What catering options are there for a wedding on a boat?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

A wedding on a boat is one of the most unique ways to celebrate your wedding day. But as soon as you start planning, a question quickly arises: what about the catering? Because serving food and drinks on a moving boat is quite different from doing so in a banquet hall. Fortunately, the options are far greater than most people think. In this article, we explain exactly what you can expect when you choose a wedding on a boat in Amsterdam.

What catering styles suit a wedding on a boat?

The catering style you choose largely determines the atmosphere of your wedding. On a boat, there are roughly three popular styles:

  • Walking dinner: Guests move freely, pick up appetizers from a buffet, or are served by staff. Ideal for an informal, convivial atmosphere where everyone mingles with everyone else.
  • Plated dinner: Guests are seated at the table and served multiple courses. Creates a luxurious, intimate feel that perfectly suits a romantic wedding atmosphere.
  • Drinks and bites: An extensive selection of appetizers paired with drinks. Less formal, but certainly festive. A great choice if you want to place more emphasis on celebrating than on dining.

Which style works best depends on your group size, the time of day, and the atmosphere you have in mind. An afternoon wedding with high tea has a very different character than an evening dinner cruise by candlelight on the Amsterdam canals.

What is the difference between a dinner cruise and a drinks cruise for a wedding?

This is a question we hear often. The difference lies in the intensity of the dining experience and the duration of the cruise.

With a dinner cruise, the food takes center stage. Think of a three-course or multi-course menu, served at the table, with careful attention to presentation and timing. This typically lasts three to four hours. Guests spend most of the evening seated at the table, while the cruise through the canals provides the backdrop for an elaborate dinner.

With a drinks cruise, it’s the other way around: the cruise itself takes center stage, and the food is a complement. Appetizers, cheese boards, charcuterie, or warm snacks are served while guests walk around, chat, and enjoy the views. This usually lasts one and a half to two hours and has a more relaxed character.

For a wedding, most couples opt for a dinner cruise in the evening, optionally preceded by a drinks reception immediately after the ceremony. This way, you get the best of both worlds.

How much does catering for a wedding on a boat cost?

The cost of catering on a boat depends on the package you choose. As a general guideline, you can expect the following prices per person:

  • Drinks cruise: approximately $50 to $60 per person (1.5 to 2 hours)
  • Walking dinner: approximately $110 to $120 per person (3 hours)
  • Three-course dinner: approximately $120 to $130 per person (3 to 4 hours)
  • High tea cruise: approximately $75 to $80 per person (2 hours)

Please note: these prices are indicative and based on a group of approximately 50 people. The final price depends on your group size, the drinks you choose, and any additional requests. Visit our packages page for a current overview of all options and prices.

Can the catering be fully customized for a wedding?

Absolutely. A wedding is not a standard corporate event, and the catering shouldn’t be either. With most providers, you can work together to create a fully customized menu tailored to your tastes, dietary requirements, and the time of day.

Think vegetarian or vegan options, a themed menu that matches your wedding style, or a combination of cold and hot dishes. Allergies and specific dietary needs are always taken into account during planning.

Do you have something very specific in mind, such as a traditional dish that holds special meaning for you as a couple? That kind of personal request can almost always be accommodated with enough advance notice. The earlier you bring it up, the better the coordination.

What drink packages are available for a wedding on a boat?

Drinks are at least as important as the food at a wedding. On a boat, there are several options:

  • Unlimited drinks package: A fixed price per person covering all drinks throughout the cruise. Popular because it eliminates any surprises on the final bill.
  • House wine package: Wine with dinner, including water and soft drinks. Simple and elegant.
  • Welcome drink: Prosecco or champagne upon arrival, as a festive start to the evening.
  • Pay as you go: Guests pay individually or via a bar tab. Less common at weddings, but still an option.

For weddings, an all-inclusive drinks package is by far the most popular choice. It gives guests the freedom to enjoy themselves without watching their spending, and it gives you as a couple peace of mind.

How is catering served on a moving boat?

This is a practical question that many people wonder about. A boat moves, so how does serving work? In practice, it’s far less of an issue than you might expect. The Amsterdam canals are calm and the boats move slowly. You can barely feel the movement.

The service team on board is experienced at serving in this environment. Plates, glasses, and serving dishes are suited for use on the water. During a plated dinner, guests are seated at the table, which makes service just as smooth as in a restaurant. During a walking dinner or drinks reception, the appetizers are compact and easy to handle.

One thing to keep in mind: space on a boat is more limited than in a banquet hall. This means large buffet setups are less common, but that actually makes the atmosphere more intimate and personal.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with catering for your wedding on a boat

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we handle the catering for your wedding from start to finish. We are one of the few boat operators in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a complete wedding, from small intimate gatherings to groups of 150 people. You have the entire boat to yourselves, with no other guests on board.

  • Multiple catering formats available: from drinks cruises and walking dinners to plated three-course dinners and high tea
  • Fully customizable, including dietary requirements and personal preferences
  • All-inclusive drink packages included
  • Professional service team on board: captain, host, and waitstaff
  • Fixed price per person, no surprises afterward

Rederij de Nederlanden has more than ten years of experience hosting special occasions on the water and is known for its personal attention and high standard of service. Read more about who we are and discover why so many couples trust us with their wedding. Ready to explore the possibilities? Submit a no-obligation inquiry and we’ll be happy to think along with you.

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