Which wedding styles work well for a boat wedding?

  • Thomas van Loon
  • 🕐 6 min leestijd

A wedding on the water is one of the most extraordinary ways to celebrate your big day. The canals of Amsterdam, the soft sound of the water, the historic facades gliding past — it’s a setting that few wedding venues can match. But which wedding style actually works well for a wedding on a boat? And how do you make sure everything, from decoration to catering, comes together? In this article, you’ll find everything you need to plan your waterside wedding celebration perfectly.

Which wedding styles work best on a boat?

Not every wedding style is equally suited to a boat, but there are several that fit like a glove:

  • Nautical style: Classic navy and white, rope details, anchors, and maritime accents. This is the most obvious choice and always works beautifully on the water.
  • Romantic classic: Think vintage salon boat vibes, candlelight, flowers, and gold. Timeless and elegant, perfect for a wedding on a salon boat.
  • Bohemian: Natural tones, floral garlands, linen, and a relaxed atmosphere. Works wonderfully on an open boat or during a summer cruise.
  • Modern and minimalist: Clean lines, white décor, and an uncluttered look. Let the boat and its surroundings speak for themselves.
  • Glamour and art deco: Gold, black and silver, champagne, and a hint of 1930s atmosphere. Perfectly in keeping with the style of a classic salon boat.

The style you choose largely determines how the rest of the planning takes shape. Choose something that suits you as a couple, not what “belongs” to a waterside wedding.

How do you choose the right boat for your wedding style?

The boat is the foundation of everything. When choosing the right boat for a wedding on the water in Amsterdam, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Group size: How large is your party? Smaller groups fit perfectly on a salon boat, but for a full wedding with 80 or more guests, you’ll need a larger vessel.
  • Atmosphere: An open boat offers a completely different experience from an enclosed salon boat. Open boats are wonderful in summer, while enclosed boats are more comfortable in spring and autumn.
  • Appearance: Does the boat match your wedding style? A classic wooden salon boat is a perfect fit for a romantic or art deco theme, while a modern boat suits a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

We are one of the few boat companies in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a complete wedding. Most operators only offer small salon boats or dinghies. Read more about getting married on a boat in Amsterdam on our page, where you’ll also find an overview of our fleet and available options.

What are the advantages of getting married on a boat in Amsterdam?

Why are more and more couples choosing to rent a boat for their wedding in Amsterdam? Because it simply comes with an enormous number of benefits:

  • The boat is entirely yours. No other guests, no strangers in the background of your photos.
  • The location is the decoration. Amsterdam from the water is already spectacular enough.
  • It’s unique and memorable. Guests will talk about it for years to come.
  • You combine transportation, venue, and dinner in one. No hassle with buses or taxi costs.
  • Electric boats run quietly and cleanly, allowing you to truly enjoy your surroundings.

What decorations work for a wedding on the water?

Decorating a boat requires a different approach than dressing a venue hall. Keep wind, movement, and limited space in mind. A few tips:

  • Choose light flowers that won’t wilt too quickly in the open air.
  • Use lanterns instead of loose candles.
  • Keep decorations low and stable so they don’t topple in choppy water.
  • Use the railing as an anchor point for a floral garland or ribbon.
  • Less is more — the surroundings already do a lot of the work.

Color palettes that work well on the water include white, blue, gold, natural tones, and deep green. These colors enhance the atmosphere of the canals and the boat itself.

How do you plan catering for a wedding on a boat?

Food and drink are a major part of the wedding experience. On a boat you have less space than in a traditional venue, so it’s wise to choose catering formats that suit the setting. Consider:

  • Walking dinner: Guests mingle with small dishes in hand. Social, relaxed, and perfect for a more informal wedding.
  • Onboard buffet: Straightforward and flexible — guests help themselves to whatever they like.
  • Plated set menu: More formal, but wonderfully elegant for a classic wedding.
  • Drinks and appetizers: Ideal if you want a laid-back atmosphere with the focus on the cruise itself.

Browse our wedding packages on the water for a complete overview of what’s possible in terms of catering and how your cruise can be arranged.

When is the best time to get married on a boat in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is beautiful from the water year-round, but there are clear peak periods and quieter moments. Here’s a handy overview:

  • May and June: Ideal. Long daylight hours, pleasant weather, and blossoming trees along the canals.
  • July and August: Popular but warm. Be prepared for busy waterways.
  • September and October: Beautiful autumn colors, quieter, and often more pleasant weather than the height of summer.
  • November through March: Less popular, but the canals have a character all their own. Enclosed boats are perfect during this period. December also brings opportunities around the Amsterdam Light Festival.

To guarantee availability, book at least six months in advance. The most popular weekends in May, June, and September tend to fill up quickly.

How Rederij de Nederlanden helps with your waterside wedding

At Rederij de Nederlanden, we take care of everything from start to finish, so you don’t have to think about a thing on your wedding day. We are one of the few boat companies in Amsterdam with vessels large enough for a complete wedding, from small intimate gatherings to groups of more than 100 guests.

  • Fully private: the boat is exclusively for your party
  • Choice of catering formats: walking dinner, buffet, plated menu, or drinks and appetizers
  • Captain, host, and crew included
  • Electric boats for a quiet, atmospheric cruise through Amsterdam
  • Tailored to you: from route to decoration and program
  • More than 10 years of experience with special occasions on the water

Want to find out what we can do for your wedding? Read more about us and discover why so many couples choose an unforgettable day on the water. Or get started right away and send us a no-obligation inquiry. We’d love to think through the possibilities with you.

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