1/4
The venue
Those who prefer elegance and once-in-a-lifetime splendour surely daydream about tying the knot in one of the most magnificent buildings in Budapest. Luckily for them, the Gresham Palace has dedicated event halls for the most special occasions - including weddings. The Art Nouveau Gresham Palace, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is only a few steps from the Chain Bridge and St. Stephen's Basilica. The ambience of the venue makes for great photos and, with the expertise of the staff, your big day could seem like a grand ball from a Walt Disney fairytale.
Barabás Villa
The reconstructed classical Barabás Villa is an increasingly popular wedding spot in the 12th District. This is the official wedding venue of the district, so if you book in time (1 year prior to the big day at the earliest), you can have your civil ceremony here. Since the Villa is also an event centre, you don't need to herd the wedding party elsewhere after the ceremony if you also hold your feast and/or dinner here. You can also say your vows in the gorgeous garden of this Buda-side venue if the weather is good.
The Kiscelli Museum is a Baroque monastery building in Óbuda, at the end of a narrow and steep road; so while it might seem somewhat remote for a regular museum visit, intimacy is clearly guaranteed in case of the nuptials. Both the church interior and the garden can be booked, and let's not forget that the Kiscelli is also ideal for larger parties, since it can seat as many as 200 to 250 people. The interior decoration is exceptional (for example the lighting), but fairy-lights can also be arranged if this is your thing. Being a popular wedding venue, the Kiscelli Museum offers pre-designed comprehensive packages, expertly taking the weight of decoration and the reception off your shoulders, so you can enjoy your big day.
2/4
The cake
Ildikó Oblat Cake Salon
The Oblat Cake Salon is in the 13th district, entwined with the confectionery La Mimosa, which is also run by the same family offers gorgeous, custom-made cakes. Ildikó dedicates attention to all couples; she only begins designing the wedding cake after getting to know the couple and some tastings (this part is free). The team is even prepared to spend up to weeks on designing a cake, and to procure special ingredients from abroad, if necessary. Although there are several pastry makers involved, Ildikó and her artist partner, Krisztina Gasztonyi, do all the decorations. The cakes might be hand-painted, lacy or adorned with real flowers (Ildikó even completed a floral design course to this end). The cakes, of course, are free of flavour enhancers and preservatives; the salon works with lots of fruits, so the milk cream and high fruit content versions are all good options. Due to the growing demand for healthy desserts, the salon prepares more and more gluten-, sugar-, and lactose-free cakes.
Address: 1137 Radnóti Miklós Street 43.
Phone: +36 30 552 3317 (book your visit)
Preston wedding cakes have been a great cake option for four years, with the goal of each cake being both delicious and spectacular. Andrea Mészáros picked up the tricks of cake making from world-famous British tutors and she's been following this line of thinking ever since. The Preston cakes are also void of additives, colourings, aromas and raising agents; instead there is expertise, heart and exquisite taste. Couples can choose from 4 kinds of dough and 25 creams. Andrea nurtures an intimate relationship with her clients, which adds a human and empathetic side to the preparations. In addition to the cakes, Preston also deals in wedding desserts, offering 'cakepops,' macarons and mini cakes that harmonise with the main wedding cake and the couple.
Preston House (closed)
Address: 1052 Budapest, 5. Galamb Street
Nora Sarman
Although Nora draws inspiration for her wedding dresses chiefly from weddings, she bedazzles brides by breaking with conventions, and using the most peculiar cuts, materials and shapes. Her wedding dresses are often wild, sexy, and more lush than what we are traditionally accustomed to, but this thrilling boldness makes her collections perfect for those who could never imagine themselves walking down the aisle in a traditional wedding gown.
Cydonia Vintage There are people who do not dream of wedding salons and modern garments, but would rather have an authentic vintage style wedding dress. Viola's pleasant little boutique offers more than the clothes of the season, magical accessories and objects from the past: there is a collection of pre-1970 wedding gowns, including short, 1950s pieces, Hungarian, French, American and English rarities, and cream silk and French lace creations.
4/4
The jewellery
Rienne Creations
Adrienn Nagy, the designer behind Rienne Creations earned her textile designer and design manager diploma at the Moholy-Nagy University, then moved on to New York and worked at Marc Jacobs Collection before starting her own premium jewellery brand upon her return to Hungary. Her pieces, which are perfect with simple gowns of daring textiles, are characterised by meticulous handiwork and a high standard of materials.
