3D AGO

Your 2026 Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Focus On (and When)

In this episode of Cut the Cake: Your Real Talk Wedding Podcast, we break wedding planning for 2026 into a clear, season-by-season roadmap designed to take the stress out of “what do I do next?” This one’s a must-listen for couples getting married in 2026 who want structure without rigidity. We walk through the year chronologically, starting with the early months and the practical foundations — seating charts, signage, menus, place cards and vendor coordination. From there, we move into autumn planning, where communication, guest lists and collaboration with planners and suppliers really start to matter. Throughout the episode, we emphasise why timelines are everything. Not just to stay organised, but to give couples breathing room as styles evolve, guest lists change and decisions shift. We also talk honestly about letting go of perfection — especially when it comes to seating plans and changing circumstances. We finish by sharing how to use quieter planning periods to get ahead, particularly when it comes to stationery, styling and print. Because when those elements are locked in early, the final months feel far more relaxed — even during peak wedding season. 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...

20 min

JAN 26

2026 Wedding Trends: The Good, the Overdone & What We’re Ditching

We kick off the year on Cut the Cake by looking ahead to the wedding trends shaping 2026 — and it’s clear the shift towards intention isn’t slowing down. Across Australia, couples are moving away from tradition-for-tradition’s-sake and choosing celebrations that feel expressive, considered and deeply personal. This episode zeroes in on purposeful design. Less clutter, more meaning. Fewer elements, but each one chosen with care. From refined styling to thoughtful colour stories, weddings are becoming about impact rather than excess. Colour takes centre stage in 2026. We unpack the rise of Pantone’s Cloud Dancer alongside richer, moodier tones like chocolate, burgundy and maroon. These palettes are setting the tone across stationery, florals, fashion and overall event design — layered, warm and effortlessly elevated. Formality is loosening its grip. Timelines are softening, celebrations are flowing, and connection is taking priority over ceremony. This shift is mirrored in the rise of editorial-style photography, inspired by global and celebrity weddings, capturing moments that feel natural, modern and unforced. We also call out what’s fading fast — acrylic signage, champagne towers and overly controlled styling. In their place? Sustainable materials, tactile finishes and designs that invite individuality. Because trends aren’t rules — they’re signals. And 2026 is all about weddings that feel intentional, current and unmistakably you. 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...

19 min

JAN 12

You asked, we answered: Wedding planning Q&A January 2026 Edition

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...

14 min

12/22/2025

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce: The Wedding Rumour Mill and Our Predictions

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...

21 min

12/15/2025

Private Property Weddings: The Dream, The Reality and the Truth Nobody Tells You

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...

20 min

12/01/2025

The $100K Wedding: What It Actually Gets You (And Where The Money Really Goes)

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...

35 min

11/17/2025

Wedding Q&A: What’s with the Millefoglie Craze and Are Vendors Really Ghosting You?

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...

20 min

09/22/2025

5 Styling Mistakes We See Couples Make (and How to Fix Them)

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...

34 min

Cut the Cake

Your 2026 Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Focus On (and When)

2026 Wedding Trends: The Good, the Overdone & What We’re Ditching

You asked, we answered: Wedding planning Q&A January 2026 Edition

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce: The Wedding Rumour Mill and Our Predictions

Private Property Weddings: The Dream, The Reality and the Truth Nobody Tells You

The $100K Wedding: What It Actually Gets You (And Where The Money Really Goes)

Wedding Q&A: What’s with the Millefoglie Craze and Are Vendors Really Ghosting You?

5 Styling Mistakes We See Couples Make (and How to Fix Them)

Trailer

Welcome to Cut The Cake, the no BS wedding insider podcast!

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Cut the Cake

Episodes

Your 2026 Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Focus On (and When)

2026 Wedding Trends: The Good, the Overdone & What We’re Ditching

You asked, we answered: Wedding planning Q&A January 2026 Edition

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce: The Wedding Rumour Mill and Our Predictions

Private Property Weddings: The Dream, The Reality and the Truth Nobody Tells You

The $100K Wedding: What It Actually Gets You (And Where The Money Really Goes)

Wedding Q&A: What’s with the Millefoglie Craze and Are Vendors Really Ghosting You?

5 Styling Mistakes We See Couples Make (and How to Fix Them)

Trailer

About

Information