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
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 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
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/