Norwegian Wedding Toasts: Cheers, Speeches, and Customs

Who speaks, and when

• A toastmaster runs the dinner and keeps the traditional order: the bride's father first, then the groom, then the bride, then the best man and maid of honor, then others.
• The groom's speech is expected and is usually warm and personal, often ending with a toast to his wife.
• Friends and family add short speeches and songs, signed up in advance.

How long

Three to five minutes, set by the toastmaster. The groom's and the father's can run longer. The dinner is built around them.

What you’ll see

• The kransekake, a tower of almond rings, is the wedding cake. The couple lifts the top ring together; the number of rings that come with it is said to predict their children.
• Guests tap glasses to make the couple kiss, as in Denmark, and stamp their feet to make them kiss under the table.
• Many brides wear a bunad, the regional folk costume, or a silver crown that was traditionally lent by the church.
• Speeches end with 'skål' and the room answers. A song to the couple, with printed lyrics, is common.
• The bride's dance with her father and the couple's first dance are often a traditional waltz.

If you’re the guest from somewhere else

• Ask the toastmaster for a slot if you want to speak. The order is more fixed here than in most countries.
• Tap your glass once or twice during dinner. It is expected, and the couple enjoys it.
• Dinner is long and the speeches are the point. Do not plan to slip away early.

A toast you could give

Short, warm, specific to the couple, and ending on the phrase. Swap in your own names and your own detail; the shape is what matters.

Ingrid taught me to ski and never once laughed, which took more patience than the skiing. Henrik, you have the most patient person in Norway. To Ingrid and Henrik. Skål, og leve brudeparet!