Earlier, decorations were worn even in everyday life, but more recently, their use has declined and is today limited to festive occasions only. Guidelines on the wearing of Finnish decorations are laid out in a set of rules adopted on 1 June 1940 and in subsequent amendments to them.

Civilian attires with which decorations may be worn:

• white tie (full evening dress)
• black tie (dinner jacket)
• dark suit
• national costume

Provisions on wearing decorations with military and other uniforms have been laid down in a norm of the Defence Command Personnel Division confirmed in 2020, Regulation of the Defence Command HQ69 (fin).