FAQs
Question
When should I RSVP by?
Answer
As soon as you know you plan to attend - we’d love to do a happy dance that you’re coming! Formal invites will be sent out in early 2024 and the RSVP tab will become available. We also completely understand that there are many challenges to attending a wedding in Norway - if you already know you are unable to attend, please do let us know. The final date to rsvp by is March 11th, 2024.
Question
Will there be a livestream option if I can't travel to Norway?
Answer
Yes, we're working on having a livestream of the ceremony. Please reach out if you would like the link.
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
Welcome Event - This is held indoors at a beer hall, please dress to be able to play and have fun - jeans, nice tshirts, jumpsuits, and casual dresses are all welcome. Our wedding will be formal - suits, longer dresses. The design theme of the wedding is Nordic folklore if that helps inspire your outfit choices. While we will be inside for much of the event, welcome drinks will be on the patio, so plan to bring a layer if in doubt. Guests will have two opportunities to walk around the open-air historic structures of the museum on gravel paths, this is optional but plan ahead if you want to be able to easily walk.
Question
What about COVID?
Answer
If transmission rates are high in June, we may ask that everyone rapid test before the welcome event. Windows to the banquet hall will be open to encourage airflow. Anyone who wishes to mask for their own comfort and protection is welcome to do so.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
Although we love your little ones, our wedding events are planned with adults only in mind outside of the bridal party. The beer hall may be carding at the door, please bring your id with you to be safe even if you don't plan to drink.
Question
Can I bring a guest?
Answer
We have planned an intimate wedding with our nearest and dearest and we will be unable to accommodate any guests not directly invited by us.
Question
What do I need to travel to Norway?
Answer
For guests joining us from other countries, please ensure your passport is valid at least 6 months past the dates of the wedding/your travel outside the country. We’re hearing lots of news of delays on passport applications so if you need to apply or renew, please do so soon. US citizens can visit Norway visa-free for 2024. Leif has created a document of facts, tips, and further recommendations for Norway - it’s linked in our travel section of this site.
Question
Can I use my phone in Norway?
Answer
Tech has come a long way and it is now possible to pre-load an electronic sim card for Europe before departure. We recommend the Orange options (you can select the best plan based on usage and time in Europe) https://travel.orange.com/en/offers/europe/ Do make sure your phone supports e-sims and that it's unlocked by your carrier prior to purchase. You'll need to enable data roaming on arrival for the e-sim.
Question
How do I get around Oslo/to the events?
Answer
We've tried to select options that are easily accessible from the suggested hotels, but the public transportation in Oslo is easy and convenient for those wishing to explore. We have a charter bus picking up from Scandic Victoria to the venue and returning at the end of the night - it will depart for the venue at 3:15pm and return around midnight to the hotel. The bus will fit anyone who wishes to use it. If you need to leave prior to the end of the night, the local bus 30 regularly picks up outside our venue to return to the city center or a taxi/Uber can be called.
Question
How do I use public transport in Oslo?
Answer
Public transport in Oslo is operated by Ruter and consists of trams, buses, underground and overground trains, and trains. Public transport in Oslo is easy to use, clean, conveniant, and quick. Information is available in English as well. You need to carry a valid ticket to use the services (inspectors carry out random checks every now and then, failure to show a valid ticket may result in a hefty fine). Tickets can be bought at the Central Station, most underground stations have kiosks, or via Entur (use the app or https://entur.no/).
Question
Should I tip in Norway?
Answer
No. Norway does not have a tipping culture. Many restaurants might give you the option to add a tip on the payment screen, but you're in no way expected to (workers are paid a good wage).
Question
How much cash should I take out?
Answer
The currency in Norway is the krone (abbreviated to "NOK" or "kr"), $1 is around 10 kr. Norway is almost entirely cashless, but that said, it might be wise to carry 200-500 kr just in case. Visa and Mastercard Credit Cards are accepted, though not all places accept American Express. In a rare few cases, a Debit Card may be required instead of a Credit Card. You may also run into issues placing online purchases due to EU security requirements.
Question
Do prices include tax?
Answer
Yes, all prices you see (from items in a shop, to food on a menu, or for a drink) already have all taxes and surcharges included. For non-food purchases exceeding ~$35, you can claim a tax refund through Global Blue at participating stores (look for the sign at the register and ask for the form). https://www.globalblue.com/
Question
Are there any laws regarding alcohol I should know?
Answer
Yes. Norway has strict alcohol laws. It is illegal to drink alcohol in public, if a restaurant or bar has an outside area you must finish or leave your drink there if you're heading out. If you want to buy your own alcohol, beer (up to 4.5 ABV) can be bought at supermarkets until 8 PM (though this varies) on weekdays. Anything stronger than 4.5 ABV (wines and spirits) must be bought at Vinmonopolet stores (see http://vinmonopolet.no for more information). Prices will be 2-3x what it costs in the US, Norway taxes alcohol at 25% and is one of the most expensive places in the world to drink.
Question
Will all drinks be covered?
Answer
Due to our budget limitations and the high cost of alcohol in Norway, we have had to cap the amount we can cover. We have allocated funds for the following drinks for everyone: Welcome event - Up to 3 drinks each. Reception - Welcome drink, wine throughout dinner, liqueur with dessert, and up to 3 drinks (beer/wine/signature drinks) post dinner. We’ve mathed the maths and think that this amount will be plenty for everyone. In the event the cap is reached, anyone who wishes to drink more on their own tab at either event is welcome to do so.
Question
What's happening with the sun?
Answer
Ah, yes. Oslo is so far north in the world that summer days are very long. In June, sunrise will be before 4 am and sundown around 11 pm. However, Oslo is below the Arctic Circle (66° north) and technically still has a nighttime with no sun. In the Arctic, where Leif's town of Berlevåg lies (70° north), you get the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets at this time of year.
Question
Is there a US Embassy in Norway?
Answer
Yes, and it's in Oslo. Its address is: Morgedalsvegen 36, 0378 Oslo. And you can find them online at https://no.usembassy.gov/
Question
Any Norwegian wedding traditions I should know about?
Answer
There were many traditions that didn't make sense to us or are less popular for modern weddings, but the following will likely make an appearance. Toasting and the Role of Toastmaster: Toasting is a much bigger part of Norwegian receptions than American ones. You can expect short emotional and funny recollections, songs, and even skits about the bride and/or groom throughout the dinner. The toastmaster is responsible for collecting the toasts and organizing the program. If you are interested in participating in this tradition, please reach out to our toastmaster (peterolaussen@hotmail.com) by May 1st - the more the merrier. Skål! Kissing Traditions: As with American weddings, guests can clink their glasses to get the bride and groom to kiss. This is where it gets a little different, the bride and groom will then stand on their chairs and kiss. If the guests stomp their feet, the bride and groom need to kiss each other under the table. Let’s maybe limit these two ;) Ceremony Exit: Unlike in the US where a grand exit occurs after the reception, it is traditional to do one post-ceremony in Norway. Guests will be asked to line the path from the ceremony venue to the reception and cheer on the couple as they pass through. Bridal Crown: In parts of Western Norway, it was traditional to wear a bridal crown that was passed down through families to their daughters. We may have put our own spin on this. Traditional Dress: Some Norwegian guests may choose to wear bunad, traditional dress embroidered with Norwegian symbols and decor. Designs will differ from city to city and region to region and represent the wearer's heritage.
Question
Help, I still have more questions!?
Answer
If we haven’t answered something crucial here, please reach out!