In this episode of Cut The Cake, we’re answering your questions and diving into all things wedding planning—from vendor timelines to unexpected budget blowouts and how to keep your guests entertained in ways they’ll actually remember.

We kick things off with a conversation around booking timelines. Once you’ve locked in your venue and date, that’s when it’s time to start securing your vendors. We break down what to prioritise, what often gets overlooked, and how to manage expectations—especially when it comes to popular suppliers and high-demand dates.

We also chat about one of the biggest planning pain points: budgets. We unpack where most of the money really goes (hint: it’s probably your venue and catering), how to approach quotes with confidence, and why it’s worth having open conversations with your florist or stylist about what's actually possible within your price range.

Guest experience is something we’re both passionate about, so we share some of our favourite ways to create interactive, memorable moments—from mini-golf during cocktail hour to hiring a live illustrator or using custom signage as keepsakes. It's all about choosing thoughtful details that reflect you.

And because planning can feel overwhelming, we offer a few of our go-to strategies for staying sane—like setting up a dedicated wedding email, tuning out the noise of unhelpful opinions, and keeping your circle of trusted voices small and supportive.

Whether you’re knee-deep in planning or just getting started, this episode is full of honest insights, practical tips, and a gentle reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to doing your day your way.

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
Contact Mel: 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/

In this episode of Cut the Cake, we dive headfirst into the whirlwind world of wedding expos—from both sides of the booth.

We’ve walked the aisles as attendees and stood behind the tables as vendors, so we know exactly how exciting, overwhelming, and wildly inspiring expos can be. In this conversation, we share what we’ve learned from years of being part of the wedding expo scene—our biggest lessons, the surprising things we weren’t prepared for, and the small details that make all the difference.

We talk about how to walk into an expo with a clear plan and realistic expectations, rather than trying to lock in every vendor on the spot. For couples just starting out, expos can be an incredible way to gather ideas, get a feel for different styles, and actually touch things—like paper stock, signage, and fabrics—before making any decisions. But they’re also a lot to take in. That’s why we recommend creating a vendor hit list, checking out the schedule in advance, and pacing your day (snack breaks included).

We also chat about the importance of region-specific expos. Attending events in the area you’re getting married can help you discover local gems and connect with vendors who truly understand your venue, weather, and vibe. And yes—we’ll never stop talking about the importance of bringing extra blank place cards. Because when your cousin shows up with a surprise plus-one? You’ll be glad you had them.

Throughout the episode, we reflect on the tactile magic of expos—especially for things like stationery—and how they can help bring your vision to life when approached with the right mindset. Whether you're newly engaged or deep in planning mode, we hope this episode leaves you feeling more empowered, inspired, and ready to tackle your next expo 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
Contact Mel: 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/

In this episode of Cut the Cake, we explore the latest trends, helpful tools, and practical tips we’re seeing (and loving) in the wedding planning space right now.

We reflect on one of the most important but often overlooked parts of the planning journey: the engagement period. Taking time to soak in that just-engaged bubble before announcing it to the world can give couples space to enjoy the moment without outside pressure. It's okay to wait. You don’t have to start planning the second that ring hits your finger.

Throughout the episode, we share real advice for making the day more meaningful—like creating code words or signals that allow you and your partner to pause and connect privately amidst the celebration. We talk through the budgeting process too, encouraging couples to spend where it matters most to them, not just where tradition or Instagram says you should.

This conversation is all about finding clarity in the chaos. Whether it’s setting up a separate wedding email to keep everything organised or making sure you’ve worn in your wedding shoes (seriously—don’t skip this!), we’re all about helping you make intentional choices that reflect you. Because your wedding should be a celebration of your story—not a performance for everyone else.

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
Contact Mel: 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/