I Do: Garter Toss
We share why sweetheart tables are a definite DO in our new series: I Do/ I Don’t, where we split the pros and cons between the hottest wedding trends.
Every time I’m at a wedding and it comes time for a garter toss, I get overly excited. It’s really fun watching the reactions of an up-tight bridezilla while her new husband is diving, head-first, under her dress! To make the occasion just that much more special, her parents usually look mortified, unless they’re the fun, party-animal types.
I’d say the Garter toss is a must have I Do for your wedding!
The history of the garter toss is an interesting one: Started sometime in the 14th century in Europe, guests thought it was good luck to have a keepsake of the wedding and the brides attire: usually by ripping off pieces of the wedding gown at the end of the event. Like today’s brides, 14th century European brides wanted nothing to do with this, and started throwing things like her bouquet or her garter into the crowd instead (to avoid the mobs of down-on-their-luck attendees from ripping her dress off her virgin body).
This age-old tradition is paired up nicely with the ‘bouquet toss’ getting all of the single wedding guests in on the fun! Traditionally occurring shortly after a single female partygoer catches the bouquet, the groom will remove his brides “throw-away” garter (often with his teeth!) and throw it into a crowd of single men!
When I say “throw-away” garter, I’m insinuating and insisting that the bride be wearing two garters, usually on her right thigh just above her knee. The second garter is normally a fancier keepsake that will be removed in private by the groom on the couple’s wedding night.
Today, many brides and grooms continue this tradition during their wedding receptions. Although it may be a little embarrassing for the conservative brides, it’s tradition that your guests almost expect. You also end up with an array of great pictures after it’s all said and done.
Ever heard the famous term “ Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and a Silver Sixpence in her Shoe?”
“Wearing something blue dates back to biblical times when the color blue was considered to represent purity, faithfulness and fidelity.”
Usually brides will wear a blue garter as part of her bridal luck anthem. Garters are available in all styles, designs, and colors, though—and it’s not a bad way to wear something fun and quirky under your dress!
In my research and findings, though, I’d have to say that this take the cake [or candy] in most interesting ideas surrounding the topic!