READING TIME: 3 min 18 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/27/2025
“My name is Nelli, founder of WannaWed by Nelli. Wedding planning is my true calling: I stand by couples from the very first step until the end of their big day, paying attention to every detail so they can focus only on each other.”
Nelli’s path into the wedding world started with helping friends and acquaintances — “My first requests came from friends and acquaintances, and even then I realized the joy I could bring by taking the weight off the couple’s shoulders.” Over the years, she has built a rich portfolio of weddings in Budapest for both Hungarian and international couples, spanning many styles and sizes.
And after more than 13 years in the business, she still cherishes that moment of discovery: “That very first wedding was an unforgettable milestone in my life. It was then that I truly felt I had found my path.”
What drives Nelli in her craft? She believes:
“Every couple is unique, and therefore every wedding should be unique as well. I believe it’s the details that make the big day truly memorable, and that couples should only focus on each other – I take care of everything else.”
She enjoys weddings that carry personality and a story — ones that reflect the couple’s dreams, their voice, their uniqueness. She says simply:
I love weddings that have a story, personality, and creativity, and for me the most important thing is that the day reflects the couple’s individuality and dreams.
Unlike cookie-cutter packages, Nelli offers tailor-made guidance:
“I always create a personalized proposal, as no two couples, visions, or weddings are ever the same. The size and style of the wedding also play a significant role in determining what kind of services – and proposal – are needed.”
Whether it’s an intimate soirée or a grand celebration, she works with couples to build a custom-package that fits their vision, their style, and their budget.
“Sometimes, of course, they are initially drawn to work that goes beyond their planned budget – in those cases, we work together to find the best solution that matches both their style and their finances.”
One standout event in Nelli’s career?
One of the most memorable weddings for me was a Chinese wedding. It was a truly unique challenge, as we had to harmonize the traditions of guests arriving from China with Hungarian customs. It was also a large-scale celebration with an international guest list, and within just a few days we had the opportunity to introduce them to the beauty of Budapest before creating a spectacular wedding. Together with my team, we managed to design a magical day that became an unforgettable experience for everyone.
It’s this kind of challenge — the blending of cultures, the weaving of traditions, the crafting of a day that feels wholly their own — that turns weddings into memories for a lifetime.
Even in a well-planned day, surprises happen:
“There was a moment when the bride didn’t arrive at the church on time, and for a while we thought she had changed her mind. After that, we had to immediately reschedule the entire day’s program.”
But Nelli sees these moments as part of the magic: the unexpected touches that make each event distinct. Her steady presence allows the couple to stay calm and present, even when things don’t go exactly to plan.
For couples in the midst of planning, Nelli offers three heartfelt pieces of advice:
“Enjoy the journey leading up to your wedding.”
So often the focus is only on the day itself — but the months (or years) leading up to it are rich with meaning and connection.
“Be flexible, trust your vendors, and don’t get lost in the details – on the big day, the most important thing is to focus only on each other.”
The true essence of the wedding is the couple and the promise they share.
“If I were advising myself when I started… I wouldn’t do anything differently than I have so far. This path can only be done well through experience – and that’s the only way it’s truly worth it.”
Experience teaches patience, creativity and the resilience to manage the unexpected — all key to creating an extraordinary day.
When asked about her dream venue, Nelli smiles:
The venues that were once my dream locations have already given me the chance to create dream weddings there.
And with that kind of mindset — filled with gratitude, curiosity and imagination — each next wedding becomes another story waiting to be told through her planning, curation and care.
From first call to final toast, Nelli Kiraly and WannaWed by Nelli bring heart, artistry and seamless execution to each love-story they help bring alive. If you’re seeking a wedding experience in Budapest that truly reflects you, you’ve found the right collaborator.
