The bridal bouquet and garter toss are two common wedding reception traditions. There is no doubt that for generations, brides have tossed their bouquet (or a smaller toss bouquet) to all of the single women at their wedding reception following the “belief” that whoever caught the bouquet would be the next one to get married.
Photo Credit: Childers Photography
And just as many have also had their groom remove their garter then proceed to toss it to his single friends at their wedding reception.
These traditions of the bouquet and garter toss originated years ago. In Europe, spectators at a wedding would attempt to tear off parts of the bride’s clothing. This was because they believed that anything that the bride touched, including her clothing, carried within it good luck, and by having a bit of her garment would allow them to share in their good luck and happiness.
Finally brides had enough. I mean, who wants to be accosted on their wedding day, even by those nearest and dearest to her?
So brides got smart. While fleeing the attacking “friends” they would toss their flowers to the crowd instead. Tradition says that those who caught the bouquet and the garter would be the next to marry – though not necessarily to each other.
Today, however, many couples find the traditions of the bouquet and garter toss to be dated, and want some fun alternatives instead.
Bouquet Toss
• Years ago the bride would toss her actual bridal bouquet. But through the years, more and more brides want to keep their bouquet so they can preserve it and display it in their homes, so they’ll have their florist make a modest toss bouquet made especially for tossing.
• Have a breakaway toss bouquet. It looks like one bouquet, but will separate once it’s tossed, that way more than one person can get a piece.
• Some brides will present her bouquet to her parents or grandparents.
• Others present it to the couple in attendance who have been married the longest. Anniversary dances are a common sight at wedding receptions (you know, the special dance where all of the married couples are on the dance floor, and as the DJ or MC asked those who have been married less than one day, less than five years, less than 10 years and so on, until the couple remaining on the dance floor is the one who has been married longest).
• You can honor lost loved ones by placing the bouquet in a vase next to photos of loved ones who are deceased.
Garter Toss
• Have a balloon drop, with the garter hidden inside one of the balloons. After the balloons are released, the participants have to pop the balloons to find the garter.
• Are you or your fiancé into football (or some other sport)? Attach a garter to a football or baseball, for example, and toss that!
• Maybe you want to do the garter toss, but not the garter removal part. Totally fine. Instead of your new spouse going under your hiked up dress, just have the garter already set aside for him to pick up and toss when it’s time to do so.
Completely skipping the bouquet and garter toss (or doing just one of them) is absolutely fine too. Many couples omit this completely, and you know what? No one misses it.
Are you planning on doing the bridal bouquet and garter toss (or a variation) at your wedding reception?
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
For more ideas on how to convert old traditions into contemporary versions, contact me today at [email protected] or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!
