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/

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
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 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
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/