What are common mistakes when planning a wedding on a boat?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

A wedding on the water sounds like a dream: Amsterdam as your backdrop, the soft sound of lapping waves, and all your loved ones gathered around you on a beautiful salon boat. But precisely because it’s such a unique setting, things can go wrong when planning a wedding on a boat. Not because it has to be complicated, but because many couples are dealing with this kind of logistics for the first time. In this article, we outline the most common mistakes so you can avoid them.

Why are more and more couples choosing a wedding on a boat?

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a clear shift. More and more couples are consciously choosing to get married on a boat rather than in a traditional banquet hall. And it’s easy to see why. A boat offers something a fixed venue never can: movement, intimacy, and a unique atmosphere that your guests will truly remember. You have the boat entirely to yourselves, there’s no other wedding party in the room next door, and Amsterdam from the water is simply a different city.

Another factor is that a wedding reception on the water can now be organized exceptionally well. From an intimate dinner for thirty guests to a grand celebration with over a hundred people, the possibilities are there. That said, it remains a specific setting with its own rules. And those who don’t know those rules are in for some unpleasant surprises.

What mistakes do couples make when choosing the right boat?

The first major mistake is choosing a boat that doesn’t match the group size. It sounds obvious, but it goes wrong regularly. Some couples book a small salon boat for forty people when the boat is actually designed for a maximum of twenty. The result: a cramped and uncomfortable celebration.

The opposite happens too: a far too large boat for an intimate group, causing the party to get lost in the space. Always make sure you request the exact capacity and are honest about the number of guests, including children and any vendors such as a photographer.

Something many people also don’t realize: not all boat operators in Amsterdam have vessels large enough for a full wedding. Most providers work with small rowboats or compact salon boats. We are one of the few operators with boats suitable for larger wedding parties, accommodating up to 150 people. That makes a significant difference when you want to throw a real party on the water.

Also always check whether the boat is covered or open, and whether heating options are available. A wedding cruise in May feels very different from one in October.

What goes wrong with planning food and drinks on board?

Catering on the water requires a different approach than catering in a hall. One of the most common mistakes is that couples want to bring in an external catering company with no experience working on boats. Preparing or serving food on a moving vessel is simply different from doing so on dry land.

Think carefully about the type of catering as well. An elaborate service with multiple courses requires sufficient space and staff on board. A walking dinner or a well-curated buffet often suits the dynamic of a boat much better. We offer several catering formats, from drinks with appetizers and a walking dinner to a fully served three-course meal. Everything is taken care of on board, so your guests have everything they need and you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Another common mistake: forgetting to account for dietary requirements and allergies. On a boat, you can’t quickly adjust something in the kitchen. Pass this information along in good time so the catering can be tailored accordingly in advance. Browse our wedding packages on the water for an overview of everything that’s possible.

How far in advance should you book a boat for your wedding?

This may be the most underestimated mistake of all: booking too late. A salon boat wedding in Amsterdam is popular, and the availability of larger boats is more limited than you might think. Especially in spring and summer, from April through September, the most sought-after boats fill up early.

As a rule of thumb: book at least six to twelve months in advance. Have a specific date in mind, such as a Saturday in June or July? Then booking even earlier is strongly recommended. Wait too long, and you risk finding that the boat you had in mind is already taken.

If you also want to combine other elements, such as a ceremony venue on land followed by a boat trip, you’ll need even more coordination, making early planning all the more important.

What logistical mistakes are made most often at a boat wedding?

Logistics is where things most often go wrong when renting a boat for a wedding in Amsterdam. Here are the most common pitfalls:

  • Underestimating boarding time: Getting a larger group of guests on board takes more time than you’d expect. Plan to arrive well before departure so everyone is on board on time.
  • Finding the boarding location: Not everyone will know where the boat is moored. Send your guests clear directions, including public transportation options. Parking in Amsterdam is not a realistic option for large groups.
  • Not accounting for wedding attire: Boarding a boat calls for practical clothing and footwear. Give your guests a heads-up and think carefully about your own dress and shoes as well.
  • Music and sound: Not every boat has a sound system. Check this in advance if music is important to your celebration.
  • No backup plan for bad weather: Rain on an open boat is far from ideal. Always ask about covered options and what happens in the event of extreme weather conditions.

What are the benefits of an all-inclusive package for a wedding on the water?

Many couples ultimately opt for an all-inclusive package, and it’s easy to understand why. You already have plenty to arrange for a wedding. A package that includes catering, crew, captain, and drinks saves an enormous amount of hassle.

The other major advantage is financial clarity. You know upfront what it costs per person, with no surprises afterward. On top of that, an experienced on-board team works together seamlessly, which greatly enhances the quality of the evening. Want to know what getting married on a boat in Amsterdam looks like in practice? You can read all about it there.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps you plan your wedding on the water

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we know better than anyone what goes into organizing a wedding reception on the water. We have boats for small and large groups alike, from an intimate dinner for thirty guests to a grand celebration for over a hundred. Everything is organized completely privately: no other guests on board, just you and the people who are there for you.

  • Choice of multiple boats with capacity for up to 150 people
  • All-inclusive packages with catering, crew, and drinks
  • Fully customizable to suit your wishes
  • Experienced captains and hosts to ensure the evening runs smoothly
  • Sailing Amsterdam’s canals, the Amstel, and the IJ

Want to find out what we can do for your wedding? Get to know us or request a no-obligation quote directly. We’d love to think through the possibilities with you.

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