I heard about this custom where a bride or groom goes through a "blackening" before their wedding where they get covered in black goop. Does anyone know more about this tradition and any pictures?

I believe it's an Aberdeenshire thing. The bride and groom get a thorough gunging from their friends/ family, and are then paraded around the streets, often on the back of a lorry these days.

I'm sure some of our Scottish friends can give some more details... Or correct me if I'm wrong!

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=blackening#

OP, you are in luck. I was looking for some blackening pictures myself about a week and a half ago, so I've got some floating around on my hard drive.

Keep in mind that the soon-to-be-wedded typically aren't in wedding gear for the blackening. But sometimes...

Great pics, Don't_Panic! Thanks for posting them!

Several really cute brides who ended up very messy! :lovestruck:

I love the 1st two in particular!

Norman

What a lovely tradition! Thanks for sharing the pics...

Wow! These are great guys! A damn good reason to only get married in the UK!

A few more blackenings with the brides in dresses: