The Wedding Gap Year: Why 2025 Is Quiet & 2026 Is Full of Flair

In this episode of Cut The Cake, we unpack an unusual trend making waves across Victoria’s wedding industry—a noticeable lull in bookings for late 2025. After observing this shift firsthand, we explore the potential causes, from post-COVID engagement timelines to the ongoing effects of the economic climate, including rising costs and interest rates.

While the quieter calendar may seem puzzling, it presents a golden opportunity for couples who are ready to plan their weddings on a shorter timeline. With many premium vendors still available for late 2025, this episode is packed with encouragement for couples to lean into the flexibility and possibility of spontaneous, well-curated celebrations.

We also take a forward glance into 2026 and the emerging trends shaping modern weddings. From the rise of editorial styling and interactive elements to the increasing popularity of faux florals and creative signage, we share insight into the evolving details that are defining this next era of events. Think: luxe fabric signage, custom linens, and personal touches that leave a lasting impression.

Whether you're a couple starting to plan or a vendor curious about industry shifts, this episode offers grounded insight into what’s happening now—and what’s coming next.

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/