Speed dates were held today in a romantically decorated council chamber in Castricum to hook up with future wedding officials. The municipalities of the BUCH (Bergen, Uitgeest, Castricum and Heiloo) still have a few vacancies. “The day of love is of course the day to organize this,” says Esmée Swart of the organization.
And that many people like to give bridal couples the most beautiful day of their lives, was evident from the number of registrations. “We have thirty registrations and they are mainly women. There is a screaming shortage of men, it is apparently more of a women’s thing,” says Swart. “Men are more than welcome.”
And the BABSEN (Extraordinary Civil Registrar)-to-be come from all over the province. Monique Tromp from Heerhugowaard has registered, among other things, because she often has to deal with confrontational divorces in youth care. “Now I want to sit at the front and celebrate love.”
shine
Monique Deen from Wervershoof saw the call on social media and did not hesitate to sign up. “When I was four I was already standing on a chair at a wedding making a wish. I am still the one who says a word or a piece when there is something to celebrate. I really enjoy doing that.”
According to Swart, who also performs marriages himself, you don’t just become a wedding official. There is a long list of requirements. “You have to be empathetic, representative, enthusiastic, good public speaking, socially skilled and you have to be able to make a couple shine on their special day. They have the leading role and not the wedding officiant.”
NH News put the future marriage officials to the test, view the images below