Scottish Wedding Customs

The Bridal - Or The Penny Wedding

In Lowland Scotland the celebration of the union of man and woman has always been attended by a 'bridal'. This is an old Anglo Saxon word and consists of two words co-joined; BRYD meaning bride or woman and EALO meaning ale or beer. Thus the bridal is a brides drinking party.

In the past Lowland Scots weddings were called 'Penny Bridals' or 'Siller Bridals'. There is a great deal of information on them gathered by folklore researchers in the 18th and 19th Centuries. It is difficult to say when Penny Bridals began. They were certainly the most important occasions for singing, dancing and festivities and were immensely popular. They were attended by whole communities, as many as two hundred participants being not uncommon. It seems that invitations, although given were not specifically required and everyone attending was expected to contribute, hence the name 'Penny Bridal'.

The bridal would be held in a barn when the marriage was at the farm. In villages the guests were at times divided into parties and feast spread over several houses. Sometimes a 'change house' or inn would be used and if the weather were amenable the event would be held on 'the green'.

The custom at a bridal was to treat everyone as equal and no-one was turned away. At the feast the bride was placed at the seat of honour, the head of the table. The guests arranged themselves according to their fancy. The bridegroom did not take his seat at the table. His duty was to serve and look after the guests.

Food

By the standards of the time the feast was abundant. The first course would be milk broth made of barley; the second, barley broth made from beef mutton or fowls; the third course consisted of rounds of beef, legs of mutton and fowls by the dozen served with loaves and oatcakes. Last came the puddings swimming in cream. Home brewed ale flowed in abundance from first to last. When the tables were cleared big bottles of whisky were brought in and punch made up from them in wooden punch bowls. The cups were filled and handed round and the toasting commenced. First the health of the bride and groom was proposed. Round after round were drunk, each to a toast or sentiment. This would be the time to begin the singing. Songs humorous, bawdy, cautionary and moral.

The Beddan

The beddan was the closing event. The bride would attempt to retire but as soon as she was missed there would be a general rush to the bridal chamber, which was burst open and filled in an instant to perform the ceremony of 'Beddin the Bride'. After the bride was put into bed a bottle of whisky and some bread and cheese was handed to her. She gave each a dram and a piece of bread and cheese. Her left stocking was then taken off and she had to throw it over her left shoulder amongst the guests. It was then fought for by those in the room. The one who won was to be the first of that company to be married next. This practice must be forerunner of the tradition of the bride throwing her bouquet.