💋 The Traditional Wedding Weekend: How to Plan a Luxe, Multi-Day Celebration Without the Stress

By Cherry Pop Events – Weddings & Events with Sass and Class

Darlin’, let’s face it: one day just isn’t enough to celebrate the biggest “I Do” of your life. For couples who want more than a spin around the dance floor and a slice of cake, the wedding weekend is the crème de la crème. From welcome cocktails to farewell brunch, this tradition has blossomed into the new gold standard for stylish couples—especially here in sunny Southern California, where venues and vibes are built for three-day affairs.

According to The Knot’s Real Weddings Study (2024), 43% of couples now extend their weddings into a full weekend of events, with luxury-minded duos leading the pack. And why not? If you’re going to gather your favorite people in one place, why rush it, sugar?

So slip on your satin gloves, and let’s strut through a breakdown of the perfect wedding weekend—with pro tips, pitfalls to avoid, and a sprinkle of Cherry Pop sass.


📅 Day One: The Welcome Party

Events:

  • Welcome cocktails or casual dinner
  • Icebreaker activities (think wine tasting, lawn games, or even karaoke if you’re cheeky)

Tips & Tricks:

  • Keep it light and festive—this is the “get comfy” phase.
  • Choose a vibe opposite of your wedding day: if Saturday is black-tie glam, make Friday cozy-chic with tacos, margaritas, or BBQ under twinkle lights.
  • Provide a welcome bag with water, snacks, sunscreen, and a schedule so guests know the plan.

Cherry Pop Events can design welcome experiences that wow, from custom cocktail menus to retro gift bags your guests will actually use.


💍 Day Two: The Main Event

Events:

  • Ceremony
  • Cocktail hour
  • Reception (with dinner, dancing, and entertainment)

Tips & Tricks:

  • Timeline is queen. From hair and makeup to vendor setup, every minute matters.
  • Splurge on guest comfort—shade, fans, heaters, or even slippers for the dance floor.
  • Don’t forget a wow factor: champagne towers, live entertainment, or luxe lounge seating.

When Cherry Pop Events coordinates your day, we keep every vendor and every corsage in line so you can glide down the aisle stress-free.


🥞 Day Three: The Farewell Brunch

Events:

  • Late-morning brunch or casual picnic
  • Send-off moments (sparkler, vintage car, or champagne toast)

Tips & Tricks:

  • Brunch keeps guests from leaving hangry.
  • Opt for self-serve buffets or stations for easy flow.
  • Keep décor simple—balloons, fresh flowers, or even repurposed wedding florals.

We’ll handle your breakdown and brunch setup, so you can actually sleep in and enjoy that mimosa.


⚠️ Cautionary Tales & How to Avoid Them

  1. Guest Fatigue – A jam-packed schedule leaves everyone exhausted.
    • Fix: Build downtime, like free afternoons or spa time.
  2. Budget Bloat – More days = more dollars.
    • Fix: Choose multi-purpose décor, repurpose florals, and set priorities early.
  3. Logistical Chaos – Guests unsure where to go, when to be there.
    • Fix: Share an itinerary via email, website, and welcome bags.
  4. Overeager Family Opinions – Extra days mean extra chances for drama.
    • Fix: Assign hosting duties (welcome party to mom, brunch to in-laws) so everyone feels included.
  5. Weather Woes – Outdoor weekends risk rain, wind, or heat waves.
    • Fix: Always have a Plan B (tents, alternate indoor spaces).

Cherry Pop Events is your insurance policy against wedding weekend meltdowns. We’ve seen it all, sugar, and we always have a backup plan.


🌟 Final Thoughts, Sweetheart

A wedding weekend is more than a party—it’s a memory-making marathon. When done right, it leaves guests raving for years and you glowing with satisfaction (not exhaustion). From the welcome party’s first cocktail to the farewell brunch’s last mimosa, every detail should flow like satin gloves on a cocktail glass.

And darling, if this sounds like a lot to juggle—it is. That’s why Cherry Pop Events is here, clipboard in hand, with over 20 years of experience turning big dreams into seamless soirées. Whether you’re tying the knot in Southern California or jet-setting abroad, we’ll bring the sass, class, and calm you need.

💌 Ready to start planning your unforgettable wedding weekend?
Book your consultation with Cherry Pop Events today.


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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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