Big Fat Dutch Weddings

rdchick

Hello you wonderful lot!

I'm off to a Dutch wedding at the end of next month and wondered if any of you knew how they worked.

Normally, they would have '2' weddings, one at the city hall in the eyes of the law and one in church in the eyes of God...

They're getting married in a castle, which I assume is like a civil ceremony here ie: just getting married in the eyes of the law.

So that's fine... got the invite yesterday and it says to go to the castle for a 1:30 wedding and then the party starts at 8...

what happens inbetween?!

I am hestitant to ask the bride (as I am just the gf of the grooms friend... bf hasn't a clue - hasn't been to a civil wedding in Holland before) as I don't want to seem to be sort of inviting us or digging around for an invite...

Anyone got any idea?! xxx

euronorris

Sorry, not a clue! I haven't been to a wedding here before. xxx

rdchick

Haha aww bless ya, no worries, just spoke to the BF he has no idea and said it might be best to just ask the bride (me and her have been like giggling school girls about the wedding - only met her at new year!) so I think what might be best is saying 'so.... what are Dutch weddings like...?'!

Just don't want to look like an idiot on the day or miss something where we should have been! xxx

sooz

Well, it will obviously be 6 1/2 hours of nude chanting in the castle, followed by the party.

Ask

Mrs_Huggett

After the ceremony you will all be given a pair of clogs to wear, get in first so you get a decent fit,and you will each be given a tulip to carry, you will then be led in a procession around the town square where the father of the bride will have to wheel around a large whole edam around the square twice before smashing it to the ground in front of the grooms parents, this is of course AFTER the nude chanting.:rotfl:Have a great time!!

rdchick

Mrs_Huggett wrote: »

After the ceremony you will all be given a pair of clogs to wear, get in first so you get a decent fit,and you will each be given a tulip to carry, you will then be led in a procession around the town square where the father of the bride will have to wheel around a large whole edam around the square twice before smashing it to the ground in front of the grooms parents, this is of course AFTER the nude chanting.:rotfl:Have a great time!!

awesome! hahahahaahha:rotfl:

well I can safely say I am looking forward to it... the nude chanting might be a bit odd but still! Better start slimming down, I don't want to put people off their edam! xxx

anxious_mum

Whatever happens I'm sure you will have the time of your life! I was married to a Dutchman (albeit we got married in the UK, so can't help you there) and I work with them all the time now. Some of my best friends are Dutch, they are the loveliest, friendliest, most (nicely) eccentric people I have ever met. If you end the evening with Frikadellen and frites with mayonnaise it will be time well spent!

Hope you enjoy it x

Lotus-eater

There may well be a meal after the wedding, after which you will be free for a while and then expected back at 8pmish for the party.

But Dutch people won't mind in the slightest you asking questions, they like everything to be sorted and neat, they will expect you to wonder what you have to do and to ask if you don't know.

Expect everyone to dance at the party and you will dance around the couple in a circle and everyone will offer (in a song) any help to the couple should it be needed in the future. It's a lovely thing.

Mupette

http://worldweddingtraditions.com/locations/west_europe_traditions/dutch_traditions.html

Wedding Traditions in Holland

Dutch Bridal Showers
The roots of the customary bridal shower originated in Holland. If a Dutch bride was unfortunate enough enough to have her father not approve of her choice in husbands, he would not offer a dowry. Her friends would then "shower"her with gifts so she could still be married to her groom., without the help of her father.
Weddings in Holland
The families of the Dutch bride and groom host a party before the day of the wedding vows. Traditionally, the couple sit on a throne, beneath the pines, as their guests come to bless them and wish them happiness.
Dutch wedding receptions are famous for serving heavy foods. Two traditional items served at a marriage celebration in Holland are sweetmeats called, "bridal sugar" and spiced wine known as "bride's tears."
After a Dutch wedding, newlyweds in Holland might plant lilies-of-the-valley around their house. This tradition symbolizes "the return of happiness" and the couple can then celebrate and renew their love with each blooming season.








(shrugs) not sure.. i just googled

Lotus-eater

Mupette wrote: »

http://worldweddingtraditions.com/locations/west_europe_traditions/dutch_traditions.html

Wedding Traditions in Holland

Dutch Bridal Showers
The roots of the customary bridal shower originated in Holland. If a Dutch bride was unfortunate enough enough to have her father not approve of her choice in husbands, he would not offer a dowry. Her friends would then "shower"her with gifts so she could still be married to her groom., without the help of her father.
Weddings in Holland
The families of the Dutch bride and groom host a party before the day of the wedding vows. Traditionally, the couple sit on a throne, beneath the pines, as their guests come to bless them and wish them happiness.
Dutch wedding receptions are famous for serving heavy foods. Two traditional items served at a marriage celebration in Holland are sweetmeats called, "bridal sugar" and spiced wine known as "bride's tears."
After a Dutch wedding, newlyweds in Holland might plant lilies-of-the-valley around their house. This tradition symbolizes "the return of happiness" and the couple can then celebrate and renew their love with each blooming season.








(shrugs) not sure.. i just googled

Never seen any of that.

rdchick

anxious_mum wrote: »

Whatever happens I'm sure you will have the time of your life! I was married to a Dutchman (albeit we got married in the UK, so can't help you there) and I work with them all the time now. Some of my best friends are Dutch, they are the loveliest, friendliest, most (nicely) eccentric people I have ever met. If you end the evening with Frikadellen and frites with mayonnaise it will be time well spent!

Hope you enjoy it x

My BF is Dutch, and I agree they are an absolutely wonderful race! I wouldn't be surprised if there was frikadellen and frite met on the menu... we have it everytime we go to Holland! We even spoke about moving back over there as it's getting ridiculous to own your own home here! We don't know if we would get married in the UK, Holland or somewhere completely different! I have a feeling we might just have 2 small weddings... one day...

Thanks for your help guys! I found a dress for the wedding over the weekend, and I will ask the bride exactly what she expects of us - you're right they won't mind - the Dutch are so direct! xxx