Everything to Know About the South’s Bury the Bourbon Tradition

You may be familiar with toasting to your newlywed status with a bottle of champagne, but there's another wedding tradition you just might be missing out on. You can bury the bourbon (and yes, it has to be bourbon and not just any old whiskey) to help ensure your wedding day weather is perfect. Have you ever heard of it? Well, this is one of many Southern wedding traditions to help you gear up for your special day, and we're going to share everything you need to know in order to partake in this fun custom. We spoke with expert wedding planner, Jyl Deering of Deering Events based in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, who has insight into this tradition, thanks to her former couples participating in this pre-wedding ceremony. So, let's take a closer look at burying the bourbon and what it means to do this before your wedding.

In this article:

• What Is the Bury the Bourbon Wedding Tradition?
• Why Do You Bury a Bottle of Bourbon?
• Bury the Bourbon Origin
• When Do You Bury the Bourbon?
• Where to Bury the Bourbon?
• Tips for Burying the Bourbon

What Is the Bury the Bourbon Wedding Tradition?

There are many American wedding traditions, and burying the bourbon might be a lesser-known one, especially if you don't live in the South. Simply put, you and your spouse bury a bottle of bourbon so that the weather on the day of your wedding is rain-free and full of sunshine. Plus, you even get to dig it up and enjoy it during your reception.

Why Do You Bury a Bottle of Bourbon?

Though there are superstitious reasons why, it may also just be another chance to celebrate before and during your wedding day. But why bourbon specifically? We don't know for sure, but one reason may be because it's a great drink that you can share with your loved ones during your wedding day to keep the party going.

Bury the Bourbon Origin

Though it's unknown, the bury the bourbon tradition seemed to originate in Kentucky, a state known for its bourbon and whiskey. And since the South has unpredictable weather, it's believed this tradition began so couples would have sunny, perfect weather for their wedding day. Although rain on your wedding day can be considered lucky in some cultures, some may want to perform this if they're having an outdoor ceremony or reception. However, the tradition may also stem from connecting with the land and seeking nature's blessing for your nuptials.

When Do You Bury the Bourbon?

Burying the bourbon is a specific ceremony that must be done one month before the wedding, at the same time you intend to exchange vows. Make a whole day of this occasion so that you and your future spouse will have a memorable time while still sticking to the schedule. Consider bringing a small picnic to the site to enjoy after your bourbon is in the ground.

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Where to Bury the Bourbon?

According to Deering, "You bury it upside down, [and] you do it at the site of the wedding." Just dig a small enough hole to cover it in a spot you can remember at the venue and the bottle must be full. (Also, make sure you have the venue's permission before you do this tradition.)

Tips for Burying the Bourbon

Even if you don't buy into wedding traditions and superstitions, this is still a fun way to count down to your wedding. How could you resist another reason to celebrate, especially with a drink? And we have some tips to ensure you make the most of this exciting wedding tradition.

Capture the Moment

Deering adds that the bottle "usually gets dug up the day of the wedding," which is a great opportunity to make sure "your photographer gets a pic[ture] of it." You can make this a private moment with your new spouse or invite your wedding party or guests to watch as you dig up this celebratory drink for the reception. Just make sure they bring their shot glasses.

Grab Your Favorite Kind

Since you'll be enjoying this bourbon together during your wedding day, it's important you bury a bottle of your favorite kind. You can even make this extra sentimental by creating a custom label or shopping for a special bourbon you've always wanted to try, like a top-shelf brand or special reserve. Just make sure the bottle is a good size for burying and sharing since you'll have to dig a hole for it and then dig it back up.

Make It a Souvenir

According to Deering, "You can share the drink at the reception with guests and all my couples have saved the bottle as a keepsake." This is a fun way to bring home a unique souvenir from your day that reminds you of a great tradition and an even better drink. Set the empty bottle on your mantelpiece beside photos from your wedding or turn it into a vase for your preserved flowers.