Who is invited to the Independence Day reception? What is the dress code? What about medals and decorations?
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about the reception.
When do guests arrive at the reception? Should I bring the invitation card?
- The time indicated on the invitation card refers to the estimated time when guests will greet the President and his spouse. Guests are advised to arrive approximately 15 minutes before the specified time.
- The doors on Mariankatu will open for the first guests approximately 18.00.
- Guests must present their invitation card and a valid photo ID upon arrival.
- Kindly note that gifts cannot be brought to the reception.
- There is no parking available at the Presidential Palace.
Who is invited to the Independence Day reception?
- The Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace is hosted by the President of the Republic of Finland and his spouse. Each year, the presidential couple personally decides on the guests to be invited.
- The guests list includes distinguished individuals from various fields of society, as well as people the presidential couple have met during the year.
- All invitees must be at least 18 years of age.
Who can I bring as my ‘plus-one’?
- The invitation is always personal, including spouses. Both the name of the main invitee and their spouse must be visible on the invitation in order to gain entry.
- If you have received an invitation, but your spouse’s name does not appear on it, please contact the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland.
- Guests with physical disabilities may bring an assistant. This must be arranged in advance with the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland, as assistants also require an invitation card.
What is the dress code for the reception? What about medals and decorations?
- The dress code for the Independence Day reception is formal: long evening dress or national costume for women, and white tie and tails, dark suit, or a uniform corresponding to formal dress for med.
Please note: Tuxedos are not worn at the Independence Day reception. - Original-size medals or decorations, or miniature versions, may be worn with formal attire. Men wearing a dark suit or national costume should wear only original-size decorations. Women may, however, wear miniature decorations. The traditional belt knife (helavyöpuukko) that is part of the national costume may not be worn at the reception.
- It is recommended to wear Finnish decorations. For detailed instructions on the use of medals and decorations, please see A Guide to the Orders and Decorations of Finland and the website of the Chancery of the Orders of the White Rose of Finland and the Lion of Finland.
What do I say when greeting? Who greets the Presidential couple first?
- When greeting the presidential couple, guests are asked to simply introduce themselves by stating their first and last names without any other greetings or formalities. If two guests are a couple, they decide for themselves which of them greets first.
- Heralds and cadets are on hand to offer advice and assistance to guests during the reception. Heralds are identified by their blue and white sashes.
- Savoury and sweet snacks will be served.
Can I take photos at the Presidential Palace?
- Photography is allowed, but please take the other guests into consideration as well as the distinguished nature of the reception. Photography in the greeting queue is not permitted, for example.
- For safety reasons, photography is not permitted from the Hall of State and Atrium galleries because of the risk that devices may fall.
How is health security taken into account during the reception?
- Guests are asked not to attend if they feel ill.
- Ventilation in the Presidential Palace has been improved and there will be air purifiers running during the reception. Hand sanitisers will also be available.
- The Office of the President of the Republic of Finland always complies with the health and safety recommendations in force at any given time.
