An international wedding held in the Netherlands creates a wonderful opportunity to blend two different cultures together. Incorporating Dutch customs into the celebration may seem a bit traditional for some unique couples, but with the guidance of The Expat Wedding Planner, it is possible to seamlessly weave these traditions into the event in a subtle yet superb manner.

Among the various Dutch wedding traditions, the use of a wish tree stands out as an highly adaptable option. Instead of a traditional guestbook, a wish tree is created using branches, ribbon, and leaves for guests to write and share their wishes. These wishes are considered as Dutch wedding gifts, adding a special touch to the occasion.

The beauty of a wish tree is that it can complement any wedding theme. For a rustic and romantic wedding, real twisting and curving branches can be used, illuminated by twinkling lights to create a magical ambiance. On the other hand, a modern wedding can opt for a more fashionable feel by using metal and crystal elements in the design of the wish tree.

Once the wedding is over, the happy couple can choose to display the leaves or even the wish tree itself as a sentimental reminder of their special day for years to come. This is a wonderful way to cherish the memories and the heartfelt wishes shared by their loved ones during the celebration.

Overall, incorporating the Dutch wish tree tradition into an international wedding allows couples to add a unique and personal touch to their special day, while bridging cultures and creating lasting memories.

In addition to the traditional guestbook, some couples opt to follow the Dutch wedding box tradition as an alternative. This charming Dutch custom involves the bride and groom writing heartfelt letters to each other, expressing their emotions and sharing their dreams for the future. These heartfelt letters are then placed inside a beautifully crafted wooden box, along with a bottle of wine. The box is officially sealed during the Dutch wedding ceremony, and it serves as a symbolic reminder for the couple to open and read the letters if their relationship ever faces challenges.

When it comes to wedding receptions, food often takes center stage in many cultures, and the Dutch are no exception. The culinary aspect of a wedding celebration is often the topic of conversation long after the event has ended. Whether you choose to have a seated dinner or a buffet, incorporating Dutch food and traditions into your menu can be a delightful way to introduce your international guests to the flavors of the Netherlands.

One delicious delicacy that can be served as a snack during the reception is traditional Dutch herring. This herring not only offers a taste of Dutch cuisine but also acts as a conversation starter. Dutch guests can take the opportunity to teach their international counterparts the proper way to enjoy herring, including whether to pair it with raw onions and the technique of holding it by the tail above the mouth. This interactive and engaging element adds a touch of cultural exchange and brings people together over a shared culinary experience.

Encourage a sense of connection among your guests as they explore the diverse culinary traditions of each culture. Engage in laughter, conversation, and the sharing of beverages, as these activities have the power to bring people closer together. When selecting the beverages for your reception, it would be splendid to include a Dutch wine on the menu. To add an extra touch of significance, consider choosing a wine from the specific region in the Netherlands that is associated with the Dutch heritage of one half of the couple. Alternatively, for an authentic Dutch wedding toast, delight your guests with some Dutch jenever, a traditional juniper-flavored liquor akin to gin.

At an international wedding, it is not uncommon for guests to deliver speeches. However, to truly honor the Dutch bride and groom, incorporating performances can contribute to a livelier and more memorable celebration. These performances, known as "stukjes" in Dutch, are usually not organized by the couple themselves, but they can certainly express to close family and friends that such contributions are welcome.

One popular performance idea is the "ABC-tje", where a word starting with each letter of the alphabet is chosen to describe the newlyweds. This creative and entertaining activity adds a personal touch and allows guests to express their love and support for the couple in a unique and interactive way.

Keeping the audience engaged for a long period of time can often prove to be challenging. However, when it comes to Dutch weddings, guests have the freedom to unleash their creativity and captivate the audience in various ways. This can include performing skits accompanied by props, showcasing pre-recorded films, or even delivering an original song.

Traditionally, in the Netherlands, the groom would fetch the bride from her home on the wedding day, carrying the bridal bouquet. They would then embark on a journey together, accompanied by a procession known as the "bruidstoet." The order of the bruidstoet consisted of the bride and groom, followed by the flower girls, the parents of both the bride and groom, the witnesses, and finally, the remaining guests. However, in contemporary times, it has become common for all attendees to arrive at the wedding venue ahead of the bride.

Nevertheless, for international weddings, especially those with a smaller number of guests, the bruidstoet tradition can potentially be revived and embraced. This could add a touch of charm and cultural significance to the celebration.

Once the joyous festivities of your international marriage have concluded, you and your partner can delight in a cherished Dutch tradition - the time spent as newlyweds. In the Netherlands, there is a custom for couples to relish in this special period following their wedding.

The 'wittebroodsweken', also known as the 'white bread weeks', is a delightful tradition that allows newly married couples to enjoy a peaceful and uninterrupted period of six weeks after their wedding. This term, derived from a time when white bread was considered a luxurious indulgence, adds an extra touch of charm to this special time in the couple's lives.

After the hustle and bustle of an international wedding celebration, the white bread weeks provide a wonderful opportunity for the newlyweds to relax and bask in the euphoria of starting a new chapter together. It is a time for them to retreat from the demands of daily life and fully immerse themselves in the joy of their union.

To further commemorate their special day, some couples may adopt the tradition of freezing the top layer of their Dutch wedding cake. While the taste and texture of a thawed cake may vary, this preserved cake is typically enjoyed on significant occasions such as the first anniversary or the christening of their first-born child. It serves as a delicious reminder of their wedding day and adds an extra element of sweetness to their future celebrations.

So, as you embark on your honeymoon journey and enter the cherished white bread weeks, take the opportunity to unwind, cherish each other's company, and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.