Information taken from Bloemenbureau Holland.
Since January 28th, 2002, 25 top flower arrangers were busy decorating the Beurs van Berlage and the Nieuwe Kerk with almost 30.000 flowers, garden plants, trees and shrubs. This was the wedding gift from the Association of Dutch Flower Auctions and marketing organisations the Flower Council of Holland, the International Flower Bulb Centre and Plant Publicity Holland to the Prince of Orange and his bride. A whole range of flowers and plants was specially grown to be at their peak on February 2nd, as they normally do not flower in winter. Its execution was placed in the hands of top floral artist Johan Weisz. In 1953 Weisz spent part of his training at the Het Loo Palace and is now placing his skills at the disposal of the fourth generation of the House of Orange. In 1980 this experienced floral artist directed the floral tribute prepared for the inauguration of Queen Beatrix in the Nieuwe Kerk. He was also responsible for the flower decoration at the wedding of Prince Constantijn and Laurentien Brinkhorst in 2001. Trainee florist Suzanne Scheffer was more than delighted to find herself on the illustrious team. She was the winner of a special competition in which 25 florists and 25 trainees created a total of 100 bridal bouquets for Máxima. Scheffer was declared the winner by a jury of experts and this resulted in the trainee being offered a place in the team of arrangers.
Several months ago the arranger and the bride-to-be visited both the Nieuwe Kerk and the Beurs van Berlage, where the church and civil wedding ceremonies were held. Máxima Zorreguieta showed a definite preference for romantic arrangements in shades of white and green. These were the predominant colours used in the decorations in the Nieuwe Kerk. The only exception was the decoration of the choir screen where the soft shades of cream and yellow merged gently into its own golden colour.
Decoration at the Beurs van Berlage
The arrangements in the Beurs van Berlage were in harmony with the specific character and beautiful architecture of this stately building. Simple arrangements were decided to match the ambience of the building and geometrical shapes form the basis. Red brickwork, blue carpets and severe lines were the point of departure for the flower and plant arrangements. These elements were reflected in twelve square pillars, three metres tall, covered in yellow orchids. Blue areas have been created on the floor using Hyacinths and Delphiniums. Fragrance was a factor in the selection of the flowers. Strongly fragranced flowers such as Hyacinth, Lilies of the Valley, Lathyrus and Lilac abound.
At the Beursplein entrance, at the top of the stairs 4 arrangements of golden yellow Azalea mollis welcome guests.
Great hall / marriage hall: The consistent use of yellow in the vertical lines and blue in the horizontal areas creates a distinctive link to the colours and shapes in the architecture of the building itself. In the marriage hall, 12 huge pillars, each 3 metres tall dominate the scene. These are covered in moss and 3,000 yellow orchids and define the ambience to a large extent. An attractive arrangement of yellow orchids is also used to decorate the table used by Lord Mayor Cohen of Amsterdam. Echoing the geometrical proportions of the hall, horizontal areas have been created using 3,000 blue Hyacinths ('Blue Jacket) and 4,000 blue Delphiniums of the variety 'Blue Shadow'.
The Tooropzaal, the private quarters used by the couple and the family, is decorated with a particularly breathtaking arrangement of Viburnum, roses, Syringia, lilies and exclusive cut foliage.
Decoration at the Nieuwe Kerk
Entrance Nieuwe Zijds Voorburgwal, outside (where the couple enters): The couple will enter the church under a canopy, 13 metres wide, 6 metres deep and 4 metres high. The canopy contains 6,500 white flowers including Hydrangea, roses and baby's breath. The canopy is held up by very delicate supports making it look like a floating cloud of white.
Entrance, inside, below the organ: On the left and right of the two rows of pillars are strong compositions made with specially forced lilac bushes, Azaleas, Viburnum (snowball), Rhododendron and birches in leaf. There are also vases of lilies, roses (Avalance), Delphinium and tulips. The classical arrangements in white represent the spring and add the finishing touch to the entrance.
Family pews: the awnings over the family pews are decorated with a variety of white flowers including Dendrobium orchids, double flowered tulips of the 'Casablanca' variety, snowballs and roses of the 'Bianca' variety. The hanging flowers suggest a waterfall. The panels of the family pews are hung with classic garlands of greenery and moss combined with Phalaenopsis orchids and Hydrangeas.
Side entrances from the Dam and Gravenstraat (where the guests enter): Arrangements 3.5 metres tall stand on the left and right of the entrance through which the guests enter. These are made up of birches, lilacs, Viburnum (snowball), Rhododendron and Hydrangeas. The medallions in the oaken panels of the entrance are picked out with garlands of flowers containing white orchids, green/white parrot tulips, Hydrangea and cut foliage.
Choir stalls: In front of the choir stalls we find two lavish, classically romantic arrangements on pedestals. The shades of white turn soft yellow and cream, eventually blending with the golden colour of the stalls.
Liturgical Centre (platform): The altar is decorated with a transparent floral decoration composed of roses, Viburnum, Hydrangea and lilies ('oriental lily Syberia'). The entire platform is surrounded by a border of 800 white Hyacinths ('White Pearl'), Lathyrus and double flowered tulips. The corners are filled with lily of the valley. These flowers fill the entire church with their fragrance and play an important part in creating the romantic and ceremonial atmosphere.
The Choir: Two arrangements on tall pedestals are located on the left and right behind the orchestra and choir. These are romantic compositions of Delphinium, Syringia, Viburnum (snowball), roses and tulips.
Pulpit: The pulpit is edged with foliage with the occasional touch of white.
Six hanging arrangements at various locations: Light and airy, oval shaped arrangements are hung at six locations in the church. These too are in shades of white and green and create a romantic ambience.
Decoration at the Palace on the Dam Square
Last Photo: Netty Leistra