Bridal fashion in Leeuwarden and Rotterdam

The most beautiful bridal fashion is an essential part of getting married on the most beautiful day of your life. After the dip during the corona years (2020 and 2021), the number of weddings (68,0 couples) and registered partnerships (23,0 couples) increased. These are the latest figures for 2023 according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). 'Ja, ik wil!' was on display at the Fries Museum (Leeuwarden) until February 16, 2025. However, you can still visit the 'Say Yes' exhibition at the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam until October 26, 2025. For inspiration if you are still looking for a designer dress.

Yes, I do!

In the autumn of 2024, the Fries Museum presented a major exhibition on the wedding dress of the past 250 years, featuring historical, modern, and contemporary dresses. The focus was on the wedding dress in the Netherlands. The museum took the visitor on a journey through time, from the 18th century to the present, in search of the essence of the wedding dress. To which fashions and traditions was the dress subject? Where does the 'white' wedding dress, as we know it today, come from? And what does the dress say about the wearer? *Ja, ik wil!* (Yes, I Do!) was on display in Leeuwarden from September 14, 2024, to February 16, 2025. One of the highlights of the exhibition was Queen Máxima's wedding dress, in which she said 'I do' to (then) Prince Willem-Alexander on February 2, 2002. The Italian fashion house Valentino created an ivory mikado silk dress for the princess with long sleeves, a standing neckline, and a five-meter-long train.  

Marriage February 2, 2002 (02-02-2002)

[/ One_half] [one_half_last]                On February 2, 2002 (02-02-02), the Mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen, officiated the civil marriage in the Great Hall of the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam. The marriage was subsequently blessed in the church at the local new church by Reverend Carel ter Linden, minister in the Dutch Reformed Church. [/ One_half] [one_half_last]                  On that day, Máxima wore a Valentino wedding dress and a tiara, the star jewels of which had belonged to Queen Emma and the base of which came from the tiara Beatrix wore at her inauguration as queen. These are the two stamps from the 2004 sheet Royal Family III. Prince Willem-Alexander and Máxima: wedding in the Nieuwe Kerk. The bridal couple returns to the Royal Palace on Dam Square for the balcony scene.  

  These are the two stamps from the 2004 sheet Royal Family III. Prince Willem-Alexander and Máxima: balcony of the Royal Palace on Dam Square. The marriage between Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Argentine Máxima Zorreguieta on February 2, 2002, was one of the biggest 'media events' in our country. There was also a great deal of attention for this royal spectacle abroad, particularly in Germany. Media attention for the couple began well over two and a half years before the momentous day. A potential marriage of the Crown Prince is newsworthy in itself. The fact that Máxima's father, Jorge Zorreguieta, has a controversial political past initially demanded the most attention. However, as the wedding day approached and the Netherlands became acquainted with Máxima, the discussion increasingly gave way to positive reporting on the future princess.

On February 2, 2002, six million television viewers in the Netherlands were ready for the wedding ceremony. The worldwide audience was estimated at fifty-five million. No expense was spared for the extensive live coverage. Director Rudolf Spoor bids a dignified farewell with this tour de force. The footage of the wedding, particularly Máxima's tear during the tango *Adiós Nonino*, the close-ups of the vows, and the kiss on the balcony, was frequently replayed in various programs in the years that followed. [/ One_half] [one_half_last]           [/ One_half_last] Our former colonies also issued wedding stamps on February 2, 2002. Netherlands Antilles Photos used from previous visits by Prince Willem-Alexander and Máxima. The series consists of two stamps and a block. The photo on the block was taken just after the engagement during the visit to Roermond on October 23, 2001. After Roermond, Hulsberg and Maastricht were also visited on the same day as part of the 'tour of the whole of the Netherlands'. [/ One_half] [one_half_last]          For Aruba The Royal Palace on Dam Square, the Golden Coach, the Beurs van Berlage, and the Nieuwe Kerk form the backdrop for the two stamps. Naturally, countries (mostly banana republics) that have no connection to our Royal House issue stamps. The Royal Wedding stamps of Union of MyanmarThe stamps issued in 2002 for Somalia, the Republic of Congo, and Kyrgyzstan are illegal and were never issued by the mentioned postal administrations. So be careful if these sheets are offered on the internet. Below is the Union of Myanmar sheet.

Below are the images of Liberia en Solomon Islands.

 

 

 

Wedding Bells (Godley & Creme)

Wedding Bells is a song written and recorded by the English duo Godley & Creme, released as the second single from their fourth studio album, Ismism (1981). The single reached number seven on the UK Singles Chart in December 1981. The cover art for the single was created by music photographer Peter Ashworth. Video Godley & Creme – Wedding Bells (1981):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2l_OBsq3Lc  

Say Yes – Internationale trends in trouwmode

Discover the versatility and significance of wedding fashion in the SAY YES exhibition at Wereldmuseum Rotterdam. From January 31 to October 26, 2025, experience an inspiring journey through wedding traditions and modern designs from various cultures. Be surprised by iconic creations, innovative trends, and the deeper stories behind this special fashion. Wedding attire is so much more than a dress or a suit; it is an expression of identity, tradition, and connection. With SAY YES, Wereldmuseum Rotterdam takes you into the rich world of international wedding fashion. From January 31, 2025, to October 26, 2025, you will discover how wedding styles from diverse cultures are once again in the spotlight and how traditional elements are being innovatively translated into contemporary design.

 

Just Say Yes (Snow Patrol)

Just Say Yes is a song by the alternative rock group Snow Patrol. The song was released on October 30, 2009, and November 2, 2009, as the first single from Up to Now, a compilation album featuring three new songs, which was released on November 9, 2009. Written by Gary Lightbody and produced by Jacknife Lee, Just Say Yes is the British follow-up to The Planets Bend Between Us, while in the Netherlands it follows If There's a Rocket Tie Me to It. The song was originally written for Gwen Stefani and subsequently for Nicole Scherzinger. Just Say Yes spent three weeks at number one in the Dutch Top 40 starting December 5, 2009.   Video Snow Patrol – Just Say Yes (2009):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW1hv37imjw  

<strong> More info: </strong>

Exhibition 'Yes, I Do!', 250 years of wedding dresses, Fries Museum, September 14, 2024 to February 16, 2025 with beautiful videos and photos: https://www.friesmuseum.nl/te-zien-en-te-doen/tentoonstellingen/ja-ik-wil Exhibition 'Say Yes – International trends in wedding fashion', World Museum Rotterdam, through October 26, 2025: https://rotterdam.wereldmuseum.nl/nl/zien-en-doen/tentoonstellingen/say-yes At the World Museum Rotterdam, you can also rent space for the reception after seeing the exhibition: https://rotterdam.wereldmuseum.nl/nl/eventlocatie Previous museum blogs: https://www.postzegelblog.nl/tag/made-in-holland/ Previous Royal House blogs: https://www.postzegelblog.nl/tag/koninklijk-huis/