fun

Just because it’s business doesn’t mean it has to be a buzzkill! Here’s how to jazz up the paperwork party:

  1. Paperwork + Prosecco Night: Make signing contracts a fancy date night with bubbly and snacks.
  2. Bridal Binder Bling: Customize a vintage-style planner with stickers, tabs, and retro flair.
  3. License Day Celebration: After city hall, go out in your cutest outfit and celebrate with ice cream and selfies.
  4. Vendor Speed Dating: Turn meetings into coffee dates or Zoom happy hours.
  5. Create a Countdown: Use a cute printable or app to celebrate little admin wins (“Cake Tasting Contract? ✔️ Champagne toast!”)

🍒 Let Cherry Pop Events Handle the Boring So You Can Focus on the Bliss

At Cherry Pop Events, we know weddings aren’t all glitter and gowns—there’s a lot of paperwork and prep behind the scenes. That’s why we help brides and grooms handle the admin side with total confidence (and a smile), so you can focus on what really matters: the fun, the flair, and the forever-after.

Don’t get bogged down in contracts and chaos. Let us take the clipboard and carry the stress.
Contact Cherry Pop Events today and let’s make your dream day feel as easy as pie.


#WeddingPlanning #CherryPopEvents #BehindTheScenesSass #MarriageLicenseTips #PlanLikeAPro1950sStyle


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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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