An anniversary date difficult to forget

21 February 2005

AMSTERDAM — In love and planning to marry this year, but don’t yet have a date for the ceremony? Why not try 20 May?

This date is very popular among Dutch couples, primarily because the date (20-05-2005) looks so nice on wedding cards and invitations.

Staff at municipal offices said the date is proving popular because it is a Friday and the chance of good weather is reasonably good, news agency ANP reported.

A spokeswoman from the city of Almere also said the date 20-05 was “easy to remember for men”. The date 05-05-05 is also popular, but many council offices are closed because of the Ascension Day holiday.

Nijmegen is making an exception, but couples wanting to marry on that day will have to pay EUR 900.

Smaller municipalities are also allowing it if a public servant is willing, but again for a hefty price, RTL News reported

Dutch weddings must be performed by a civil celebrant, appointed by the local council.

Subject: Dutch news