Hiya Plum ...
If you look in my first post in this topic, you'll see a link on the word chimney sweep. Click on that; it will take you to a page where you can read about the tradition.
It's also considered good luck to have six pence in your shoe. I had one and was told that you should pass it along after your wedding. I'd pass it along to you, but I think I may have already passed it cos I can't find the darn thing.
In the village in which we married, the children would 'lock' the church gate (read lock as tied with a ribbon) and wouldn't open it until the groom throws coins to them. This is also traditional as I understand it and in some places, is called a scramble. You might want to check with hubby or the vicar/priest to see if this happens at your church. If so, ensure hubby has plenty of spare change in his sporran.
I'd love to join you for a pint, but sadly I'm down here in the Home Counties (Hertfordshire, outside of London). Hubby and I are hoping to move back to the Northeast. We are looking for a slower paced life and he's from the Sunderland area. If we make it up there, you're on for that pint!
