Meltem Bayazit Tepeler Founder of KM Events and Table Design Exhibition, Meltem brings her creativity and strategic vision to weddings, crafting unforgettable experiences for couples.
Recently, Meltem shared wedding planning insights with 5 Star Wedding Directory, offering a glimpse into her expertise and approach to creating memorable experiences for couples. Her guidance and knowledge inspire others to craft unforgettable moments and celebrations.
1. How did you begin your journey in the luxury event planning industry?
I was a very young research assistant and a PhD student when I started doing events within the university. I organised concerts and education programs for the students, which became highly popular among the university students. Then, I was invited to Budapest to introduce my article at a conference.
I was amazed at the conference events at the magnificent Palaces of Budapest when I went there. This made me make a massive U-turn in my career, and I opened my company, KM Events, doing luxury events just after I returned from Budapest in the early 90s. Next year, KM Events will celebrate its 30th Anniversary, and I feel so proud of this.
2. Can you tell us about one of the stand-out wedding designs you have created?
I recently designed and planned a big wedding in Venice for a huge Pakistani family last August. This was one of the biggest budget weddings that ever happened in Venice. The customer chose two venues for the wedding: one was the Marriott Island, and the other was a very historical venue called Misericordia.
Another island called San Clemente Kempinsi’ was closed for the accommodation of the guests. My company, KM Events, was the wedding planner, designer, and destination management company responsible for not only decor and techniques but also logistics and the guests’ accommodations.
Floral designs were arranged by designer Tomas de Bruyne, and the local partner of the wedding was Monica Balli Events. The theme of the wedding was Venice and the Carnival. Thousands of red and salmon roses and white orchids were brought from Holland, and it took almost a year to work on the Project with 3D drawings, degustations and live demonstrations.
3. Where do you typically find inspiration when orchestrating a wedding?
I find inspiration in the details of life. I travel a lot, and travelling inspires me a lot. Sometimes, the lobby of a hotel I visit, the decor of a restaurant I eat, an art piece I see in a museum or a movie I watch may inspire me for my designs. When you are creative, any design you experience can start a Project in your mind. I am grateful to be born like this and love all creative industries.
4. What advice would you give to those starting in the wedding industry?
I advise them to start working with an experienced wedding company to get some good experience and learn the details of this business in the best place as it is a very niche sector with thousands of more information. You need help understanding them at school. Creativity, fast, hard work, and problem-solving may make you a star in the industry. And never be a follower; always be a leader!
5. What is your favourite part of working in the event planning industry?
I love creating events in different parts of the world, significantly challenging the team. It is always fascinating to discover a new place as a wedding destination.
6. What are your go-to indulgences when you treat yourself, and how do you unwind and relax after a busy day?
I love playing the piano and classical music. It is my meditation, and I play for at least 1 hour every day after I come home to relax my mind. I live near the forest, and having long walks by the forest is also a meditation for me.
7. What are your goals or aspirations for the future?
I want to write my 2nd book about destination weddings. My first book ‘Weddings and İstanbul’ was published in 2010 and 2011. They were sold in Turkey, the UK, and France.
8. If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to a dinner party, who would you choose and why?”
I would love to invite my father. I lost him four years ago, and I miss him so much. It is so hard to accept that I will never see him again.
I would invite Chopin to talk about his piano pieces and to learn more about him.
And I would also love to invite my favourite Opera Singer, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, who died seven years ago.
9. In your opinion, what makes a 5 Star Wedding?
That would be excellent planning, creative design, good communication and creating a good story behind the wedding.
Visit : Meltem Bayazit Tapeler website
