There were always ways around the rules. Some couples chose to dash across the border to Scotland. Although Gretna Green was not the only place for runaway couples, it was the most famous.

Off to Gretna Green, “to be wed over the anvil,” although there was not anvil or a blacksmith to perform the wedding, despite the folklore. The ceremony was usually performed by a parson. Why did so many young couples choose to dash off to Scotland? There were any number of reasons: A young man out to make his fortune, and the quickest way, marry an heiress. Pressure from parents to marry their daughter to one she detests, so she makes the choice herself and runs away. Two lovers trying to cover a pregnancy…

Many young women were persuaded to make the run to Gretna Green and face the family and society rejection that would follow on their return, all because of love. Sometimes, runaways were pursued, and even caught; before damage could be done and they would become society’s outcasts.

Robert Elliott the most famous Gretna Green parson, claims to have married over 3,000 couples. Gretna was a small village with a few clay houses, the parish kirt, the ministers house, and a large inn. There was a bedroom adjoining the marriage room. Occasionally, a runaway couple who was being pursued would race in there, prior to the ceremony, and consummate the marriage.

The tradition of flowers at weddings stems from the tradition of a Medieval knight wearing his Lady's colors. The Groom's button-hole flower is supposed to be a flower that appears in the Bride's bouquet. Each flower has its own meaning so expresses a special message.