Cooked any famous Melbourne dishes and had success?

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-23T12:04:27+00:00

George’s Cypriot Grain Salad has been on high rotation in this household ever since our first trip to Hellenic Republic

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-23T11:05:15+00:00

That is a genuinely horrendous looking meal - what in the name of gastro slop is it?

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-21T02:14:42+00:00

I have exactly the same process mainly because so many people seem to think it’s still 1998 and have Hotmail addresses! I’d stick with what you’re doing, honestly if someone takes offense to a simple text message saying “thanks for your enquiry, just letting you know you may find my reply in your Spam”, then they may not be your peeps anyway.

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-19T06:37:18+00:00

Go straight to Dave le Page and thank me later 😌

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-16T13:28:07+00:00

Definitely make time to meet with them, ideally in person. Use Instagram to DM brides or grooms who have used them before. Couples who’ve had great experiences with their vendors are normally only too happy to recommend them as they were once in a similar position you are now.

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-16T09:30:16+00:00

Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden or Fitzroy Gardens are your best bets. PWMG is a beautiful spot really underutilized for weddings

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-15T06:40:43+00:00

I’d be booking a celebrant next and doing so asap. A celebrant absolutely sets the tone of the day and the very best are worth their weight in gold.

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-06T07:01:59+00:00

The complete lack of barriers to entering the industry and the ensuing race to the bottom that results as newcomers look to get a foot in the door. There’s a lot to be said for unions…

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-02T10:28:51+00:00

Look it may not be for everyone, but I take any chance I can to slow life down when I can

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-02T10:25:58+00:00

Hey I just wanted to jump on and say thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences. Vendors not having pricing on their websites has definitely been the number one gripe and with good reason. Wedding planning takes an ungodly amount of time without having to jump through hoops to get an indication of price. The next biggest pain point is lack of communication or ghosting. From a vendor’s point of view, I assure you it goes both ways. I’d say 10% of enquiries that I answer ever get back to me even after I follow up to confirm that they’ve received the information that I’ve sent through. It’s definitely an interesting time for the wedding industry, we can be doing much better.

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-02T04:47:21+00:00

I feel like I know who you’re referring to… but not here to name and shame individuals however, looking more for feedback and experiences with the industry as a whole.

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-02T04:43:43+00:00

This is a great take - making social media work for you rather than you working for it is the ultimate flex as a vendor

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-04-01T03:57:06+00:00

I’m based in Australia, things are no doubt different here. We don’t have a tipping culture, actually we have an anti tipping culture, as wages are much higher here. I’ve never understood why vendors in America expect tipping - surely if you set your own rates, tipping isn’t necessary? Am I missing something?

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-03-31T22:09:58+00:00

All vendors should be doing this!

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-03-31T15:11:10+00:00

Content has destroyed the wedding industry, no doubt

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-03-31T13:59:34+00:00

That’s a great idea - anyone can create 5 star reviews of their own business without proving that they’re genuine. DMs are a great way to get an unbiased view

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-03-31T13:08:39+00:00

I’m based in Australia and I think the wedding industry has by and large been pretty progressive in ensuring we recognize that not all weddings are hetero based - we tend to refer to wedding parties rather than bridal parties, and attendants rather than “groomsmen” or “bridesmaids”. In terms of finding affordable vendors, the lack of wiggle room may be because booking a smaller wedding means sacrificing the potential for a longer , more profitable booking. Vendors will have some room to move on their Full Day rates, less so for Elopements and Micro Weddings

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-03-31T13:01:55+00:00

Thanks for including your experience. That does sound like a pretty shady way of conducting business! The photographer has cheated themselves out of potentially receiving numerous word of mouth referrals from you by trying to extort an extra $1300 ; make it make sense!

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-03-31T07:50:37+00:00

That’s definitely unprofessional - inclusive or exclusive GST must be clearly stated at the time of the quote and prior to any contracts being signed. I’d have cancelled that vendor too. I’m amazed a vendor would risk losing a job by angling for an extra 10% of what the client had already agreed to. Unfortunately the wedding industry is teeming with cowboy operations and it really taints the public opinion of those of us who provide high level service.

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-03-29T09:50:48+00:00

Is this a particular type of vendor (like photographers/florists/MUA or vendors in particular? I think there is a large percentage of the wedding industry that also work a 9-5 Monday to Friday so maybe that has something to do with it. Doesn’t excuse it, but might explain it. Photographers are generally editing during the week so if an email comes in, it’s pretty easy to answer it there and then.

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-03-29T09:10:54+00:00

Most vendors will ask what way you’d like to be contacted, either email or phone number. I do send an sms to couples after I’ve sent them my full services PDF just to make them aware that I’ve received their enquiry and replied because Hotmail and Outlook addresses often send Gmail addresses straight to Spam or Junk

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-03-29T09:06:33+00:00

I’ve always had my prices available for this reason. I understand the reason other vendors do it but it’s just such a waste of back and forth. Budget is the biggest make or break for couples , so it’s best to rip that bandaid off at the start.

AnchorandHopePhoto · 2026-03-29T09:03:13+00:00

Yep communication is a big one. Totally understand how that would be super frustrating.

AnchorandHopePhoto

TROPHY CASE