Launching the Dutch Wedding Experience: 7 Reasons Why You Need This Incredible Resource In Your Life
You’re looking for a one stop English speakers resource for weddings in the Netherlands
I hear you and that is why I’ve organised the Dutch Wedding Experience group on Facebook. As an English speaking expat myself, I too have put in the time learning Dutch and using Google Translate to get myself around in my new found country. I know what it feels like to learn the difference between vla and vlaai, to feel lost at a train station, or the joy of the word ‘gratis.’ I also know that constant translation is both mentally and physically exhausting. Add to that the high stakes of wedding planning, and you have a perfect scenario for frustration or burnout.
Let’s take some of that stress away.
I’ve been a professional wedding and event photographer in the Netherlands since 15 May 2021, when I registered Amy Harper Fotografie at the KVK office in Eindhoven. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph events and weddings from Brussels to Rotterdam, meeting leveranciers and discovering beautiful wedding locations along the way. And I’ve noticed that despite a high number of English speakers in the country, up until now there’s no English directory for wedding services in the Netherlands.
I’m here to change that.
But First Off, Why the English Language?
Listen, I fully invested myself in learning the Dutch language and culture as soon as it was a possibility that we would move here. I firmly believe that the best way to feel at home in a new country is to learn the people and culture. And you do that by learning the language. In fact, I and my family have often been accused of integrating too far by other American expats. Obviously we don’t let that bother us because the benefits of speaking the local language far outweigh the disadvantages.
I’ve learned that learning a new language and culture in no way diminishes my identity as an individual and I’ve happily maintained a Dutch language website and social media in the past. But my work over the last few months has made me realise there’s a real need for a connection between Dutch and English speakers when wedding planning.
Don’t get me wrong – the Netherlands is has one of the highest rates in Europe of English as second language speakers. That’s one of the points that helped me realise I needed to choose my native language when writing- I’m simply better to read in English.
And having learned a second language myself, I know that language acquisition skills like reading, speaking, and writing develop at different rates. That means that many people can be perfectly comfortable reading in English but not feel their English skills are mature enough to speak it. That realisation helped me make the final jump to writing in English and to wanting to connect English speakers with the quality wedding leveranciers they are looking for.
So let’s get on to the 7 reasons why you need this resource
Table of Contents
1 – The Dutch Wedding Experience is the only wedding resource for English Speaking Couples in the Netherlands
If you were to walk into your local Bruna looking for a wedding magazine, you’ll find titles such as Bruid & Bruidegom Magazine and Girls of Honour Trouwen, and online you’ll find Zankyou Magazine. Other than those, most wedding magazines come from the United States or England. These are all excellent resources but the international magazines are not personalised for the Dutch wedding market and the local wedding magazines are not available in English.
Similarly, any Facebook group search with show multiple pages dedicated to brides and planning in Dutch, but not a single page for expat or English speakers looking to get married in the Netherlands. The Dutch Wedding Experience group is the only wedding planning resource for English speaking couples in the Netherlands and Flanders.
2 – Organised by a Dutch Speaking American Expat Wedding Photographer
Yes, I’d love to photograph your wedding. But more importantly than that, I want you to plan the wedding of your dreams with ease. I’ve been photographing weddings and events in the Netherlands and Belgium since 2021, and that’s put me in contact with top quality wedding locations and leveranciers you really should know about.
One of my strengths as a wedding photographer in the Netherlands is my international perspective combined with the ability to speak Dutch. Often my couples seek me out as a wedding photographer precisely because I provide a fluid experience for both sides. Pascalle and Chris, for instance, were looking for a photographer who could quickly give directions for Chris and his British family whilst also able to converse with Pascalle’s grandparents in Dutch. Having lived in England myself, I was well equipped to provide the optimum experience for my couple.
Not only am I bilingual and experienced in the Dutch wedding industry, but I also absolutely love exploring and learning. I’m looking forward to not only bringing you wedding planning tips but also insight into fun Dutch dates you can plan and locations throughout the country you really should visit.
3 – Be Informed of The Steps To Marrying In The Netherlands Before You Run Into Trouble
You’re newly engaged and you are eager to put that decade old Pinterest Wedding Ideas board to good use as you plan the wedding of your dreams. Only one small detail before you even think of putting down a deposit on a wedding location or leverancier – are you legally able to marry in the Netherlands?
If I’ve learned anything as an expat, it’s that government paperwork must be filed in the correct order at the correct times with all of the correct notations on it. For example, birth certificates need to have an Apostille stamp on them to be considered valid in the Netherlands. I’ve seen things as simple as birth certificates significantly alter wedding plans for couples.
The Dutch Wedding Experience, though not able to provide legal advice. will direct you to up to date information about marrying in the Netherlands from the government. You can also ask questions in the community and learn from other’s experiences.
4 – Are You A Wedding Leverancier in the Netherlands? You Need This Too
If you’ve gotten this far into the reading as another wedding photographer or a jeweller, florist, wedding planner, or any other wedding leverancier, congratulations and welcome! The Dutch Wedding Experience is for you, too! I’m here to facilitate engagement between English speakers and Dutch leveranciers. I love collaboration. You’re welcome to join the group, introduce yourself and what you do, and answer questions that couples may have on their wedding journey.
I’m looking forward to your contribution, experience, and insights into the Dutch wedding industry. In fact, I’m counting on it! Please feel free to contact me if you would like to be featured in any of my upcoming posts about leveranciers throughout Belgium and the Netherlands.
5 – Free Information on top wedding locations within the Netherlands and Flanders
Which brings me to my next point – beginning in Nuenen with the Van Goghkerkje, I’m looking forward to providing you insight and behind the scenes information on wedding locations throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. In the Netherlands, local municipalities (gemeentes) determine what locations are available to host weddings. Couples can of course submit a request for exceptions, to marry in the a beautiful family garden for example. The information about wedding locations and applying for exemptions can generally be found on gemeente websites.
With an eye for discovery and a finger on the pulse of the wedding industry, I’m looking forward to travelling through the country to visit castles, orangeries, converted barns, and waterside wedding locations in order to photograph and feature these locations for you on the Dutch Wedding Experience and in this blog.
Look for write-ups in the coming weeks about services what wedding locations have to offer, their pricing and accessibility, accommodations for food allergies and intolerances, and more.
Have a location you’re excited to share with me or want to see featured? Drop me a line and I’ll happily plan a visit.
6 – Don’t Miss Important Information on Dutch Wedding Traditions, Seasons, and Holidays that can impact your wedding plans
Ever tried to go to a museum in a village on a Monday morning? Or tried to sort Hemelvaart from Tweede Pinksterdag? One of the things I love to do, and am good at, is calendaring. The Dutch Wedding Experience will provide updates to upcoming holidays as well as facts about Dutch wedding traditions. That way your wedding takes place during Carnaval only if you decide to plan it that way.
Knowing the dates of important holidays and events that can impact your big day is a great step towards eliminating stress in your wedding experience. Look for posts with explanations of holidays and what will be open on those days.
7 – Connect With Other Couples And Share Ideas As You Plan Your Wedding
Have you struggled to make contact or build friendships since moving to the Netherlands? Making friends is often a struggle I’ve seen mentioned in expat Facebook groups in the Netherlands. Facebook groups exist because they’re such a simple way of building connections between like minded individuals. With the Dutch Wedding Experience, you can share the highs and lows of your planning experience with others in the same situation. You can ask for recommendations. Newlyweds can also post listings to sell items they no longer need after their wedding.
And who’s to say? There’s a high likelihood of making lasting friendships with other couples also planning their weddings in the Netherlands. I’ve seen this work in other Dutch speaking wedding groups and I’m confident we bring these kind of results to an English speaking Facebook group as well.
At very least know that I will be active in the group facilitating positive interactions and helping build conversation. I look forward to seeing you there.
Bonus –
Have I convinced you to check the group out yet? I hope so because I’m a people person and I’m really looking forward to working with you. As a bonus reason to join the Dutch Wedding Experience Facebook group, I’m offering couples a 10% discount on booking with Amy Harper Fotografie. So if my photography already speaks to you and I’m on your shortlist for capturing your wedding day in the best light, let this discount be the tipping point for also joining the Facebook group.
Add it to my gift of a Bridal Guide and Grooms Guide with booking, and a custom designed wedding album through DreambooksPro, and you have one high class wedding photography experience where you feel fully educated and in control. Just make sure when booking with me that you mention you’re a member of the Dutch Wedding Experience to receive your discount.
Why join the group? Well, because I think it will improve your wedding experience. At the end of the day that’s what you’re really here for anyway.
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