Scandinavian Wedding Checklist

Book Church or Civil Ceremony Venue

Reserve a Lutheran church or a civil ceremony venue. If you are planning a church wedding in Sweden, confirm that at least one partner is a member of the Church of Sweden. In Norway, confirm the arrangements with the church or the civil registrar.

Arrange Bridal Crown (Brudkrone/Brudkrona)

Confirm whether there is a family heirloom crown, reserve a church-owned crown (Sweden), or arrange to rent one from a museum or heritage society (Norway). Schedule a fitting with your hairstylist.

Book Reception Venue

Reserve a reception venue that suits a long dinner with speeches and dancing. Scandinavian weddings average around 50–100 guests.

Hire Folk Fiddler (Spelman)

Find and book a traditional fiddler for the bridal procession, and possibly for entertainment at the reception.

Order Kransekake

Order a traditional almond ring cake tower from a Scandinavian bakery, or arrange for it to be made at home. Check that it is safe for any guests with nut allergies.

Prepare Coins for Shoes

The bride's father provides a silver coin and her mother provides a gold coin for the shoe tradition, which is mainly Swedish.

Coordinate Guest Speeches and Songs

Reach out to the guests who will give speeches or sing songs during the dinner. Put together a running order with the toastmaster.

Obtain Marriage License

Apply for a certificate of no impediment from the relevant tax authority (Skatteverket in Sweden, Skatteetaten in Norway). Allow enough time for processing. The certificate is typically valid for four months.

Confirm Witnesses

Make sure at least two witnesses over 18 are available, as the law requires in all Scandinavian countries.

Select Toastmaster (Toastmester/Toastmaster)

Choose a toastmaster to manage the speeches, songs and entertainment during the dinner. The role is important for keeping the long dinner on track.

Bridal Crown Fitting and Practice

Do a test fitting of the bridal crown with your hairstyle, to check that it is comfortable and stays in place. Traditional crowns can be very heavy.

Confirm Wedding Rings

Check that the wedding bands are ready and fit properly. In Sweden, both partners typically exchange engagement rings, not just the bride. Norwegian couples traditionally wear wedding rings on the right hand.

Finalize Hymn Selection

Confirm the hymns and readings for the ceremony with the officiant.

Order Aquavit and Beverages

Order aquavit and other traditional Scandinavian drinks for the toasts at the reception.