And then attend it virtually on October 17, 2026!
Last week, I posted about the idea of planning a budget-friendly wedding for just $5,000. Almost instantly, my inbox lit up like a neon diner sign. Some folks cheered me on. Others scoffed, “Impossible!” And then came the kicker: a bold reader dared me to prove it.
đź’‹ Can You Really Plan a Fabulous Wedding for $5,000? Short Answer? YES! And I’m Gonna Prove It.
-Laura Kinniburgh, Founder, Cherry Pop Events
So here we are. Welcome to the Atomic Love Challenge — a real-time, no-fluff, weekly wedding planning experiment where I, Laura of Cherry Pop Events, will plan an entire wedding ceremony and reception on a $5,000 budget. The date is set for October 17, 2026, and every step of the journey will be documented for you, my DIY Brides and budget-savvy couples, to learn from, borrow ideas, and follow along.
This isn’t a thought experiment or Pinterest pipe dream. We’re talking to actual Southern California vendors, real décor, and real pricing — the same tools and tricks I’d give my couples. Only this time, we’re playing with a lean budget, a little sass, and a lot of creativity.
✨ Why This Challenge Matters
Weddings have become a multi-billion-dollar industry, with the “average” American wedding now costing between $25,000–$35,000. But sugar, let’s get real: most couples don’t have that kind of dough sitting around. And here in Southern California, where avocado toast costs extra, the pressure to keep up with Pinterest-perfect weddings can feel overwhelming.
That’s where the Atomic Love Challenge comes in. It’s about proving that a budget wedding doesn’t mean a cheap wedding. With thoughtful planning, creative sourcing, and a little vintage ingenuity, you can throw a day that’s stylish, meaningful, and unforgettable — without the debt.
Cherry Pop Events has always believed in weddings with sass and class — and honey, style doesn’t need to come with a country club price tag.
đź’¸ The Budget Breakdown
Here’s how that $5,000 pie will be divided (and you can bet I’ll keep it updated each week as we make progress):
- Venue Rental: $1,000 (20%)
- Catering (Food AND Drink): $1,000 (20%)
- Photography & Videography: $500 (10%)
- Entertainment (DJ/ Band): $350 (7%)
- Florist: $350 (7%)
- Rings: $300 (6%)
- Decor & Rentals: $300 (6%)
- Planning/ Coordination: $250 (5%)
- Attire (Dress, Suit, Accessories): $250 (5%)
- Beauty (Hair & Make-Up): $100 (2%)
- Transportation: $100 (2%)
- Wedding Cake/ Dessert: $100 (2%)
- Stationary: $100 (2%)
- Gratuity: $100 (2%)
- Favors: $50 (1%)
- Documents/ Emergency/ Misc Funds: $150 (3%)
With this breakdown, the per person budget is just $28.12. That’s not just for the catering- that’s for the whole she-bang! Are you sweating behind the knees yet? Now, let’s talk about timeline …
🗓️ Atomic Love Challenge: From Vision to “I Do”
It is VITAL to stay organized and on schedule with this challenge, so here are the phases we are breaking this up for better execution:
Phase 1: Laying the Foundation (Weeks 1–6)
Weeks 1–2 – Establish the budget, set priorities, and outline non-negotiables.
Weeks 3–4 – Scout venues (parks, backyards, community halls) and research permits.
Weeks 5–6 – Finalize guest list target number; create mood board and vision statement.
Phase 2: Getting the Word Out (Weeks 7–12)
Weeks 7–8 – Research invitation options (digital, Etsy printables); design draft invites.
Weeks 9–10 – Price save-the-dates or decide on digital RSVPs; finalize mailing list.
Weeks 11–12 – Order invitations; prep guest communication plan.
Phase 3: Food & Beverage Focus (Weeks 13–18)
Weeks 13–14 – Compare caterers, food trucks, Costco, Sam’s Club bulk pricing.
Weeks 15–16 – Sample food choices; lock in catering style (buffet, taco bar, picnic).
Weeks 17–18 – Price beverage stations (self-serve coolers, lemonade, soda); plan rentals.
Phase 4: Décor & Rentals (Weeks 19–24)
Weeks 19–20 – Source décor at thrift stores, Marketplace, dollar stores.
Weeks 21–22 – Confirm table, chair, linen rentals.
Weeks 23–24 – DIY test run of centerpieces and ceremony backdrop.
Phase 5: Dressing the Part (Weeks 25–30)
Weeks 25–26 – Explore thrift, consignment, and budget bridal shops.
Weeks 27–28 – Finalize gown and suit selections; budget for alterations.
Weeks 29–30 – Source accessories (jewelry, shoes, vintage heirlooms).
Phase 6: Capturing the Memories (Weeks 31–36)
Weeks 31–32 – Research student photographers and part-day professionals.
Weeks 33–34 – Conduct interviews; compare sample galleries.
Weeks 35–36 – Secure photographer contract and confirm coverage hours.
Phase 7: Music & Entertainment (Weeks 37–42)
Weeks 37–38 – Decide between DJ, playlist + speaker rental, or live student band.
Weeks 39–40 – Curate playlist or audition local talent.
Weeks 41–42 – Finalize music plan; rent or test sound system.
Phase 8: Sweet Treats (Weeks 43–48)
Weeks 43–44 – Research cakes, Costco sheet cakes, cupcake towers, donut walls.
Weeks 45–46 – Taste test or DIY bake trial.
Weeks 47–48 – Place order or prep plan for dessert station.
Phase 9: Pulling It Together (Weeks 49–54)
Weeks 49–50 – Review contracts and confirm vendors.
Weeks 51–52 – Write ceremony script and personal vows.
Weeks 53–54 – Draft detailed day-of timeline.
Phase 10: Final Touches (Weeks 55–60)
Weeks 55–56 – Create signage, programs (if any), and DIY extras. Assemble décor, pack wedding boxes, and prep emergency kit. Final headcount and confirm food + rental orders.
Phase 11: Showtime! (10/17/26)
October 17, 2026 – The Big Day:
- Set up décor & rentals.
- Rehearse ceremony.
- Coordinate with vendors.
- Celebrate October 17, 2026 in style — $5,000 or less, baby!
🚫 Overrated “Must-Haves” We’re Tossing
To stay fabulous and frugal, here’s what might get cut:
- Chair covers (bare chairs are fine).
- Printed programs (skip the landfill).
- Overblown favors (DIY treats or skip them).
- Luxury lighting rigs (string lights = magic).
- Designer invitations (digital or budget printables do the trick).
But, it’s all about creativity and ingenuity! We aren’t skipping anything right from the get-go! It’s all about what the budget will let us do.
💡 What You’ll See Each Week
Every week until October 2026, I’ll share:
- Real cost breakdowns.
- Vendor spotlights.
- DĂ©cor finds (yes, even thrift store steals).
- Planning hacks to save time and money.
- Honest reflections on what’s working — and what isn’t.
This isn’t about perfection, dollface. It’s about pulling back the curtain on wedding planning and showing that with the right partner (that’s me, sugar), you can have elegance and ease without the jaw-dropping bill.
📢 Last Words from Cherry Pop Events
Darlin’, you don’t need a mountain of money to have a mountain of memories. Follow along with the Atomic Love Challenge right here in the DIY Bride blog, and watch as Cherry Pop Events crafts a $5,000 wedding that proves love always trumps price tags.
Ready to plan your own fabulous wedding — with or without the Atomic Challenge budget? 📞 Visit www.cherrypop.events to schedule your consultation. Let’s make your big day brilliant, budget-friendly, and bursting with sass and class.
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