Darlin’, This Ain’t Your Average Birthday—Here’s How to Party Like a Pro

By Cherry Pop Events — Weddings and Events with Sass and Class

Now listen here, Dollface—just because your birthday girl (or boy) is twenty-something doesn’t mean they want a sad plate of cupcakes in a backyard with a Bluetooth speaker. They want an experience. A vibe. A celebration that slaps harder than their favorite TikTok sound.

Lucky for them, and for you, you’ve got Cherry Pop Events on speed dial. (Or you will after reading this.)

Whether it’s 21, 25, or the last breath of 29, here are the top tricks of the trade for throwing a brilliant birthday bash that hits all the right notes—with vintage flair and zero chaos.


1. Pick a Theme That Isn’t Tired, Honey

We’re not doing “just wear black” anymore. Give the people a concept. A reason to dress up. Something that’ll make their Instagram grid look like editorial gold.

Try These Cherry-Picked Themes:

  • Studio 54 Glow-Up: Glitter, disco balls, and glam—yes, please.
  • Garden Groovy: Think daisy chains, retro cocktails, and soft vintage linens.
  • Pajamas & Prosecco: Luxe sleepwear and champagne towers. Effortless chic.
  • Y2K Fever Dream: Rhinestones, metallics, and throwback jams. (And maybe a flip phone for photo ops.)
  • Astro Birthday Bash: Celestial décor, star charts, and custom moonlight cocktails.

Insider tip: A well-executed theme sets the tone for the entire night and gives your décor, music, and even cocktails a cohesive pop of personality.

✨Need help making your theme Pinterest-perfect? That’s what we do, doll.✨


2. Serve One Signature Cocktail + A Secondary Sipper

Darlin’, your guests don’t need a full bar to have a fabulous time. In fact, one or two brilliantly branded cocktails will have them swooning.

Create a drink that screams, “This is so you,” and name it something cheeky like:

  • “The Birthday Brat”
  • “Main Character Martini”
  • “Espresso Your Age” (perfect for espresso martinis)
  • “Bubbles & Boundaries”

Don’t forget to make a mocktail version. Trust me, the sober crew will love you for it.

💋Pro move? Let Cherry Pop Events build a custom cocktail menu for your soirée.


3. Rent Don’t Regret

You don’t need to buy 40 champagne flutes or borrow your Aunt Judy’s folding chairs again. Renting makes everything easier—and prettier.

Must-rents for a 20-something bash:

  • Statement lounge furniture or a photo backdrop wall
  • Glassware (because red Solo cups aren’t it)
  • Chic cake stand and bar cart
  • Uplighting to vibe up the space

Even better? We’ve got the contacts to hook you up with the cutest local rental spots in SoCal. And yes, we vet everything so you don’t end up with a sticky bar stool and regrets.


4. Don’t Just Play Music—Curate It, Baby

A great playlist is fine. A curated sound experience? Iconic.

For 20-somethings, the trick is a combo of nostalgic bangers and current hits—the soundtrack to their youth + the soundtrack to their now.

Think:

  • Lizzo > Britney > Bad Bunny > 2000s Avril
  • Sprinkle in a few TikTok hits and deep cuts for the music snobs

✨Want a DJ who actually knows how to read a room? We know a guy. Or five.


5. Hire a Photographer (Or At Least a Content Creator)

Everyone has a phone—but no one wants to be the one capturing every moment. A birthday celebration is all about living in the now—not being behind a lens.

Hire a photographer or content creator to capture the aesthetic moments, the champagne pop, the surprise candle shot, and the dance floor madness. Even better? Have a mini “photo set” ready with lighting and props.

Psst… Cherry Pop Events can help you build a stylish flat lay or birthday backdrop that looks like it came straight from a glossy magazine.


6. Late Night Snacks Save Lives (and Friendships)

Once the dancing starts and the cocktails hit, you better believe your guests will start asking, “Is there food?” That’s your cue for a late-night snack drop.

Best bets:

  • Fries in mini cones
  • Sliders and dipping sauces
  • Fancy grilled cheeses
  • A donut wall (because sugar makes everything sweeter)

Trust us, nothing kills a party vibe faster than hanger. Let us coordinate the perfect snack pop-in right when it’s needed.


7. The Birthday Babe Deserves a Moment

Whether it’s a champagne toast, a custom video montage, or a dramatic outfit reveal—plan a main character moment.

Give them a platform (literal or metaphorical) to shine, to thank their guests, and to soak in the love.

💋Need a timeline to make that magic happen? We’ve got you, cupcake.


8. Have a Backup Plan (Because You’re a Grown-Up Now)

If you’re hosting outside, know the weather. If you’re hosting inside, know the noise rules. Backup plans aren’t boring—they’re brilliant.

We always say: “Plan A is for pictures, Plan B is for peace of mind.” And honey, peace is priceless.


9. Keep It Intimate (ish)

You don’t need to invite everyone who follows you on Instagram. Keep your guest list to the people who’ll dance, laugh, and make memories—not just eat cake and leave.

Ideal party size?
For house parties: 20–30
For venues: 40–60
For all-out bashes: 75–100, max

Big enough to feel buzzy. Small enough to still feel personal.


10. Hire a Day-Of Coordinator (Yep, Even for Birthdays)

You didn’t plan a whole party just to run around picking up melting ice and fixing the broken balloon arch.

A day-of coordinator makes your party look effortless, your timeline seamless, and your vibe vintage glam perfection. You show up and shine—we handle the rest.

Cherry Pop Events is built for moments like this.


Final Word From Your Favorite Party Planner

Listen, sweetheart—your 20s are messy, magical, and meant to be celebrated big. Whether it’s your bestie’s bash or your own glow-up gala, don’t just wing it.

You bring the vision. We’ll bring the sparkle, structure, and snack trays.

Let’s make magic.
Book your birthday party consult now at cherrypop.events


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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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