Southern weddings are rich with traditions – groom’s cake, bridal luncheon, monogrammed details – and "Burying the Bourbon" is no exception. It has captured the hearts of many Southern couples (and created a lot of questions on my Tik Tok). Even couples outside of the region who want good weather on their big day have buried the bourbon.
Engraved bourbon bottle with name and wedding date.
What is Burying the Bourbon?
The fun (and sometimes messy) tradition of "Burying the Bourbon" is supposed to ward off rain, so brides and grooms planning outdoor ceremonies may find this tradition even more enticing.
Of course, there’s no guarantee about the weather on your big day. While burying the bourbon is a tradition steeped in charm, fun, and a bit of superstition, it's also a photo-worthy and light-hearted activity for the bride and groom.
Whether you’re looking for sunshine during your outdoor ceremony or curious about this southern ritual, let’s dive into the history, process, how to personalize your bourbon bottle, and the steps to bury it.
The History of Burying the Bourbon
No one can pinpoint the origin of burying a bottle of bourbon before a wedding, but it is undoubtedly deeply rooted in Southern culture.
Legend has it that if a couple buries a full bottle of bourbon (upside down) at your wedding venue exactly one month before the wedding, they will be blessed with good weather on their big day.
Maybe it’s a marketing ploy or simply a love of bourbon. Either way, this belief has been passed down through generations, becoming a staple in Southern wedding culture. Brands like Southern Living and The Knot have recognized this fun tradition with articles and photos to show how couples have celebrated this tradition for years.
Augusta National clubhouse hand engraved on Woodford Reserve for groom gift to celebrate wedding day.
Why couples bury a bottle of bourbon?
For many couples, burying the bourbon is more than just a superstition—it's a fun and meaningful pre-wedding activity. It offers a chance to connect with your partner, enjoy a shared laugh, and add a unique touch to your wedding story.
Couples often turn the burying process into a small event, involving family and friends, taking photos in the process, which adds to the excitement of the big day. Plus, it's another opportunity to explore your wedding venue and finalize details.
On the day of the wedding, couples enjoy digging up the bottle and toasting with friends and family at the reception. Full circle moment!
@maciekendallco Bury the bourbon to ensure beautiful weather on your wedding day! This hand engraved bottle of Blanton’s will be buried upside down for one month before the wedding 🥃💍
How to bury the bourbon?
- Choose Your Bourbon: Select a bottle of bourbon that you and your partner enjoy. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it should be something special to you. Choose a full, unopened bottle (and don’t forget to personalize it!).
- Find the Perfect Spot: Find a location at your wedding venue where you can bury the bottle. Make sure it's a spot you'll remember and can easily access after the wedding ceremony. If your venue doesn’t allow you to bury a bourbon bottle on the grounds, try your first date spot or at your new home together.
- Bury the Bottle: Dig a hole deep enough to fully cover the bottle. Place the bourbon upside down in the hole and cover it with soil. The depth ensures it stays cool and intact.
- Mark the Spot: Use a discreet marker, such as a small stone or plant, to help you locate the bottle later. Place a marker or take a photo to easily remember where you buried the bottle.
- Dig It Up and Celebrate: On your wedding day, dig up the bottle, share a toast with your spouse, and celebrate with friends and family. If you buried your bottle at a different location than your ceremony, select a special day to dig it up and enjoy a drink together.
Toast your groomsmen with engraved glasses and share the buried bottle to celebrate on your wedding day.
Pro tips for burying the bourbon
As an engraver and calligrapher who works with lots of couples, I’ve witnessed this tradition countless times. Growing up in the South, I’ve seen variations of this tradition and love watching the couple add a personal touch to their bottle.
Trust me, these are tips you want to follow to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Avoid Messes: Consider burying the bottle in a few layers of paper bags to prevent dirt from getting on the bourbon when you dig it up.
- Invest in Top Shelf: Your wedding is once in a lifetime! Invest in a top tier brand or collector’s bottle to celebrate your wedding.
- Venue Approval: Ensure your venue allows this on site and ask about any specific guidelines or restrictions.
- Weather Backup: While the tradition is fun, always have a backup plan for inclement weather, just in case!
- Document the Moment: Take photos or videos during the burial to include in your wedding memories. You will love seeing the before and after photos from your wedding day photography when you dig it up.
- Include Friends or Family: Make it a small event by involving family members, close friends, or your bridal party.
Personalize Your Bourbon Bottle
To make this tradition even more special, many couples choose to personalize their bourbon bottles with engraving or painting (pairs well with engraved bourbon glasses, too!)
Hand painted bottle of Woodford Reserve with University of Georgia football stadium.
Engraving is permanent which means it will withstand the burial process and serve as a keepsake long after your wedding day. A bottle painting artist can add colorful scenes or details to make it truly one of a kind.
Need ideas to engrave your bourbon bottle? I’ve got you covered!
- Names and Initials: Simple and classic, this can be both elegant and meaningful.
- Wedding Date: A reminder of your special day every time you look at the bottle.
- Wedding venue: List the name of the venue or city and state where your ceremony is located.
- Quotes or Vows: A line from your vows or a favorite quote can add a personal touch
Q&A: All About Burying the Bourbon
Ready to bury the bourbon and hope for sunny weather on your wedding day? Here's a recap so you follow the tradition to a tee.
Q: When do you bury the bourbon?
A: You bury the bourbon exactly one month before your wedding day. It’s important to do this on the same date to adhere to the tradition.
Q: What is burying the bourbon?
A: Burying the bourbon is a Southern tradition where a couple buries a full bottle of bourbon at their wedding venue to ensure good weather on their wedding day. The bottle is typically buried upside down.
Q: What type of bourbon should I use?
A: Choose a bourbon that you and your partner enjoy. While any brand will work, selecting a higher quality bourbon can make the tradition feel more special and can be enjoyed later as a celebration.
Q: How to personalize the bottle?
A: An engraving artist can add permanently etched details to your bottle so it withstands the test of time. Choose something meaningful to you, or opt for painted details of a favorite location. Learn more about engraving services here.
Add a personal and unique touch to your wedding, and don’t forget to personalize your bourbon bottle to create a lasting keepsake of your special moment.
Engraved bottle of Blanton's bourbon with initials and date for Burying the Bourbon tradition.
Burying the bourbon is more than just a superstition – it’s a symbol of hope, love, and a shared future. If you’re deeply rooted in Southern traditions or just looking for a fun pre-wedding activity, this ritual is sure to bring a little magic to your big day.
Whether or not it keeps the rain away, it definitely adds a special touch to your wedding prep.
Cheers to good weather and a lifetime of happiness!