Who is invited to the Independence Day reception? Who can be brought as a ‘plus-one’? What is the dress code for the reception? 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 marked on the invitation card indicates the estimated greeting time. Guests should arrive at the Presidential Palace 15 minutes before the time marked on the invitation card
- The doors to Mariankatu will open for the first guests at around 18.30
- Guests must present their invitation card and photo ID upon arrival
- Gifts cannot, unfortunately, be brought to the Presidential Palace
- There is no parking at the Presidential Palace
Who is invited to the Independence Day reception?
- The Independence Day reception is an event hosted by the President of the Republic of Finland and his spouse, who each year decide on the guests to be invited
- The guests include distinguished people from various fields of society and people the President and his spouse have met in the course of the year
- The guests are over 18 years of age
Who can I bring as my ‘plus-one’?
- The invitation is always personal, even for the spouse. Both the name of the main invitee and the name of the spouse must appear on the invitation
- If you have received an invitation and you have a spouse whose name does not appear on the invitation, please contact the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
- An invitee may be accompanied by an assistant, if necessary. This has to be agreed separately with the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland, as the assistant also needs an invitation card
What is the dress code for the reception? What about medals and decorations?
- The dress code for the reception is formal, that is, long evening dress, national costume, white tie and tails, dark suit or uniform corresponding to formal dress. Tuxedos are not worn at the Independence Day reception
- Original-size medals or decorations or miniature versions may be worn with formal attire. Men in dark suit and national costume wear only original-size decorations. Women may, however, wear miniature decorations. The national costume ‘helavyö’ knife may not be worn in the Presidential Palace
- It is recommended to wear Finnish decorations. For more detailed instructions on the use of medals and decorations, 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 President and his spouse, guests are asked to simply introduce themselves by saying their first and last names, without any other greetings or addresses Couples can choose who will greet the Presidential couple first
- Heralds and cadets will provide advice and assistance to guests during the reception. Heralds are identified by their blue and white sashes
- Serving begins when the first guests have greeted the Presidential couple. Savoury and sweet snacks are 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?
- Health security will be taken into account in a number of ways in the arrangements for 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 are also available for guests
- The Office of the President of the Republic of Finland always complies with the health and safety recommendations in force at any given time
