Elizabeth & Jordan

We love learning about new wedding traditions, and when we saw SuitShop groom Jordan posing with a shovel in hand on his wedding day, we knew we had to ask more questions. Jordan and Elizabeth chose to participate in the Southern tradition of burying the bourbon to ensure the weather was perfect for their wedding day. And it looks like it totally worked! 

So, what is burying the bourbon? 

According to SouthernLiving.com, “Southern folklore says that if you bury a bottle of bourbon at the site where the bride and groom are to be married it won't rain on their wedding day. According to many believers, this must be done exactly one month before the wedding, the bottle must be completely full, and it must be buried upside down to ensure maximum weather persuasion.”

The best part? “Then you dig it up and drink it with the wedding party, cheers!” -Groom Jordan 

Where this tradition originated is up for debate. It may even date back to the 17th century. Some say it began in Virginia, but maybe it came from bourbon’s home state of Kentucky. The consensus, however, is that wherever it came from, it works! And either way, as Jordan noted, it’s fun!

Tips for burying the bourbon: 

• Make sure you’re purchasing bourbon, not whiskey. “Per the American Bourbon Association, in order to be classified as bourbon, a whiskey needs to be distilled from a mixture of grains, or mash, that's at least 51 percent corn. Bourbon also must be aged in new charred oak barrels, and cannot include any additives or colorings.” -foodandwine.com Some bourbons you could pick up that would fit the bill include: Buffalo Trace, Bulleit, and Knob Creek. 
• Time it right. Legend has it that you must bury your bourbon 1 month (30 days) before your event. And, the weather when you bury your bourbon must be your ideal wedding day weather. So, if it’s raining when you’re planning to do your digging, best to wait until the next day. 
• Make sure you bury a bourbon you like to drink! Drinking the bourbon is a key component of this tradition to celebrate your nuptials. Either incorporate a toast into your ceremony or share the spirit with your family or wedding party afterward. 
• Get approval from your venue before digging in their ground. 
• Place your buried bourbon positioned upside down in the ground for optimal good weather magic.
• Make sure the burial spot is clearly marked so you don’t forget where to dig it back up by the time your wedding rolls around!

Whether you’re planning to bury the bourbon in preparation of your wedding celebration or you’re of the belief that wedding day rain is good luck and want to chance it, we’d love to see your wedding traditions and photos! Email us at weddings@suitshop.com for a chance to be featured!