Dutch Catholic Wedding?

Question

I have been searching for information on this for a while now and I just can't find the right facts. What I am trying to find out is: what are the vows like (example if possible), attire, reception (if there is one), symbol of love (trading of rings if so what hand). I have looked at tons of sites on "dutch wedding traditions" and they all say the same thing...couple sits on throne and the guest come up and wish them the best etc. What are modern touches that happen. Is it like the American wedding; groom waits in the front, bride in white, walks down with the father, instrumental procession? Please be as specific as possible. Thanks to anybody that answers. If you have had a catholic Dutch wedding just summarize what happened at your wedding; if you don't mind. thanks

The region is Limburg. More specific: Sittard/Maastricht.

Answer 1

A dutch catholic wedding is just the same as any other catholic wedding!
The only difference could be that, in order to get "married" in church, you first have to go and have a civil marriage!

the vows : these days people write their own vows but the main ingredients are there...fidelity, loyalty, sickness and health...

attire : I think you mean clothes? the bridal party : men in tucks, the bride in white and the others in ceremony outfit (long dresses and so on), the guests : they wear what they like but men often were a suit and the ladies dress up a bit

reception : depends on the couple really... sometimes there is a reception immediately after the marriage were friends and so on are invited...the real party is mostly in the evening with family and best friends ...
but it's all up to the couple...

symbol of love : trading of rings! which hands depends on the region...

about the throne thing... I don't think this happens anymore...

Of all the programs about (American) weddings I've seen on TV, I have to conclude that it's just the same in these parts of the world...

Answer 2

Basically the same as an American wedding. The dutch don't take the traditions that seriously anymore these days. It has become popular to customize the wedding to your own taste.
After the church wedding in the morning, there is a photo session for the couple, while the family will go to the reception. There the couple will stand to receive their guests. Bride on the left, her family next to her. father, mother, oldest sister/brother etc. the same on the grooms side. People will usually give money in an envelope, since most couples request it. There will be "koffie en gebak". In the evening there will be a party with a band for invited people, with lots and lots of alcohol. Family and friends will perform skits to ridicule the couple or give speeches. There can also be a small booklet, with some songs for a sing along (with self made lyrics), pictures of the couple, jokes, cartoons,...There are differences according to the class people belong to. In Maastricht people are quite uppity, and will drink more wine instead of beer.
In Brabant (don't know about Limburg) friends will often play pranks on the newly weds. One of my neighbours woke up every hour by a siren on a timer hidden in the chimney, on another occasion all the guests brought canned food with the labels removed, sometimes there will be banner on the house with innuendo to what is going on in the house during the wedding night.

Answer 3

I agree with Cisje, receptions and parties all depend on what the couple wants and can afford. In Limburg there are usually hugh parties with a lot of drinking. The wedding ring for catholics will be on the left finger all the other religions wear it on the right finger. Before the church wedding there will always be a civil wedding and this does not always happen on the same day. Sometimes a day to a week in between them.

Answer 4

I do not know about Dutch customs.

But I believe Catholic Marriage vows are about the same all over the world except in language.

Here are the usual Catholic marriage vows in English.

+ Marriage Vows +

I (...), take you (...) to be my husband/wife.
I promise to be true to you
in good times and in bad,
in sickness and in health.
I will love you and honor you
all the days of my life.

Or

I (...), take you (...) for my lawful husband/wife,
to have and to hold,
from this day forward,
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
until death do us part.

Or

In the name of God,
I (...) take you (...) to be my husband/wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward,
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
until we are parted by death.
This is my solemn vow.

Notice there is nothing about 'obeying.'

+ Exchange of Rings +

(...), take this ring
as a sign of my love and fidelity.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

With love in Christ.