There’s something about Southern weddings that just feels a little more magical, and maybe that has something to do with the time-honored traditions woven into the celebration. One of the most beloved is the buried whiskey wedding tradition, a quirky, heartfelt, and yes, slightly superstitious ritual believed to keep the rain away on your big day. It might sound like an old wives’ tale, but for many couples, it’s a must do moment in their wedding countdown.

Here’s how it works. Exactly one month before the ceremony, the couple heads to the spot where they’ll be tying the knot, a good bottle of bourbon or whiskey in hand (not the cheap stuff, this is an investment in good weather, after all.) Together, they dig a small hole and bury the bottle upside down. That part is key. It’s said to drain away any bad weather and invite the sunshine in. The month long timeline? Apparently it gives the “magic” time to properly brew.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit, I got it wrong. When my daughter got engaged, I remembered hearing about the tradition, but I jumped the gun. We buried a bottle almost a year early and didn’t even turn it upside down. Oops. So, come next spring, we’ll be making a little pre-wedding trip to the venue area in Chattanooga, bottle and shovel in hand, to set things right.

Why do Southerners love this so much? Well, sure, there’s no science behind it. But talk to enough brides and grooms who’ve done it, and they’ll swear the skies cleared up just in time for their vows. Maybe it’s the power of belief, or maybe it’s just the fun of adding a little folklore into the mix. Either way, it brings a special kind of joy to the planning process.

More than anything, this ritual is a chance to slow down and soak in the moment. Amidst the dress fittings, guest lists, and never ending todo lists, this one simple act becomes a sweet way to connect with your partner. It’s hopeful, lighthearted, and gives you something to look forward to besides just crossing another task off the list.

And then comes the best part… digging it up. Sometime between the ceremony and the reception, the bottle is unearthed, usually with a few laughs and cheers from family or the bridal party. And what do you do with it? You pour it, of course. A toast to your love, your day, and the weather that (hopefully) held out just the way you dreamed.

Even if you’re a little skeptical, the buried whiskey wedding tradition is worth considering for the memory alone. It gives your story a chapter no one else has, something fun to share for years to come. Imagine telling your future kids how you literally buried a bottle of bourbon to chase away the clouds on your wedding day.

This tradition is Southern through and through: equal parts charm, superstition, and sweet symbolism. So, if you’re planning a wedding below the Mason-Dixon or just love the idea of bringing a little whimsy to your celebration, grab a good bottle and a shovel. You never know, the buried whiskey wedding tradition might just bring you the sunshine you’re hoping for, and a pretty great story to go with it.