Origins of the Garter Toss
A Tradition of Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions
A traditional wedding ceremony and reception often involves certain elements, such as the removal of the garter and the bouquet toss. Traditional folklore tells us that the bouquet toss originated because the bride was thought to embody good luck on her wedding day. Guests would often tear at her dress to take home a scrap of fabric as a souvenir. Because this often got out of hand (imagine drunk men tearing at your wedding dress!), a more controlled version – the bouquet toss – became the new tradition, as a means for the bride to impart her “good luck” to her guests without being harassed during her reception.
Before brides tossed their bouquet they actually tossed the garter. Many sources agree that removing the garter was a symbol of removing the girdle, a way of symbolically disarming the bride’s status as a virgin. However, there was no respect for garter toss etiquette, and belligerent men often tried to remove the garter before the groom could get to it. Other Medieval legends assert that the garter toss originated because the bridesmaids and groomsmen would follow then newlyweds to their bedchamber and steal their stockings (also considered good luck).
While the bouquet toss is still regularly practiced after a traditional wedding ceremony, the garter toss has lost popularity. Some feel uncomfortable removing a garter with family members present; others find it tacky. The tradition should be fun and amusing, and not taken too seriously.
Read more: