In December 2024, Beyond Weddings attended the Table Design Exhibition, Creativity Conference in Istanbul to experience the event first-hand and meet the designers, planners, and industry partners involved. At the same time, the exhibition brought together creative directors, floral designers and event specialists from around the world. As a result, it offered a snapshot of the ideas, concepts and design approaches shaping the luxury wedding and events industry at that time.
This article documents our attendance at the 2024 edition of the exhibition, highlights the designers who showcased their work, and reflects on the atmosphere and conversations across the event.
Meanwhile, for our latest editorial insight on the Table Design Exhibition, including what it reveals about the future of luxury weddings, industry credibility and destination-led planning, you can read our updated article here.
Table Design Exhibition 2024
Held in December 2024 at the Rixos Tersane Istanbul, Turkey, the 3rd annual Table Design Exhibition showcased the theme “Art of Winter”. Across the two days, the exhibition featured artistic tablescapes, curated culinary experiences and discussions led by world-renowned designers. Organised by KM Events and led by Meltem Tepeler, the event unites designers and wedding planners from around the world. In doing so, it creates space for ideas, inspiration and collaboration.
Nine globally recognised wedding and event designers transformed the venue with immersive installations. The event welcomed over 600 attendees from 36 countries. It also spanned two days of conferences, networking sessions and masterclasses.
We experienced the exhibition first-hand. We met the designers and sponsors, and learned the creative concepts behind each tablescape.
Sarah Haywood with Larry Walshe – United Kingdom
Sarah Haywood is the founder of Sarah Haywood Weddings & Celebrations, a leading luxury wedding and party planning company based in London. She is rated No.1 International Wedding Planner by US Vogue. She creates elegant and stylish celebrations worldwide, including royal weddings, celebrity events and luxury destination weddings. Her work is defined by meticulous planning, design and production. Together, these elements ensure truly memorable experiences for her clients.
As a planner rather than a designer, Sarah collaborated with Larry Walshe, an internationally renowned floral designer with studios in London, New York and Lake Como. His clientele includes royal households, discerning brides and grooms and prestigious brands. His designs are often defined by lavish texture and bold colour. He draws inspiration from art, fashion and the natural world.
Paula Rooney – United Kingdom
Paula Rooney is an award-winning floral designer with more than 30 years of experience. Her work is recognised internationally for its opulence, attention to detail and stunning floral compositions. She focuses on listening to her clients and translating their visions into reality. Additionally, she also delivers bespoke floral art for exclusive events across the globe. Known for her chic and luxurious style, guided by nature, Paula’s designs are synonymous with impeccable quality and seamless execution.
Amie Bone – United Kingdom
Amie Bone is a globally recognised event designer with over two decades of experience. She is known for her passion and dedication to bringing her clients’ visions to life. She excels at translating couples’ ideas and stories into visually spectacular, personalised creations. With a focus on creativity and client satisfaction, and with an extensive network of contacts, Amie manages a diverse range of events. These include intimate gatherings, ultra-luxe weddings and high-end corporate celebrations. Additionally, she is the visionary behind Fantasia, a three-day masterclass that merges floristry, creativity and theatrical design.
Vandana Mohan – India
Vandana Mohan is a prominent figure in the Indian events industry. As a pioneer, she became the first female event planner in India. She is known for her expertise in luxury and lifestyle events. She founded The Wedding Design Company and Backstage Productions and has created iconic weddings across Europe and India. Her signature style blends glamour and vibrant colour. Vandana and her team, now including her daughter Vedika as Creative Director, are known for meticulous execution. They integrate fabrics, flowers, crafts and technology to create distinctive experiences.
Teddy Manuel – Philippines
Teddy Manuel is a leading floral designer in Manila. He is renowned for creating spectacular and unique floral arrangements for weddings and special events. He leads a talented design team and sources the finest flowers locally and internationally. His work has appeared in publications such as METRO Weddings Magazine and Wedding Essential Magazine. Many couples now take inspiration from his Instagram designs. His design philosophy emphasises natural beauty. He lets the flowers speak for themselves while drawing from nature’s textures and forms.
Alejandra Poupel – France
Based in Paris, Alejandra Poupel is a luxury event planner with a strong reputation for creating world-class events across the globe. Her trend-setting work and flawless execution have made her one of the most sought-after planners in Europe. She blends historic venues with outstanding creative design and produces events known for their emotional impact. Her attention to detail drives her process and ensures high-level delivery.
Jen Gould – New York, USA
Jen Gould is a luxury floral designer and event stylist specialising in transformational décor for weddings. Give her a room, and she will create an experiential masterpiece. She joined her mother’s respected floral design company in 2003 and introduced modern creative elements such as acrylic fabrication, digital design and large-scale set work. When her mother retired, Jen continued the legacy. She often emphasises that she is a designer, not a planner. Her company has grown through strong collaborations and referrals from respected planners and venues across New York.
“Having developed her reputation in one of the most competitive cities in the world, and with a love of travel, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jen becoming one of the most sought after designers for destination weddings. Her never-ending energy and passion are an asset to any team.”
— Alison Hargreaves
Abdulaziz Alnoman – Saudi Arabia
Abdulaziz Alnoman built his reputation through training with leading designers around the world. He has made a significant impact and earned a respected position in the floral design industry. Inspired by nature, fashion and form, he creates bespoke floral work known for artistry and imagination. He also aims to elevate the luxury wedding experience with every design he produces.
Guadalupe Alvarez – Mexico
Guadalupe Alvarez is the creative director and founder of Penzi Weddings and Events. She believes deeply in the beauty of celebration. Her extensive background in event and product design shapes her innovative approach. This commitment has made her one of Mexico’s most respected event producers. Her distinctive style blends cultural detail with global influences. Whether she creates traditional Mexican décor with papel picado or designs a classic American wedding, Guadalupe and her team remain dedicated to unforgettable experiences.
The Creativity Conference
In addition to the design showcase, the event hosted a day of B2B meetings and a full day of seminars. With prestigious speakers and engaging panellists, the conference offered diverse perspectives on creativity and innovation. It emphasised global trends, cultural understanding and sustainability.
Keynote speaker Antonio Paraiso shared insights for designers and wedding planners. He highlighted the transformative role of art in luxury weddings. He explained how art can elevate client experience, strengthen brand value and support premium pricing.
The 2024 Table Design Exhibition was an undeniable success, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended, as their video below shows.