WEDDING PLANNING & STYLING, VICTORIA & DESTINATION

FAQ's

What experience does your team bring?

Between us, we bring close to 25 years of combined experience across events, weddings and design. Melanie has spent 10 years in the events industry, the last 7 dedicated to weddings, before that, she coordinated major sporting and entertainment events, including tours for Paul McCartney and The Australian Open. Lauren has 13 years of experience as a qualified florist and graphic designer, giving her a complete skill set across floral design, stationery, signage and styling. Together, that depth of experience means fewer surprises, smoother logistics, and a design outcome that feels considered and personal from your very first planning call.

I'm a control freak. will this work?

We completely understand how handing over the reins can feel daunting at first. Many of our couples describe themselves as control freaks before booking, and report total peace of mind after. The process is deeply collaborative and transparent so you're involved in every key decision, with your Mellyrain Creative team as your informed guide at every step. The goal is for you to feel more in control, not less.

Why do we need both a planner and a stylist?

They're two different skill sets, and weddings genuinely benefit from both. Your planner is across the logistics: budget, contracts, vendor bookings, timelines and the run sheet that keeps your whole day on track. Your stylist is across the look and feel: the floral and design concept, colour palette, hire items and how every space at your venue is dressed. One without the other leaves a gap. With both working in tandem, your wedding comes together exactly as you pictured it, without you having to manage the overlap yourself.

What budget should we set aside for florals, signage & décor?

For most weddings, we recommend allowing $12,000–$15,000, depending on your vision, guest count and chosen spaces. As a qualified florist and graphic designer, Lauren isn't a stylist who then has to separately source other vendors, she designs and budgets everything needed to bring your vision together, so you always know where your money is going and why.

What if you don't get our vision?

We limit bookings each year so our attention is fully devoted to every couple we work with. Vision-checking is built into the planning process at multiple stages, from initial consultations through to final briefings, to ensure complete alignment throughout your journey.

What's the difference between Plan & Style and Plan?

Plan covers complete planning and on-the-day coordination (budget, vendors, timelines and logistics) without styling, florals or stationery. Plan & Style includes all of that, plus a full creative direction: florals, décor, signage and stationery, designed as one cohesive look. If you already have a florist and stylist in mind, or want to style parts of the day yourself, Plan may be the better fit. If you want one team managing the whole vision, Plan + Style is our most popular choice.

I love planning, but I can be indecisive. will that be a problem? WEDDING?

Not at all. That's exactly what we're here for. Rather than handing you an overwhelming list of every option on the market, we curate a shortlist of 3–5 carefully considered options for each decision, vetted against your budget, vision and non-negotiables. You'll never be starting from a blank page. If you're torn between choices, we'll give you our honest, expert opinion on which fits your vision best.

My venue already has a coordinator. do we really need a wedding planner?

A venue coordinator manages the property on the day. They don't coordinate your external vendors, florist, photographer, celebrant or your personal timeline. Mellyrain Creative manages every element end-to-end, working alongside your venue coordinator rather than instead of them so nothing falls through the gaps between your vendors, your venue and your vision.

We're planning a destination wedding.  how does this work?

Destination weddings are something we do often, across Victoria and further afield in Australia. All consultations are conducted virtually, and we become your eyes and ears on the ground, attending site visits, managing vendors and handling the day-to-day so your inbox stays sane. Travel and accommodation costs are quoted at time of enquiry, based on your venue's location.

Are there any additional costs beyond the package fee?

Travel and accommodation fees may apply and are quoted at time of enquiry. For Plan & Style, an additional budget of $12,000–$15,000 is recommended to cover florals, stationery, signage and labour. Property and outdoor weddings may require an additional site visit, discussed and confirmed at enquiry.

How far in advance should we book?

15–18 months is ideal for Plan & Style. 12–15 months is ideal for Plan.