Wedding Information
August 1, 2004
wedding home

This page will provide as much information as possible on our wedding this summer (August 1, 2004). The site is very much a work in progress so please let us know if you have any suggestions. It will also be updated on a regular basis as new information becomes available. So please, check back from time to time. Aliz will be in Hungary starting in June 2004. Tony will arrive in mid-July. We will be between Pécs and Budapest, finishing plans and seeing her family. So, if you want to come a little early (and we hope you can) we will be there for you. In addition, you might want to consider coming a little early to spend some time along Hungary's beautiful Danube There are tons of fun things to do and we can help you plan. I. Schedule (more coming) August 1, 2004, 5:00 pm Wedding Be prepared to begin a long evening filled with romance, a terrific local band that sings both Hungarian and English/American songs, lots of dancing, and even two meals. The wedding will be as much as possible an amalgamation of cultures and languages. This won't be easy, and mistakes will be made. However, we hope that our wedding will be etched in your hearts and minds as a wonderful, glorious celebration of two people making a lifelong vow. August 1, 2004, 6:00 pm Cocktail Hour August 1, 2004, 7:00 pm Dinner This will be largely traditional Hungarian cuisine. August 1, 2004, 8:00 pm Dancing The band sent us a sampler CD with fun songs we loved. You should here them sing Olivia Newton John or Tom Jones! They played at the wedding of friends who recommended them. August 1, 2004, Midnight Dinner Hungarian tradition has that a second meal be served at midnight. August 2, 2004 Possible activities not yet planned. These might includes a boat trip on the Danube, dining at a great restaurant, or All guests are invited to all events, including the rehearsal dinner. Updated information will be forthcoming in the months to come. Also, although the dates are firm, the times may change but no worries. Click here for our Map of Budapest. It is large and make take a minute or two to load. But, don't worry. We will have copies of the map waiting for you in Budapest. Any decent travel book of Budapeast (Amazon, orders, Barnes and Noble) should have one. II. Basic Travel Info This area will have links to the answers to these questions. Is Hungary safe? Do I need a visa? Do they speak English? What about the money situation? Medical issues? Can I drink the water? Do I need shots? Is transportation OK? source: jerryvandyke.com III. Flight Information Air travel is the key to your planning. We cannot stress enough the importance of reserving a flight early. The flights are already getting booked and there is only limited capacity. Also, your chances of getting a decent fair decrease rapidly if you don't book right away. Budapest is served mostly by Malev Airlines -- an excellent airline. But, you cannot go direct from the U.S. to Budapest. So, you may have two stopovers, a European gateway city (such as Rome, London, Paris, etc.) and then Vienna, before getting to Budapest. You shouldn't have to pay more than $150 for the roundtrip Vienna-Budapest flight. On the other hand, there are some direct flights between Budapest and European gateway cities. So, ideally, you can fly from the U.S. to a European gateway and then direct to Budapest--just one stopover. This will require some planning but would be far more convenient. The cities listed below have limited direct flights to Budapest on Malev Air. Also, you can check the Malev Airlines website for flight availability and info. ALWAYS call Malev Air a day or two before departure to confirm the flight. There are other carriers that fly into Budapest, like British Air from London. There are also charters, which might be worth investigating with a travel agent. You can also fly into Vienna instead of Budapest, and take a train from there, or take a short flight. Some money saving ideas: If you are trying to save some money, I would strongly recommend trying Priceline.com. Both of us have done it many times and found it to be a fabulous way to save money. You might want to try it to just get to say Budapest or your European gateway city. They say that the best deals end on July 5, so check it out soon. Travelocity.com We heard of an agent that can find great fares: "Save on Travel" - call toll free - 1-800-777-4194 - ask for Joey at extension #11. Check out Lastminute.com. Watch out for pop-up windows. Also consider Ryan Air for an indirect but cheap alternative. Ryan Air is the leading ultra budget carrier in Europe. Transun, (phone 44-0870-4444-747) a British travel agency. Finally, if you are getting frustrated, look for deals to Budapest. From there, we can always get you a round trip ticket to Budapest. It seems that fares from Chicago/NYC to Budapest can be had in the $600-800 range if you look around. IV. Accommodations Something will go here about hotel options. The ones listed here are from Hotel Hungary, a travel service based in Budapest. We've never used their service, but it can help you learn about a few options. The description is from their site, or from other sites. Call or visit their website first. City Hotel PILVAX City hotel with special deals next to Vaci Utca. City Hotel MATYAS In the heart of the city. Moderate prices and packages. Hotel FIESTA One of the most popular hotels of Budapest with excellent location. VICTOR Apartment hotel For internet users with the need for a budget accommodation in the center of Budapest Hotel BENCZUR Close to the city center, next to the METRO and the City Park. Hotel ANNA Old style Budapest hotel with "Summer Hit" prices! Danubius Hotel GELLERT The famous grand hotel of Budapest with its wonderful thermal bath and traditionally excellent service. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace very expensive, 011-36-1-268-6000 Hilton Budapest expensive, 011-36-1-889-6600 Hotel Gellért moderate, 011-36-1-889-5500 Hotel Inter-Continental Budapest expensive, 011-36-1-327-6333 Millennium Court expensive, 011-36-1-266-4292 Andrássy Hotel very expensive, 011-36-1-462-2100. This hotel, with terraces in most of the 70 rooms, appeals to both the business and leisure traveler. Be sure to visit their recently opened restaurant and bar, which features chef István Pesti’s multicultural blend of flavors. Hotel Burg moderate, 011-36-1-212-0269. Located on the main square of the Castle District, this hidden treasure offers panoramic views from almost all of its rooms, and especially the breakfast room. Bring the camera. VII. Registry We really do not want anything other than your presence at our wedding. If you can't make it, visit us in Illinois some other time. That is more than enough. If you absolutely insist: Marshall Field's and Target (two department stores in the United States) Just look under Club Wedd (blue) and Field's (green). They sell everything from small appliances to towels to pots and pans. Crate & Barrel This is a beautiful speciality store, with gorgeous dishware. Very unique.