READING TIME: 3 min 47 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/2025
Before the world of weddings, Catherine was immersed in another form of storytelling: performance.
“I’ve been planning weddings in Budapest for the past nine years, drawing on my background as a professional dancer, choreographer, and show producer,” she shares. “That experience taught me how to design seamless, visually captivating experiences—skills I now bring to every wedding I plan.”
Her journey into wedding planning began in the most personal way possible—with her own wedding in Budapest. “Our celebration was featured in several blogs and newspapers, and those publications brought me my very first clients,” she recalls. “One of the earliest weddings I planned was for a wonderful couple from Belfast. We still keep in touch to this day.”
It was that moment, she explains, when she understood that wedding planning could be more than logistics—it could be art, connection, and legacy all at once.
When Catherine founded Dream Weddings Budapest, she carried her performer’s instinct for rhythm into her work.
What I love most about weddings is the creativity and connection at the heart of them. Every couple brings a unique story, and I find joy in shaping one of the most meaningful celebrations of their lives.
Her choreography background influences every aspect of her planning—the pacing of the day, the transitions between moments, and the emotional flow that keeps guests captivated.
“I believe great design and flawless execution come from harmony,” she says. “Budapest’s beauty, architecture, and ambiance inspire me every day.”
At the center of Catherine’s work lies a philosophy of balance—grace paired with groundedness.
“Balancing splendor with comfort, I choreograph unforgettable celebrations where elegance feels effortless and comfort is never compromised,” she explains. “My aim is not only to meet expectations but to consistently exceed them.”
Her preferred celebrations often unfold over several days, weaving together design, atmosphere, and emotion. “I love weddings that feel like a journey,” she smiles. “My style is modern and elegant, but never dictated by fleeting trends. It’s about creating celebrations that are both timeless and deeply personal.”
Catherine’s services span full-service planning, design, and coordination across Hungary, particularly for couples abroad.
“My clients are often busy professionals living overseas,” she notes. “They rely on me to be their boots on the ground—coordinating, choreographing, and guiding them through every detail.”
Her approach is always bespoke. “I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all packages. Each celebration deserves a tailored approach,” she says. “Whether couples need full planning or support with specific elements, I create a custom package that fits their vision and lifestyle.”
The heart of Catherine’s process begins long before décor or timelines—it begins with connection.
“I start by arranging a video call so we can truly see each other before starting such a personal journey,” she says. “From there, I take time to understand their style, priorities, and personalities.”
Her extensive local experience—over 25 years in Budapest—gives her deep insight into the city’s hidden gems and trusted supplier network. “My goal is to translate each couple’s vision into reality, ensuring the planning feels supported, seamless, and inspiring.”
Over the years, Dream Weddings Budapest has brought love stories to life in some of the city’s most breathtaking settings.
“I frequently work at Fisherman’s Bastion, Vajdahunyad Castle, and Gundel Restaurant, as well as luxury hotels like Aria Hotel and Parisi Udvar Hotel Budapest,” Catherine shares.
But her passion extends beyond the well-known landmarks. “I also love introducing couples to hidden courtyards, vineyards, and castles across Hungary. The magic lies in finding the perfect venue that reflects who they are.”
Every planner has a story of a wedding day challenge turned triumph—and Catherine recalls hers with poise.
“One wedding’s cake arrived in less-than-perfect condition, and replacing it wasn’t possible. So I reworked the presentation using fresh flowers from the décor,” she recounts. “The couple adored it—and never realized there had been an issue.”
Her secret? Preparation and grace under pressure. “I always anticipate unexpected moments, build contingency plans, and stay present to resolve anything quickly and discreetly. My couples can relax knowing that if challenges occur, I’ll handle them.”
Catherine approaches budgets not as constraints but as creative frameworks.
“I see the budget as a creative tool rather than a limitation,” she explains. “From the beginning, I help couples set clear priorities so their resources go toward what matters most.”
Her best advice: “Decide early what’s truly important to you, and allow me to manage the rest. With structure and thoughtful planning, it’s absolutely possible to stay on budget while still creating something luxurious and personal.”
Her words for engaged couples are grounded yet full of heart.
“Enjoy the journey as much as the destination,” she says. “Stay focused on what truly matters to you as a couple, trust your planner, and don’t get lost in trends. The most memorable weddings are those that reflect your personalities.”
And if she could speak to her younger self? “Trust your gut—it has never let me down,” she smiles. “In this industry, instinct and intuition are just as vital as planning and precision.”
When asked about her ultimate setting, Catherine doesn’t hesitate.
One venue that truly reflects my own aesthetic is Fisherman’s Bastion. Its breathtaking architecture and panoramic views create a spectacular backdrop for a wedding,” she says. “It embodies everything I love about Budapest—romance, history, and light.
Through Dream Weddings Budapest, Catherine Sakka-Gallagher continues to choreograph celebrations that feel like poetry in motion—each one an elegant dance of design, emotion, and love.
