What to do & When to do it

12–18 Months before

• Set a budget and decide how many guests to invite

• Choose a date (remember different seasons, midnight sun vs. winter dark, especially if outdoors).

• Book a local wedding planner, to help you navigate your wedding in a foreign country.

• Book your ceremony venue (church, rådhus [city hall], or outdoor location).

• Book your reception venue (locations in Norway, especially fjords and historic hotels and big events, book early).

• Draft your guest list (international guests need more notice).

• Wedding website with practical information to your guests.

Foto: Ole Laget

9–12 Months before

• Secure key vendors: photographer, videographer, musicians / band / DJ, printings, caterer (if not included with venue).

• Send out a “save the date”.

• Book accommodation (especially if in small towns or fjord areas).

• Go wedding dress shopping. Many dresses must be ordered 6-8 months prior to your wedding.

• Book honeymoon

• Start designing your invitations.

6–9 Months before

• Book officiant / minister / celebrant

• Book hair and makeup artist and find out if any of the guests require this

• Order wedding cake

• Plan travel and accommodation for guests

• Finalize décor and theme. Order rental produts (glasses, lights, chairs, chair covers, crockery etc.)

4–6 Months before

• Apply for marriage license requirements in your own country.

  Check what requirements your authorities need

• Arrange for any paperwork translations/apostilles (if international)

• Apply for “prøvingsattest”

• Send invitations (earlier if many guests are flying in).

• Arrange menu tasting.

• Order wedding rings.

2–4 Months before

• Work with the seating chart for your guests

• Final dress/suit fittings.

• Bachelor/bachelorette (utdrikningslag).

• Finalize ceremony details (music, readings, vows).

• Create a day-of timeline.

1–2 Months before

• Finalize the guest count. Check your RSVP’s, are there any allergies or special needs?

• Confirm all vendors.

• Write wedding vows

• Print programs, menus, name cards, welcome sign and seating chart.

• Buy gifts for family/wedding party.

• Plan legal name change (if applicable).

2–3 Weeks before

• Have final guest count to venue/caterer

• Hair and makeup trial.

• Check weather plan (outdoor weddings in Norway need backup indoor options).

• Pack for honeymoon.

• Break in shoes.

1 Week before

• Rehearsal with wedding party.

• Pack an emergency wedding kit (umbrella, safety pins, makeup, etc.).

• Confirm transport.

• Mani & pedi

Wedding day

• Get married and enjoy the ride!

• Bring ID, prøvingsattest, and other documents.

• After the ceremony, the officiant sends paperwork to Skatteetaten. You’ll receive a marriage certificate (vigselattest) later.