In their core, the standards are not set to be limiting, they just define the minimal requirements for design and interaction. Generally, designs do not have to be drastically changed, there is no limitation to which colours can and can not be used, etc. However, the standards require more attention to details. Use fonts that are large enough. Do not use long sentences, but overflow them to the next line. If buttons are simply indicated with an icon, use title attributes to explain what the button does. Give a clear indication of what you expect from users, for instance which elements are clickable, which requirements input fields have, etc.
It is also possible to get a certification for WCAG compliance. In The Netherlands, the Stichting Waarmerk drempelvrij.nl is one of the organisations that can test a website for compliance. Remember that if there is a wish for certification, there will be extra costs involved. Apart from the price of the certification itself, there is an added cost to design, development and testing. The whole website will be inspected, and the devil is in the details.
We have experience with making websites complaint and getting a certification. We are also registered in the Toegankelijkheidsregister, https://www.toegankelijkheidsregister.nl/register/unc-inc-amsterdam