Any wedding is difficult to plan. Move the big day to a different country, and there’s even more to think about. So we’ve asked some of our favourite travellers to share their top tips. This month: Jules Von Hep on his Dutch wedding.
26 April 2023
The Netherlands might not be the first place that springs to mind when planning a destination wedding. But for Isles of Paradise founder Jules Von Hep and his husband Mark Beverlo, it was a natural choice. “My husband is Dutch,” Jules explains. While planning, they initially looked at venues in the UK. Eventually, they realised it’s a much nicer experience getting married in another country.
Through their wedding planner, Jules and Mark found their florist Menno Kroon, who owns a property 45 minutes south of Amsterdam, just outside of Utrecht. “People just think of the Netherlands as going to Amsterdam and getting stoned,” Jules says. “It’s an incredibly beautiful country. It was really nice to be able to show all our friends the chic side.”
Here, Jules shares his and Mark’s tips on planning a destination wedding in the Netherlands.
Don’t Be Afraid to Do Things Your Way
“We just did not want a cookie-cutter wedding,” Jules says. While there are lots of parts of a wedding that might feel like musts, this is your day, and you can spend it however feels best to you.
For Jules and Mark, that meant making things as lively as possible. “We had a wet wedding,” he explains, “which means people can drink through the ceremony because I personally hate being desperate for a drink. We had a drag queen DJ – they’re actually Dutch cabin crew by day. We played ‘90s house during dinner.” The important takeaway is that your wedding day should represent all the things that bring you joy; be true to that, rather than trying to stick to tradition.
Choose Wedding Traditions that Fit
Many wedding traditions stem from conventional ceremonies. However, you can – and should – select the ones that resonate with you and avoid those that don’t. “I walked down the aisle with my dad, which as a guy, I didn’t really anticipate happening. But because I leaned into taking that role, I had a really special moment with my dad beforehand,” Jules shares. “If you want to be the bride, be the bride.”
Let the Venue Do the Hard Work
One of the best aspects of getting married abroad is discovering the perfect venue that can significantly elevate the aesthetics of your special day. For Jules and his husband, this was a florist’s house about 45 minutes south of Amsterdam. “We had 150 guests,” Jules notes. “Amsterdam’s venues are very small, so we needed to travel outside of the city for the day. We found an amazing florist, Menno Kroon, who occasionally hosts weddings at his estate in Cothen.”
Wedding Outfit Drama Affects Everyone
Conversations around wedding outfits often center on women; however, menswear has its share of challenges as well. Jules states, “There’s such a lack of diversity,” especially when facing pressures around weight and body image during outfit fittings.
Maximize Time with Your Guests
Since your guests may be traveling from all over the globe to attend your destination wedding, it’s vital to make the most of the time you have with them. Jules mentions, “We had a rehearsal dinner. Then we met our friends in a bar in Amsterdam. It was low-key.” Consider providing recommendations for local attractions to help your guests appreciate the destination.
Avoid Getting Too Invested in Small Details
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and it’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae. Jules emphasizes the importance of remembering what truly matters, stating, “When things are too perfect, it loses soul. There’s no charm in a robotic day.”
Prioritize What’s Important to You
This might be music, photography, or dancing. For Jules and Mark, it was keeping the wedding as sustainable as possible. “We had sustainable dining,” he mentions, elucidating on their zero waste policy and the importance of local ingredients.
Work with Aligned Suppliers
A wedding is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with suppliers whose values align with yours. Jules and Mark sought out local vendors who were familiar with their venue, ensuring that they had the best experience possible.
It’s All in the Brief
Regardless of how casual a wedding may seem, a significant amount of thought has gone into it. Jules notes, “We sent our mood boards, pictures, and playlists so that everyone we were working with could see the vision.”
Keep It Fun
Ultimately, your wedding should be enjoyable. Jules shares, “Guests arrived to Champagne and canapés and had cocktails and snacks while the newlyweds took photos.” Ensuring an entertaining atmosphere will enhance everyone’s experience.
