In this Q&A-fuelled episode of Cut the Cake, we answer some of the most common — and most important — questions couples are asking right now. From where to start once you’re engaged, to how many guests you should invite, to whether you really need a planner, we unpack it all with honesty, experience, and a healthy dose of real-world practicality.

We also dive into styled shoots — what they are, why planners do them, and how they shape trends couples often fall in love with months later. Think: a testing ground for creativity, a way to show possibilities before they hit Pinterest boards, and a tool that helps couples visualise what’s possible for their own day.

With thoughtful insights, hard-earned knowledge, and our usual candid approach, this episode gives couples a grounded starting point and clarity around the choices that matter most.

About Melanie
Mellyrain Creative is a wedding planning and styling company and we specialize in designing luxe countryside weddings across regional Victoria. As the head wedding planner and stylist at Mellyrain Creative, her team continues to grow and assist in styling design as well as wedding day coordination and execution of styling set ups at weddings all over Victoria. Prior to weddings Mel worked in sport and entertainment events in Melbourne and she is obsessed with her golden retriever pup Duncan who you’ll see on the gram from time to time. Mel love's to call country Victoria her happy place so when she's not working, you’ll still find me exploring new places, mostly something with mountains as a backdrop.

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
eventwandererco.com.au/cont...

In this special bonus episode of Cut the Cake, we jump into the topic on everyone’s lips for 2026 — what will Taylor do? Specifically, we’re diving headfirst into the much-speculated future wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, a celebration many are already calling the Wedding of 2026.

With Christmas just around the corner, this episode blends industry insight (ours!), fan theory, and pure fun. We unpack what a wedding of this scale could look like — from the possibility of a coastal Rhode Island setting to the kind of luxury that still feels deeply personal and intentional. Celebrity weddings don’t just entertain us — they often set the tone for what couples start asking for next and with 2026 just around the corner, we couldn't resist! 

About Melanie
Mellyrain Creative is a wedding planning and styling company and we specialize in designing luxe countryside weddings across regional Victoria. As the head wedding planner and stylist at Mellyrain Creative, her team continues to grow and assist in styling design as well as wedding day coordination and execution of styling set ups at weddings all over Victoria. Prior to weddings Mel worked in sport and entertainment events in Melbourne and she is obsessed with her golden retriever pup Duncan who you’ll see on the gram from time to time. Mel love's to call country Victoria her happy place so when she's not working, you’ll still find me exploring new places, mostly something with mountains as a backdrop.

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
eventwandererco.com.au/cont...

In this episode of Cut the Cake, we dive deep into the world of private property weddings — the dreamy, sentimental kind that look effortless on Instagram but take some serious behind-the-scenes planning to pull off. Between the two of us, we’ve managed more than our share of outdoor and at-home weddings, so we’re lifting the veil on what really goes into hosting your day on a family property or meaningful piece of land.

We start with why couples are so drawn to private properties. There’s something incredibly special about getting married somewhere personal — a childhood home, a grandparent’s acreage, a family farm that holds generations of memories. And while the sentiment is beautiful, the reality is that most properties aren’t designed to be event venues. That’s where the planning really begins.

We talk about everything people don’t always consider early enough: power, lighting, shelter, restroom facilities, parking, waste management, accessibility, and all the small details that make a space safe, functional, and guest-friendly. We also break down marquee setups, why site inspections matter, and how important it is to bring in professionals to get structures installed correctly.

Budget is another big piece of the puzzle. Private property weddings often look cheaper, but the truth is they usually cost as much as — if not more than — a traditional venue once you factor in infrastructure, hire items, labour, generators, bathrooms, catering logistics, wet-weather plans, and bump-in/bump-out timelines. We walk through all the layers so you can decide whether this style of wedding is genuinely right for you.

We wrap up by sharing our recommended planning timeline — ideally 18 to 24 months — to ensure everything is booked, inspected, coordinated, and confirmed with enough breathing room for changes, approvals, and the inevitable last-minute curveballs.

If you’re dreaming of a private property wedding or even just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode gives you everything you need to know to make an informed decision and plan with confidence.

About Melanie
Mellyrain Creative is a wedding planning and styling company and we specialize in designing luxe countryside weddings across regional Victoria. As the head wedding planner and stylist at Mellyrain Creative, her team continues to grow and assist in styling design as well as wedding day coordination and execution of styling set ups at weddings all over Victoria. Prior to weddings Mel worked in sport and entertainment events in Melbourne and she is obsessed with her golden retriever pup Duncan who you’ll see on the gram from time to time. Mel love's to call country Victoria her happy place so when she's not working, you’ll still find me exploring new places, mostly something with mountains as a backdrop.

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
eventwandererco.com.au/cont...

In this episode of Cut the Cake, we’re diving deep into one of the most-requested topics of all time: what a 100K wedding actually looks like in Australia. We break down where the money goes, what you can realistically expect at that price point, and the areas couples consistently underestimate when planning their day.

We start by talking through the biggest ticket items—venue and catering—and why these two categories will always take up the largest portion of your budget. Guest count drives everything, and we unpack how even small changes in numbers can dramatically shift the overall spend. From there, we walk through the real costs of celebrants, photographers, videographers, entertainment, and all the moving parts that make up a well-produced wedding.

We also chat about the importance of budgeting with the top end in mind. Starting with the lowest quote will almost always lead to disappointment or overwhelm later. Instead, we talk about how to build a budget that gives you breathing room while still protecting the elements that matter most. And yes—we share our honest thoughts on videography (spoiler: it’s the number-one regret couples have when they don’t book it).

Throughout the conversation, we highlight where there’s flexibility—like florals and stationery—and where it’s worth investing in experience and expertise. We also touch on the often-overlooked value of a wedding planner… not just for logistics, but for strategy, budget management, and making sure your decisions align with your vision.

If you’re starting to plan a wedding in this price range, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make decisions without the overwhelm. It’s a practical, grounded look at what 100K can deliver—and how to make sure you’re spending with intention rather than impulse.

For a deeper breakdown of wedding costs and real examples, check out Mel's recent blog post: https://mellyrain.com.au/2025/11/26/the-100k-wedding-what-it-actually-gets-you-and-where-the-money-really-goes/

About Melanie
Mellyrain Creative is a wedding planning and styling company and we specialize in designing luxe countryside weddings across regional Victoria. As the head wedding planner and stylist at Mellyrain Creative, her team continues to grow and assist in styling design as well as wedding day coordination and execution of styling set ups at weddings all over Victoria. Prior to weddings Mel worked in sport and entertainment events in Melbourne and she is obsessed with her golden retriever pup Duncan who you’ll see on the gram from time to time. Mel love's to call country Victoria her happy place so when she's not working, you’ll still find me exploring new places, mostly something with mountains as a backdrop.

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
eventwandererco.com.au/cont...

In this episode of Cut the Cake, we dive into the wedding trends that are shaping the industry right now, answer your burning questions, and share our own insights from years inside the world of weddings. As planners, stylists, and creators, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly trends evolve—and how important it is to anchor everything back to what feels uniquely “you.”

One of the biggest themes we explore is the rise of personalised styling. From custom florals to playful touches like Lego elements woven into table settings, we talk about how these details can tell your story without feeling forced or overly curated. It’s about creating a day that feels intentional, not Instagram-led.

We also unpack a question we’re asked constantly: “Why aren’t my vendors replying yet?” We break down the reality of vendor timelines—why things often feel quiet six months out, and what shifts as you get closer to the day. Our goal is to help you understand the rhythm of the planning process so you don’t panic during those quieter phases.

Another big topic in this episode is understanding what wedding planners actually do—and the difference between full planning, partial planning, and everything in between. We chat about who benefits most from each service level and help you figure out what kind of support will genuinely lighten your load rather than add to it.

And yes, we couldn’t resist talking about the trending cakes taking over Australia right now—especially the Millefoglie cake with raspberries. It’s one of those trends that’s not only visually striking but genuinely delicious, and we share why it’s popping up everywhere.

At the heart of all of it, we come back to this truth: your day should be an honest reflection of you as a couple. The choices you make—your styling, your vendors, your planning support—should feel aligned with who you are, not who you think you’re meant to be on your wedding day.

About Melanie
Mellyrain Creative is a wedding planning and styling company and we specialize in designing luxe countryside weddings across regional Victoria. As the head wedding planner and stylist at Mellyrain Creative, her team continues to grow and assist in styling design as well as wedding day coordination and execution of styling set ups at weddings all over Victoria. Prior to weddings Mel worked in sport and entertainment events in Melbourne and she is obsessed with her golden retriever pup Duncan who you’ll see on the gram from time to time. Mel love's to call country Victoria her happy place so when she's not working, you’ll still find me exploring new places, mostly something with mountains as a backdrop.

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
eventwandererco.com.au/cont...

In this episode of Cut the Cake, we dive into the world of wedding styling, sharing insights that help both couples and wedding professionals elevate their events. From balancing creativity with practicality to avoiding common styling pitfalls, we unpack the essential elements that make weddings look beautiful and feel seamless.

We talk about the importance of understanding your venue and its natural inclusions before layering on decorations, so your styling feels cohesive rather than forced. Over-styling is a trap many fall into, and we share our tips for keeping things balanced while still impactful.

Guest experience is at the heart of styling. We discuss how thoughtful planning ensures guests can move comfortably, engage with elements, and enjoy the day without feeling overwhelmed by the décor. Lighting, often overlooked, is another key focus—how to use it effectively can transform your wedding space, indoors or out.

We also touch on how trends can overshadow personal touches, and why reflecting your own style in every detail—from invitations to table settings—makes the celebration truly yours. Plus, we’re excited to share Melanie’s upcoming styling workshop, designed for wedding creators who want to refine their craft and learn how to make every wedding feel personal and polished.

Whether you’re planning your own wedding or working in the industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make styling decisions confidently and creatively. By the end, you’ll have the tools to elevate your wedding aesthetics without losing sight of comfort and authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

• Consider the venue’s natural beauty and inclusions before adding decor to maintain cohesion.
• Over-styling can overwhelm; focus on a few standout elements for a balanced look.
• Prioritize guest comfort—ensure movement, sightlines, and engagement are seamless.
• Personalize your wedding styling by reflecting your unique style rather than blindly following trends.
• Don’t underestimate lighting—it sets the tone and elevates the entire atmosphere.

About Melanie
Mellyrain Creative is a wedding planning and styling company and we specialize in designing luxe countryside weddings across regional Victoria. As the head wedding planner and stylist at Mellyrain Creative, her team continues to grow and assist in styling design as well as wedding day coordination and execution of styling set ups at weddings all over Victoria. Prior to weddings Mel worked in sport and entertainment events in Melbourne and she is obsessed with her golden retriever pup Duncan who you’ll see on the gram from time to time. Mel love's to call country Victoria her happy place so when she's not working, you’ll still find me exploring new places, mostly something with mountains as a backdrop.

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
eventwandererco.com.au/cont...

In this episode of Cut the Cake, we head to the mountains and dive into the world of winter weddings in Victoria’s ski fields. From slope-side elopements to intimate micro weddings surrounded by snow, we share what it’s really like to plan and host celebrations in one of the most magical (and unpredictable) environments.

We talk about Melanie’s recent adventures at Mount Hotham, where a team of incredible vendors came together to create unforgettable weddings against a snowy alpine backdrop. From the beauty of snow-draped ceremonies to the reality of planning around mountain weather, we share the behind-the-scenes details that make these events so unique.

Snow weddings aren’t for the faint-hearted, but for couples who love the mountains, winter sports, or simply the romance of a snow-covered day, they offer something completely different. We talk logistics, safety, and why working with experienced teams is crucial when your wedding day depends on unpredictable conditions.

Throughout the episode, we highlight why these kinds of weddings are growing in popularity, what couples should expect when planning one, and how a little flexibility goes a long way when Mother Nature is part of the guest list. For anyone dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding, this conversation is packed with practical advice, heart warming stories, and plenty of inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

• Snow weddings create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for couples who love the mountains.
• Planning around mountain weather requires expertise, flexibility, and strong vendor communication.
• Safety is a big consideration when hosting events in alpine conditions.
• Elopements and micro weddings in the snow allow for truly intimate, story-driven celebrations.
• Packages tailored for snow weddings help streamline logistics and give couples peace of mind.

About Melanie
Mellyrain Creative is a wedding planning and styling company and we specialize in designing luxe countryside weddings across regional Victoria. As the head wedding planner and stylist at Mellyrain Creative, her team continues to grow and assist in styling design as well as wedding day coordination and execution of styling set ups at weddings all over Victoria. Prior to weddings Mel worked in sport and entertainment events in Melbourne and she is obsessed with her golden retriever pup Duncan who you’ll see on the gram from time to time. Mel love's to call country Victoria her happy place so when she's not working, you’ll still find me exploring new places, mostly something with mountains as a backdrop.

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
eventwandererco.com.au/cont...

In this episode of Cut the Cake, we dive into a topic that keeps circling back—micro weddings. These intimate celebrations may be small in guest count, but they’re big on impact. Whether you’re planning one, considering scaling back your guest list, or just curious about the trend, we’re unpacking what makes a micro wedding so different from a standard wedding—or an elopement.

We share what we’ve seen on the ground—from logistics to design—and how these beautifully intentional events can still be rich in experience (without the huge price tag). You’ll hear our thoughts on how to navigate costs, guest expectations, and the misconception that smaller means simpler (hint: it doesn’t always).

From the kinds of venues that suit a micro wedding, to how your run sheet might shift, to the creative decisions couples are making with more breathing room in the budget—we cover it all. Plus, we chat through what’s worth investing in, and when having a planner is still totally worth it.

And of course, we share some personal stories that prove micro weddings aren’t just a budget option—they’re a vibe all their own. For couples wanting an intimate, immersive, and incredibly memorable day, this one's for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Micro weddings are not elopements—they typically involve up to 30 guests and still include traditional elements, but with more space for personalisation.
• Scaling back doesn’t mean scaling down on experience—you can create more impact per guest by reworking your budget intentionally.
• Unique venues like private homes, boutique stays, or restaurant takeovers are perfect for micro weddings and often create an unforgettable guest experience.
• Planning still matters—especially if you want the day to feel seamless (and not like a last-minute dinner party).
• Intimacy doesn’t make it less special—in fact, the smaller guest list often makes for deeper connections and a more relaxed vibe.

About Melanie
Mellyrain Creative is a wedding planning and styling company and we specialize in designing luxe countryside weddings across regional Victoria. As the head wedding planner and stylist at Mellyrain Creative, her team continues to grow and assist in styling design as well as wedding day coordination and execution of styling set ups at weddings all over Victoria. Prior to weddings Mel worked in sport and entertainment events in Melbourne and she is obsessed with her golden retriever pup Duncan who you’ll see on the gram from time to time. Mel love's to call country Victoria her happy place so when she's not working, you’ll still find me exploring new places, mostly something with mountains as a backdrop.

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
eventwandererco.com.au/cont...

In this episode of Cut the Cake, we’re diving deep into one of the most underrated parts of wedding planning — your timeline. We walk you through the exact framework we use to create seamless, stress-free wedding day schedules. From what time to kick things off in the morning to squeezing in golden hour portraits and setting the tone for the reception, we’re sharing how to time it all without the overwhelm.

We also unpack the must-knows when it comes to vendor coordination — because even the best timelines fall flat if your vendors aren’t on the same page. From confirming bump-in times to ensuring your key suppliers know where to be and when, communication is everything. We’re here to help you make sure your dream day flows like magic.

One of our biggest tips? Add buffer time. Having a bit of breathing room in your schedule is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress, adapt to any hiccups and keep things feeling calm and collected. Whether it’s hair and makeup running over or extra time needed for group photos, this small tweak makes a huge difference.

We also chat about streamlining the formalities. Speeches, cake cutting and first dances can feel a bit clunky if they’re too stacked — so we explore how to space them out or simplify things for a more natural, relaxed celebration.

Whether you’re a DIY couple mapping things out yourselves or working with a coordinator to bring it all together, this episode is your go-to guide for making your wedding day timeline feel effortless and enjoyable.

Follow along on Instagram @cutthecakepodcast and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode full of real talk and planning gold.

About Melanie
Mellyrain Creative is a wedding planning and styling company and we specialize in designing luxe countryside weddings across regional Victoria. As the head wedding planner and stylist at Mellyrain Creative, her team continues to grow and assist in styling design as well as wedding day coordination and execution of styling set ups at weddings all over Victoria. Prior to weddings Mel worked in sport and entertainment events in Melbourne and she is obsessed with her golden retriever pup Duncan who you’ll see on the gram from time to time. Mel love's to call country Victoria her happy place so when she's not working, you’ll still find me exploring new places, mostly something with mountains as a backdrop.

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
eventwandererco.com.au/cont...

In this episode of Cut The Cake, we’re diving into one of our favourite topics—wedding venues across Victoria. With winter in full swing, it felt like the perfect time to chat about some truly standout locations and why this season can actually be ideal for planning your dream day.

We share some of the venue gems we’ve worked at or fallen in love with—from the garden-filled grounds of Mount Mitchell Estate near Ballarat to the clear marquee magic of Glen Fine Weddings and Events in Drouin South. For those leaning more city-side, we also spotlight Chapter Place at Pentridge Prison and The Trust in Melbourne—both spaces full of character, history, and serious style.

Winter doesn’t just offer moody lighting and romantic vibes—it’s also a strategic time to get ahead on your planning. With more vendor availability and breathing room in everyone’s calendars, it’s the perfect season to start securing your dream team and making considered choices.

Mel is also offering two helpful resources this season: a discounted one-on-one planning consultation for July and August, and a free venue guide packed with insider tips for couples looking at regional Victoria. If you’re unsure where to start or just want a little support, now’s the time to jump in.

We talk through how each venue offers something unique—whether it’s access to a clear-roof marquee under the stars or spaces that blend modern sophistication with history. More than anything, we share how thoughtful venue selection can completely elevate your guest experience and set the tone for your entire celebration.

If you’re newly engaged or knee-deep in decision making, this episode is packed with location inspo, planning advice, and a reminder that Victoria is home to some of the most beautiful (and sometimes underrated) places to say “I do.”

About Melanie
Mellyrain Creative is a wedding planning and styling company and we specialize in designing luxe countryside weddings across regional Victoria. As the head wedding planner and stylist at Mellyrain Creative, her team continues to grow and assist in styling design as well as wedding day coordination and execution of styling set ups at weddings all over Victoria. Prior to weddings Mel worked in sport and entertainment events in Melbourne and she is obsessed with her golden retriever pup Duncan who you’ll see on the gram from time to time. Mel love's to call country Victoria her happy place so when she's not working, you’ll still find me exploring new places, mostly something with mountains as a backdrop.

instagram.com/mellyraincreative
mellyrain.com.au/contact

About Tania
Tania is an award nominated, coffee obsessed lover of love, and all round stationery nerd... & that is why she started the Event Wanderer Co. After years wrangling Ballkids at the Australian Open, she stepped into the world of weddings and turned her hand to design, combining a love of stationery with today's modern design and printing techniques to bring her biz baby to life. Tania's speciality is all things stationery and signage and also understanding the stress that event and wedding planning can bring and she's here to help you navigate the chaos of the journey.

instagram.com/eventwandererco/
eventwandererco.com.au/cont...