All weddings in the Shetland must commence with a new moon otherwise the marriage will be an unhappy one. The week succeeding the 'speering', after which the couple are called bride and bridegroom, they proceed to Lerwick to purchase their 'wedding needs'. The bride's eldest brother and the bridegroom's eldest sister, accompany them. The groom buys a white muslin dress, white shawl and two beautiful caps, tastefully trimmed with ribbons, for his bride, with some 'braw' for each of his and her sisters, and suit for himself. On Saturday the bridegroom's family and friends meet by invitation at the house of the bride's father to celebrate the contract feast. The bride awaits their arrival, and must kiss every invited guest as they enter. The sumptuous 'tea' which follows consists of bread, butter, and fresh mutton, tow or three fat sheep having been killed that morning. The bottle is sent round freely. The night is spent in discussing the crops, the fishing, and the condition of the country in olden times. Tales of voyages and shipwrecks and of hairbreadth escapes on returning from the haaf, are told; and after a late but plentiful supper they separate.

To be continued.

Source: "Scottish Customs from Cradle to the Grave" by Margaret Bennett.

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Since April 1, 1999