Marquee weddings offer a charming blend of natural landscapes and customisable celebration spaces. Today, we're exploring what you need to know about planning a seamless marquee wedding day as we chat with Julia Vardy from the picturesque Mewburn Park.Nestled 2.5 hours from Melbourne, Mewburn Park marries historical buildings with beautiful country surroundings. With multiple wedding spaces, including a grand clear marquee, and on-site accommodation, it's an ideal choice for a weekend escape wedding. Julia's expertise makes her the perfect guide for navigating marquee wedding logistics.In this chat, we discuss:The amazing history of the family-run Mewburn Park businessTips for selecting the right wedding venueThe importance of vibing with your vendorsPros and cons of a marquee weddingKey considerations for a summer marquee celebrationCreative ways to personalize the marquee's blank canvasFrom understanding power requirements to preparing for weather contingencies, Julia shares her insights on merging your dream vision with realistic planning. We'll also cover coordinating with other vendors and personalizing marquee decor to craft a unique atmosphere reflecting your styles.Julia offers a behind-the-scenes look at running a venue, highlighting special moments that make each event memorable - from the pre-ceremony excitement to the magic of the grand reveal. Learn how to create an unforgettable experience by finding the perfect setting and thinking through all the details.Tune in for a practical guide to planning your marquee wedding at Mewburn Park's breathtaking venue, leaving nothing to chance.Links & Vendors Mentioned:Mrewburn Park InstagramFind Julia & Mewburn ParkOn Polka Dot Wedding: Mewburn ParkOn The Web: Mewburn ParkOn Facebook: Mewburn ParkOn Instagram: Mewburn ParkOn Pinterest: Mewburn ParkFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comThis podcast was produced by Polka Dot WeddingThe Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

A wedding day where everything falls magically into place - that's the power of a great wedding planner. In this month's episode of The Feel Good Wedding podcast, Sarah Johnston from Girl Friday Weddings pulls back the curtain on hiring a pro for your big day.With over 15 years of experience, Girl Friday Weddings opened its doors in 2009. This award-winning Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane boutique wedding planning agency offers services ranging from full planning to day-of coordination. Founder Sarah Johnston has built the business around helping couples create their dream wedding, whether that's an intimate elopement or a grand affair.In this episode, Sarah shares insider tips on how locking in a planner early on can be a game-changing move. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic decisions that elevate your celebration while keeping it budget-conscious. You'll learn Sarah's approach to assembling a dream vendor team and avoiding common pitfalls and overwhelmed feelings during planning. She also shares advice on crafting a wedding day that feels effortless, seamless and completely you. In this chat, we discuss:The benefits of wedding plannersWhat is an in-house planner vs an external wedding planner?How can you choose your wedding vendors wisely?The value of relationships in weddings How to beat overwhelm and prioritise what is important to youThe wedding word budge mythHow to make the most of your wedding budget and figure out what's importantIf you're looking to better understand the role of a wedding planner and how they can help craft your perfect day, don't miss this episode Links & Vendors Mentioned:Girl Friday WeddingsCelebrant Kate Find Sarah & Girl Friday WeddingsOn Polka Dot Wedding: Girl Friday WeddingsOn The Web: Girl Friday WeddingsOn Facebook: Girl Friday WeddingsOn Instagram: Girl Friday WeddingsOn Pinterest: Girl Friday Weddings Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comThis podcast was produced by Polka Dot WeddingThe Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Often, there’s a dilemma when it comes to wedding photos. We all want to have beautiful pictures that contain even just a speck of the emotion of the day—but so many of us feel awkward in front of the camera.Fortunately, this isn’t an impossible problem. This month's guest, Dani Bartlett exemplifies our point that no one is truly “unphotogenic.” All they need to do is find the right photographer that helps them get comfortable.Dani is the face,  the talent behind Melbourne-based wedding photography studio, Dani Bartlett Photography, providing wedding photography and family portraits for lovers of fun and colour.In this chat, we discuss:How to not feel awkward posing for wedding photosWhat to look for in wedding photographersBalancing candid and formal photographersCompletely candid vs guided candid photographersGames for candid photographyEffective posing techniquesBreathing fresh life into family portraitsYour wedding photos are treasures you only have one day of getting. You’ll probably look through hundreds of wedding photographers as you search for the right one. One way to help you is to look through their galleries. That way, you can get a clearer sense of the ins and outs of their work throughout the ceremony.When you’ve chosen a photographer, communication is key. Meet with them in person, have dinner, and just chat to help you get to know them better and—importantly—feel more comfortable. How relaxed you feel with them allows you to feel more confident in front of the camera on your pre-wedding shoot and wedding day, and it’ll translate in the photos.Ultimately, what’s important is to trust your photographer and have fun. Communicate what you want and trust their direction. They might throw a prompt or game at you to lighten your portraits. Go with the flow. Explore where the prompts take you; you’d be surprised at how lovely you and your partner look when you’re just relaxing and having fun.Links & Vendors Mentioned:Dani Bartlett PhotographyFind Dani Bartlett Photography:On Polka Dot Wedding: Dani Bartlett PhotographyOn Facebook: Dani Bartlett PhotographyOn Instagram: @danibartlettphotographyOn Pinterest: Dani Bartlett PhotographyFind Dani Bartlett:On LinkedIn: Danielle (O’Halloran) BartlettFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comThis podcast was produced by Polka Dot WeddingThe Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

A wedding’s style isn’t just about aesthetics. Floral and event designer Steph Jordan makes sure that every design detail and flower arrangement reflects the couple accurately. Steph is the Owner and Director of Nunu Designs, award-winning wedding florists passionate about making your event even better than how you imagined. In this chat we discuss:●      The difference between a wedding stylist and wedding florist ●      Hiring the right wedding stylist and florist ●      How to start the styling process●      Bringing style and floral ideas to life●      Budgeting for styling●      Deciding the final look●      Personalising a wedding’s style●      Streamlining the styling process Arguably, one of the most critical parts of a wedding is its look. Whether you’ve been thinking about what your dream wedding would look like since you were a kid, saved design inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram, or haven’t got a clue about flower pairings, a professional stylist and florist will help you bring your ideas to life. It’s integral to build trust and a rapport with your vendor. Ultimately, it’s a collaboration between you and them.  Meeting with the stylist, whether face-to-face or online, allows you to explain your thoughts in detail to help them make the best design decisions on your behalf. They can help you stay within your budget while maintaining the wow factor and personalisation of your wedding.  Links & Vendors Mentioned:Nunu Designs Find Nunu Designs:On Polka Dot Wedding: Nunu DesignsOn Facebook: Nunu DesignsOn Instagram: @nunuauOn Pinterest: @nunudesignsau Find Steph Jordan:On LinkedIn: Stephanie Jordan Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comThis podcast was produced by Polka Dot WeddingThe Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

People marvel at weddings, but it’s the preparation and hard work that makes it happen in the first place! For this week’s episode, the Polka Dot Wedding team chats about the mental load of wedding planning. The pressure to plan typically falls on the bride, but Ms Polka (Dot), Ms Rose (Mary), and Ms Peacock (Julia) give tips on how to share the work load as a couple.In this chat we discuss:How we each approached planning our own weddingsThe pros and cons of DIY weddingsPlanning your wedding together as a coupleWedding mission statementsProtecting your emotional bandwidthThe post-wedding comedownHow to have fun while wedding planningWeddings are a celebration of a couple’s love story, so it’s only right that both partners are involved in the planning process.Before you begin, draft a wedding mission statement together. Write down and decide the most important aspects of your wedding. The mission statement will serve as your guide, allowing you to prioritize what’s essential and to compromise on what’s not. It also ensures that both of your wishes are reflected on your big day.If you’d like, you can create a joint email address so that both partners are always in the loop about wedding planning. Attending meetings together is also a good strategy. Always be open and honest about how you’re feeling and the responsibilities that each of you can take on. It’s important to spend time together outside of wedding planning and to make time for self-care.When things get too overwhelming, don’t be afraid to seek help. Delegate tasks to friends and family members who are willing to step up. Lean on your vendors because they can help lighten your mental load. Hire a wedding planner or give yourself more time, if that’s what you need.Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comThis podcast was produced by Polka Dot WeddingThe Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Music enhances whatever emotion we feel in the moment. That’s why it’s so important to curate your wedding playlist. To help us get started, musician Lucas Evans reveals his favourite songs to play at weddings that really sets the mood.Lucas is the drummer and band leader of Orlando Combo, one of Melbourne’s finest jazz bands. The band regularly performs at the Australian Tennis Open, Australian Grand Prix, AFL Grand Finals, and of course, weddings!In this chat we discuss:About Orlando ComboOrlando Combo's jazz wedding repertoireSetting the mood for the ceremony and receptionMusic for guests of all agesBuilding the ultimate wedding playlistThe perks of live bandsRearranging songs for the weddingLucas’ go-to song for weddingsBefore you start building your ultimate wedding playlist, consider the flow of the day. For the ceremony, you can have instrumental music or music with lyrics. If you choose the latter, make sure the message of the song suits the occasion. Typically, gentle melodies work best during the processional and then it’s followed by more upbeat tunes during the recessional.The volume of music is also worth paying attention to. Guests will want to mingle and chat at the start of the reception, so light music should be sufficient. The music shouldn’t be at full blast the whole time, because it can make the wedding feel a little one note (pun intended!).The perks of having a live band like Orlando Combo is that they’re skilled musicians who can read the room and adjust accordingly. Couples can also ask a live band to reimagine personally meaningful songs so that it’s included in their big day. Song choice does matter, but how they’re performed definitely affects the crowd’s engagement and enjoyment.Links & Vendors Mentioned:Orlando ComboWhat Would They Know? Lucas Evans of Orlando ComboFind Orlando Combo: On Polka Dot Wedding: Orlando Comboorlandocombo.com.auOn Instagram: @orlandocomboOn Facebook: Orlando ComboOn YouTube: @OrlandoCombojazzbandMelbourneFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comThis podcast was produced by Polka Dot WeddingThe Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

“The way you get married is how you’re going to be married.” Those wise words came from Josh Withers, wedding celebrant extraordinaire and our guest on Episode #25 of The Feel Good Wedding Podcast. The ceremony kicks off married life, and according to Josh, you want it to be as intentional as possible.Apart from being a wedding celebrant, Josh is also the author of The Rebel’s Guide to Getting Married. He and his wife Britt are the founders of the Elopement Collective, a team of vendors that create epic elopements in Australia and around the world.In this chat we discuss:The history of wedding celebrancyThe Rebel’s Guide to Getting MarriedPersonalizing the wedding ceremonyOvercoming stage frightHonouring your identity and story with unique elementsHow to deal with pushback from friends and familyTo personalise your wedding ceremony, begin by reflecting on who you are and what you value as a couple. From there, pick out vendors who understand how to make your vision come to life.Now, what you’d like to include in your ceremony is entirely up to you. If you feel like you have to incorporate non-traditional elements, go for it! There might be some qualms about it, but your family and friends will understand as long as you speak to them from a place of love.Vows and readings don’t have to be flashy, they just have to be true. Some couples get stage fright standing in front of a crowd. To overcome this, choose the venue, time, and guests that you’re most comfortable in. You’ll feel a lot less nervous when you’re in right environment. Remember: the wedding ceremony isn’t about putting on a show. It’s about celebrating your union in the most authentic way possible.Links & Vendors Mentioned:Josh WithersElopement CollectiveUnderstanding “The Wedding Tax” With Josh WithersFind Josh Withers: On Polka Dot Wedding: Josh Withers Wedding Celebrantwithers.co/celebrantOn Instagram: @hellojoshwithersOn Facebook: Josh WithersOn LinkedIn: Josh WithersFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present

Dressing your wedding party can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be if you talk about the important stuff early on. Here with us today is Tessa Hartnett of Bridesmaids Only,, giving us tips on how to coordinate outfits without the stress!Tessa is the owner of Bridesmaids Only, your one-stop shop for wedding party attire.  With over 10,000 designs, they have a wide range of styles, colours, fabrics and sizes that cater to every body type. Their “Try Before You Buy” service is a godsend, allowing bridesmaids to try on outfits in the comfort of their own homes.In this chat we discuss:About Bridesmaids OnlySensitive conversations with your wedding partyWhen to start preparing wedding attireWho pays for wedding attire?Styling according to wedding themeAccommodating everybody’s preferencesFuture trends for wedding party outfitsBefore you begin the shopping process, it’s important to discuss the budget and style preferences of your wedding party. Knowing all these details beforehand will make for a much smoother coordination of outfits. With that being said, allot around four to six months of preparation so you can have a good array of options.There is no set rule for who should pay for the wedding attire. But generally, the bridesmaids and groomsmen purchase their own apparel that they are happy to keep in their wardrobes. If the couple insists on a certain style, they usually shoulder the costs for their wedding party.When it comes to matching the wedding theme, a specific colour or fabric is a helpful starting point. Mixing and matching styles is another great option to accommodate multi-gendered parties. Never underestimate what flower bouquets can do to make a look cohesive!Ultimately, each person will have their own taste. Respecting everyone’s choices so they can look and feel their best is key to dressing your wedding party.Links & Vendors Mentioned:Bridesmaids OnlyFind Bridesmaids Only: On Polka Dot Wedding: Bridesmaids Onlybridesmaidsonly.com.auOn Instagram: @bridesmaidsonlyOn Facebook: Bridesmaids OnlyOn Pinterest: @TheOnlyCoFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present

Weddings are usually multi-venue affairs, but there are definitely perks to having the ceremony and reception all in one place. With a venue like Zonzo Estate, which houses a farm, restaurant, and winery, you’ll want for nothing more.Rod Micallef, the director of Zonzo Estate, is here to talk about their humble beginnings as a restaurant and how they became one of the most booked wedding venues in Yarra Valley. Fun fact: Rod met his wife at Zonzo Estate and of course, got married there!In this chat we discuss:Zonzo Estate's unique approach to weddingsZonzo Estate's restaurant, farm, and wineryAdvantages of having one venue for your wedding dayCreating a network of trusted suppliersHow to choose your all-in-one venueA seamless wedding day at Zonzo EstateAll-in-one venue vs blank canvas spaceStyling the venue tastefullyHow Zonzo Estate stays on trendHaving a single venue for your big day isn’t always cheaper, but it’s a lot less work for everyone involved. Parking and transportation become non-issues since there is only one location. Guests can make themselves comfortable without having to think of a place to wait at until the reception. The couple isn’t rushed from location to location either, allowing them to go at their own pace. All in all, the day flows better and there are more opportunities for the guests and couple to mingle.There are a few things to consider when choosing your all-in-one venue. Are there multiple sites? Weddings take a full day, and it can feel like a long day without a change of scenery. Ask about weather contingency plans and the overall flow of the ceremony and reception. Couples are also encouraged to meet the staff so they can gauge if they feel comfortable with them and their service.Links & Vendors Mentioned:Zonzo EstateVendor of the Week – Zonzo EstateWhat Would They Know? Rod Micallef of Zonzo EstateFind Zonzo Estate: On Polka Dot Wedding: Zonzo Estatewww.zonzo.com.auOn Instagram: @zonzoestateOn TikTok: @zonzo_estateOn YouTube: @zonzoestateFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Stories are at the heart of what we do at Polka Dot Wedding. And we’ve got room for all kinds of them! As a blog and an online membership for vendors in our directory, we want everyone to feel represented and included in the weddings we feature. Today in a very special episode, two of the Polka Dot Wedding team sit down to chat about why we’re so passionate about inclusivity and the wedding industry.In this chat, we discuss:The humble beginnings of Polka Dot WeddingThe Polka Dot Wedding teamInclusivity in wedding blogsChanging the name “Polka Dot Bride”Polka Dot Wedding’s commitment to inclusivity and diversityHow to be featured on Polka Dot WeddingThe perks of the Polka Dot Wedding membershipPolka Dot Wedding was founded nearly two decades ago. Before the advent of social media, there weren’t a lot of online resources to turn to. Dorothy turned to blogging as means to share her love and excitement for all things weddings.Dorothy has always been conscious of showcasing diverse stories. But it wasn’t until she read about Zee Scott’s experience of racism that led her to re-evaluate Polka Dot Wedding’s commitment to inclusivity.To make a safe, shared space for everyone, Polka Dot Wedding’s efforts include removing offensive words and inappropriate imagery and adding subtitles, transcripts, and image descriptions on all applicable forms of media. With a monthly target to keep them accountable, the team actively seeks out stories that represent all kinds of ages, sizes, gender, and disabilities.If you would like to submit a story, head on over to Polka Dot Submissions. For vendors who are interested to be a part of our directory,  join the Polka Dot Family here. We can’t wait to hear from you!Links & Vendors Mentioned:Talking Business: The Juggle Of Businesses, Passion & Life With Zee ScottThe Polka Dot Wedding Diversity & Inclusion StatementPolka Dot YouPolka Dot FeaturedPolka Dot MadeFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

What’s better than one wedding? TWO weddings, of course! Polka Dot You Bride Racquela Hill talks about her own nupitals and how she made the best of them despite all the things that didn’t go as planned!In this chat we discuss:How Racquela and Michael metRacquela & Michael’s intimate first weddingTheir second wedding at Kantara HouseChoosing wedding gownsHighlighting the venue’s natural charmsRacquela and Michael’s wedding vendorsHow to adapt to unforeseen eventsAdvantages of a nearby honeymoonDealing with post-wedding bluesLinks & Vendors Mentioned:Folk Lane PhotoElliattThe Boys StudioBonnie Lass FilmsMarry Me Sarah BSydney Flower MarketMB ApparelSK MenswearKantara HouseBrewbikeHoney-Belle CakeryRed Soda BandKartik KunaHey Sweet PeachCreative BoothErvan WooEvents to AdoreThe IconicRebecca VallanceRead more of Racquela’s stories on Polka Dot Wedding: Racquela’s “How To Marry A Guy In 10 Days” Wedding To MichaelRacquela & Michael’s Perfect Dreamy & Stormy Wedding Day!Racquela & Michael’s Honeymoon Tales in New South WalesPandemic Planning: A Love Letter To COVID Couples!A Helpful Guide For The Post-Wedding BluesRacquela & Michael’s Honeymoon Tales in New South WalesFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast Wedding pro? Join our membership here.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

You know what they say, "First impressions last." This is why wedding stationery should never be overlooked. Invitations provide a glimpse of what your special day will be like. On a practical level, they also contain important information for your guests.To help us make sense of wedding stationery, Natalie Reidy of A Tactile Perception shares her industry expertise. She is passionate about being creative with paper and stationery, providing a totally touchable experience for her couples over anything digital. When she's not designing, Natalie enjoys being at home with her partner, two children and two-step children, and baking something chocolatey in the kitchen!In this chat we discuss:When to look for a stationery designerDifferent kinds of printingPlanning a cohesive aestheticInclusions of a basic stationery set suiteHow to personalize wedding stationery2023 trends for wedding stationeryEco-friendly wedding stationeryAddressing and wording the wedding invitesOther stationery to considerLinks & Vendors Mentioned:A Tactile PerceptionFind Natalie Reidy: On Polka Dot Wedding: A Tactile Perceptionatactileperception.com.auOn Instagram: @atactileperceptionFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Like most industries, there is a growing trend from florists, wedding planners, and couples looking to make their weddings more sustainable. The big question is, where do you start? According to Kris McKee of Kris McKee Floral Design, to go down the sustainable route, you need to make ethical choices in the flowers and construction techniques you use to make your presentation. The good news is you don't have to break the bank or sacrifice beauty to be successful.Kris McKee is a former nurse, and an independent florist with a strong focus on creating designs that are beautiful, original, full of personality, unique, and, most importantly, bring joy. She is also committed to creating florals with a sustainable focus that prioritizes the negative impact on our environment.In this chat, we discuss:Why Kris became a floristHow a nursing career shaped how Kris runs her flower businessThe sentimental value of flowersUnderstanding the language of flowersHow to make sustainable flower choices for your weddingHow bad is floral foam for the environment?Ways to reduce the environmental impact of your weddingHow to have a wonderful flower display and still keep to your budgetTips for choosing a florist for your weddingGreat ways to donate flowers after a weddingLinks & Vendors Mentioned:Kris McKee Floral Design Find Kris: On her website: Kris McKee Floral Design On Polka Dot Wedding: Kris McKee Floral DesignKris on Instagram: @kris.floraldesignFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Aside from the favours, the only things you can really take home from a wedding are the memories and photos. Choosing the right photographer is crucial so that your special day is remembered the way you want it to. As an expert himself, Leo Farrell of Leo Farrell Photography knows that a photographer’s skills, style, and personality can make or break a couple’s photos.Leo is a wedding photojournalist based in Melbourne. When he was just starting out, his documentary-style photography stood out from the mainstream approach of posed photography. Until now, he has a penchant for capturing candid interactions between couples and their guests.In this chat we discuss:How to choose a photographerThe photographer's role on the wedding dayDifferent photography styles and treatmentLighting in different times and seasonsHow important is your wedding timelineWedding photographer’s packages and hoursIs a shot list necessary?Making portrait sessions stress freeA photographer’s pre- and post-wedding preparationsCouples can look for photographers on Google and Instagram. Referrals from friends, vendors, and celebrants can also give you good leads.A preliminary meeting with a photographer will give you insight on their personality and shooting style. Do you prefer candid or posed photos? Do you prefer romantic lighting or a moodier aesthetic? Do you get along well with him or her? These are all important factors to consider.On the wedding day itself, a professional photographer should ideally provide reminders to the couple and keep track of the timeline. Couples don’t have to provide a shot list, but it would be helpful to communicate if they want to document specific guests and moments.A photographer’s work doesn’t end after the wedding and reception. They have to back up their files and then send highlights that the couple can share. Bear in mind that post-processing images may take up to a few weeks to finish.Links & Vendors Mentioned:Leo Farrell PhotographyFind Leo Farrell: On Polka Dot Wedding: Leo Farrell Photographywww.leofarrell.comOn Instagram: @leofarrellphotoFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.This podcast was produced by Polka Dot Wedding.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

“Why are you having a wedding?” might be an unusual question to ask engaged couples, but Kat Wray believes this is the starting point for intentional wedding planning.Kat is an elopement and small wedding photographer at Red Eclectic. She is also the editor of Less Stuff - More Meaning, an eco-ethical wedding blog. Kat is passionate about mindful and sustainable weddings that are genuine and full of character.In this chat we discuss:How to come up with your marriage mission statementFinding vendors with the same valuesManaging unsolicited advice and your guest listIncorporating culture, religion, & traditionCreating less formulaic, more intentional momentsStaying mindful on your wedding dayWedding planning is a joint effortReducing the environmental impact of your weddingLinks & Vendors Mentioned:Red EclecticLess Stuff - More MeaningWedding Footprint CalculatorFind Kat Wray: On Polka Dot Wedding: Red Eclecticwww.redeclectic.com.auOn Instagram: @redeclecticFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Running a wedding business is a handful, but Zee Scott runs three AND makes it look like a cakewalk!Zee’s love for sweets and performing led her to become a baker, MC, and marriage celebrant. Admittedly, she doesn’t get to sleep much¾not because of work, but because she can’t contain her excitement for life!In this chat we discuss:What it’s like to run several wedding businessesManaging burn outCRM tools & automation tipsBeing a trendsetter, not a followerBeing a BIPOC woman in the Australian wedding industryHow businesses can convey genuine inclusivityWhat's next for Zee Scott in 2023?It’s easy to get caught up in trends, especially in the wedding industry. Instead of copying what’s in, Zee sticks to her own unique style. She advises other entrepreneurs to be confident in their value proposition and identity.As a Black business owner, Zee also shares tips for how businesses can be more inclusive. The first step is to examine your marketing materials and language. Update them and collaborate with different communities. Keep on educating yourself, whether through self-study or through a consultant.Links & Vendors Mentioned:Zee Scott on Polka Dot WeddingZee Scott17hatsZapierFind Zee Scott: On Polka Dot Wedding: Zee Scottwww.zeescott.comOn Instagram: @zeescott__Find Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Engagement season is upon us! In honour of that, we’ve put together this engagement ring guide with Melbourne jeweller Jasmine Fraser .She’s been in the biz for 16 years, carefully handcrafting custom jewellery for special occasions. Her grandfather owned a jewellery store, so Jasmine’s love for gems and trinkets started at an early age. In fact, she went to trade school right after high school. Jasmine describes her pieces and signature style as “timeless, but with a contemporary edge”.In this chat we discuss:Customizing an engagement ringReady-made vs custom jewelleryHow to choose the right jewellerThe four C's of diamondsSourcing ethical jewelleryHow to surprise your partner with a ringRemodelling ringsMatching engagement rings and wedding bandsProposing without a ringWhere does one begin in choosing an engagement ring? To start, it’s a good idea to put together a mood board of styles that you and your partner like. Oftentimes, a common theme will stand out that will help narrow down your choice.Some people prefer picking out a ready-made piece because they can immediately try it on. With custom rings, you can be very detailed with how you want it to look. This is why it’s important to work with a jeweller that shares the same aesthetic preference as you, and whom you can trust.If you’d like to remodel an old ring, the jeweller will first have to examine if the material is suitable. Whichever option you go for, keep in mind that an engagement ring can someday become a beloved family heirloom that you’ll want to keep for generations.Find Jasmine Fraser Jewellery: On Polka Dot Wedding: Jasmine Fraserwww.jasminefraser.com.auOn Instagram: @jasminefraserjewelleryFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

The dancefloor is not the only place where the music matters. Award-winning DJ and MC, Serge Olivieri of DJ:Plus! Entertainment, would definitely agree.Although Serge found himself servicing weddings by accident, he has grown so fond of them that couples make up the bulk of his clientele. He’s been doing this for over 40 years now, and seeing such powerful emotions during weddings never fails to make him feel fulfilled.In this chat we discuss:What to consider before booking entertainmentSetting up the vibe with musicCoordination of your wedding music, right down to the songsCustomizing the first dance songHow wedding music has changed over the decadesGetting people to the dance floorWhether you’re thinking of booking a DJ, comedian, dancer or musical act, check your venue for any restrictions. Some venues have policies regarding the volume or type of music you can play.As for your entertainment provider, it’s crucial to know if they have a backup plan. In case they are unable to make it, they should be able to arrange for a replacement on short notice.Wedding music really sets the tone for your celebration. Serge recommends playing upbeat songs during cocktail hour and dinner to keep the mood light and fun. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have romantic songs! Slow tunes work best at the start of the reception, rather than towards the end if you want to keep the party going.Ultimately, couples should get to play their favourite songs. Guests will flock to the dancefloor if they’re also enjoying the music, so don’t forget to consider them too!Links & Vendors Mentioned:DJ:Plus! EntertainmentWhat Would They Know? Serge Olivieri of DJ:Plus! EntertainmentFind DJ:Plus! Entertainment:On Polka Dot Wedding: DJ:Plus! Entertainmentwww.djplus.com.auOn Instagram: @djplus.entertainmentOn Facebook: /DJPlusEntertainmentFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

When it comes to DIY weddings, we aim for a celebration where we get to decorate the space based on who we are. Years on from her big day and with plenty of golden advice to share, Amy Frank joins today’s episode to dive into her DIY wedding and how she and Malen transformed an old warehouse into a beautifully colourful and handmade day that was definitely one to remember.Amy Franks is a DIY expert who owns a graphic design (Crumpet Club) and event party business (Make Parties). Her aim for her DIY projects is to bring bright, beautiful, and full colours to her pieces be it crafted papers, streamers, and many more creative pieces to represent not only the occasion but the personality of the person at the heart of the celebration.In this chat we discuss:How Amy & Malen's story began, including the proposalTheir pre-wedding celebration "FranksFest"The DIY decorations that symbolised Amy and Malin's relationshipHow Amy decided what to DIY herself and what to hand over to the prosHow Amy and Malen decided on their wedding day attire and styleAmy's rave reviews of her vendorsAdvice for couples planning their own DIY daysLinks Mentioned:Amy & Malen’s Colourful & Handmade Wedding In MelbourneThe LineFourside EventsTwelve South BridalMJ BaleMister ZimiPeggy & FinnBrooke ClarkeSugar Republic Bangin Hangins Tanya VoltchanskayaFind Amy: Amy’s InstagramCrumpet ClubFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcast Wedding pro? Join our membership here.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.

Catering is one of those subtle things that can make or break your wedding. It’s a given that the food and drinks should be amazing; but when it’s not, it can leave a negative impression.This is why we have Lauren Davie with us today, to help us steer clear of catering disasters. Lauren is the sales and marketing manager at The Farm Café, the exclusive wedding provider at Melbourne’s Collingwood Children's Farm.In this chat we discuss:Booking a caterer on a budgetFamily-style feast or cocktail reception?Qualities of an experienced catererManaging portions and different dietary requirementsMenu tasting by The Farm CafeHow to pair drinks with foodAvailability of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beveragesSetting up a champagne towerMost couples will have a specific budget for catering. Some vendors are more affordable than others, and there’s often a reason for that. The difference in food quality, portion, and service are not always obvious, which is why attending menu tastings can be helpful. To avoid complications, book a caterer that can supply both food and drinks. An experienced caterer will know how to pair the two, as well as provide enough portions for your guests. In Lauren’s experience, she notes:“Anyone who's done a few weddings will know how important obviously, the drinks are. And if they haven't made that association of it running out, it's generally a sign. Maybe they're not concerned, maybe they haven't thought about it. Or maybe they don't have the experience you're looking for in a caterer.”Couples should communicate early on what’s important to them. Guests’ dietary requirements and any feedback should be conveyed so the caterer can plan and adjust accordingly. Links & Vendors Mentioned:What Would They Know? Lauren Davie of Catering by The Farm CaféCollingwood Children’s FarmThe Farm CaféFind The Farm Cafe:On Polka Dot Wedding:  The Farm Cafefarmcafe.com.auOn Instagram: @farmcafe_weddingsOn Facebook: The Farm CafeFind Dorothy & the Polka Dot Wedding team:On Instagram: @polkadotweddingOn the website: polkadotwedding.comFor full transcript and show notes visit: polkadotwedding.com/podcastWedding pro? Join our membership here.The Polka Dot Wedding team is honoured to conduct our work on the land of the BoonWurrung, WoiWorung, Eora and Kuring-gai people. We honour the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past & present.