Bridesmaids' Garters: To Wear Or Not To Wear?

The wedding garter is a well-known bridal accessory, but do bridesmaids wear them too? While the garter is typically worn by the bride, it is not uncommon for bridesmaids to wear them as well. Some brides choose to gift their bridesmaids with a garter as a token of appreciation, or the bridesmaids may purchase matching garters to wear on the wedding day. Garters can also be passed down as family heirlooms, with bridesmaids wearing garters made from the same fabric as the bride's mother's or grandmother's wedding dress. Ultimately, the decision to wear a garter as a bridesmaid is a personal choice and can be discussed with the bride beforehand.

Why brides wear garters

The wedding garter is an iconic bridal accessory with a long history. While the tradition is rooted in superstition, today’s garter holds both symbolic and personal value, making it a meaningful part of many weddings.

The wedding garter tradition dates back hundreds of years, with its origins deeply entwined with superstitions and beliefs surrounding marriage. In medieval Europe, it was considered lucky to possess a piece of the bride’s clothing. This belief led to a chaotic practice where wedding guests would attempt to tear off pieces of the bride’s dress. To maintain decorum, brides began wearing a garter that could be more easily removed and given to a lucky guest.

Another interpretation of the garter was as proof of consummation. In an era when marriages were often arranged, the removal of the garter by the groom symbolised that the union had been fulfilled.

In contemporary weddings, the garter toss has become the male counterpart to the bouquet toss. During the reception, the groom removes the garter from the bride’s leg and then tosses it to the single men in attendance. The man who catches the garter is said to be the next to marry.

For many brides, the garter is more than just a playful tradition. It is often chosen with care, reflecting personal style or serving as a meaningful memento. Some brides opt for a garter made from heirloom fabric, incorporating a piece of their mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress.

Wedding garters come in a variety of styles, from classic to contemporary, and can be customised to complement the wedding palette or fulfil the “something blue” tradition.

The placement of the wedding garter is largely a matter of personal preference. Traditionally, it is worn on the right leg, just above the knee. This position is both practical and symbolic, as it keeps the garter in place without causing discomfort or interfering with the bride’s movements.

What is a wedding garter?

A wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie, usually made of lace, worn under a wedding dress on the upper thigh. It is a thin band of elastic fabric that was traditionally used to hold up a woman's stockings. Today, it is worn as a decorative novelty item for the traditional "garter toss".

The wedding garter tradition dates back hundreds of years, with its origins deeply rooted in superstitions and beliefs surrounding marriage. In medieval Europe, it was believed that possessing a piece of the bride's clothing would bring good luck. Wedding guests would attempt to tear off pieces of the bride's dress, so brides began wearing a garter that could be more easily removed and given to a lucky guest.

The garter toss is typically the male counterpart to the bouquet toss. During the reception, the groom removes the garter from the bride's leg and tosses it to the single men in attendance. The man who catches the garter is said to be the next to marry.

Modern wedding garters are often made with lace and embellishments, and can be purchased in any colour, though most brides choose white or blue. They can cost anywhere from $10 to $150, with the average price being around $20 to $40.

Some brides choose to wear two garters—one to keep and one to toss during the reception. The tossing garter is usually simpler and less detailed, intended to be thrown into the crowd and never seen again.

The placement of the wedding garter is a matter of personal preference, but it is typically worn on the right leg, just above the knee. This position is practical, comfortable, and allows the garter to be hidden beneath the flare of a form-fitting dress.

While the garter toss is a popular tradition, some brides may feel uncomfortable with the public nature of the toss or prefer to keep their garter as a private memento. There are several alternatives to the traditional garter toss, such as a private removal or a garter hand-off to the groom before the toss. Ultimately, the decision to wear a wedding garter and participate in the garter toss is entirely up to the bride.

Do all brides wear a garter?

The wedding garter is a well-known bridal accessory with a long history. But do all brides wear a garter? The answer is no. While many brides choose to uphold the tradition as a meaningful part of their celebration, others decide to skip it.

The wedding garter is a thin band of elastic fabric worn on the upper thigh to hold up a woman's stockings. Today, it is more commonly worn as a decorative item for the traditional "garter toss." Modern wedding garters are usually made with lace and embellishments, adding a touch of seduction to the bride's outfit.

For some brides, the garter is a fun and playful tradition that adds a cheeky element to the wedding reception. It is often chosen with care, reflecting personal style or serving as a sentimental memento. Some brides opt for a garter made from heirloom fabric, incorporating a piece of their mother's or grandmother's wedding dress.

However, not all brides feel comfortable with the idea of wearing a garter. Some may find the garter toss tradition antiquated, too sensual, or awkward in front of their family and guests. Others may simply not like the aesthetic or style of the garter. In recent years, there has been a shift away from the garter toss, with many couples choosing to skip it altogether.

Ultimately, the decision to wear a garter or not is entirely up to the bride. There is no right or wrong answer, and brides should feel free to choose what feels comfortable and aligns with their personal style and values.

Who buys the wedding garter?

The wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under a wedding dress on the upper thigh. It is usually made of lace and features an elastic band to hold it in place. The tradition of the wedding garter dates back to medieval Europe when it was believed that possessing a piece of the bride's clothing would bring good luck.

So, who buys the wedding garter? The answer is: anyone can! There are no rules when it comes to the wedding garter tradition. The bride can buy a garter for herself or her spouse-to-be as a modern heirloom and special keepsake. The bridesmaids can also get together and design a garter for their friend, perhaps incorporating the colours of their sorority or using fabric from their bridesmaid dresses. The mother of the bride might choose to gift her daughter a special wedding garter, maybe using lace from her own wedding dress. It can also be given as a present at a bridal shower or bachelorette party.

There is no set rule for when and how to buy a wedding garter. If a friend has gifted a garter, the bride can choose to wear it as long as she likes the style. Alternatively, the bride can pick out her own garter for the big day. It is recommended to order the garter as early as possible, especially if a custom design is required.

What leg does the garter go on?

There is no particular leg that is designated for a wedding garter. It is recommended that you wear this accessory just above your knee, on the narrowest part of your thigh, to prevent it from rubbing against your other leg when walking or dancing. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference and comfort.

If you are wearing two garters, one for tossing and one to keep, it is recommended that you wear them both on the same leg, with the main garter placed higher up and the tossing garter just below it. This way, the tossing garter will come off first.

Some sources suggest that the left leg is the most common choice, while others state that the right leg is the traditional choice. However, it is worth noting that historically, garters were worn on both legs to keep up stockings, and were used by both men and women.

The most important consideration is to choose the leg that feels most comfortable to you. You may want to consider the style of your dress, the length of time you will be wearing the garter, and the placement of the garter in relation to your dress.

Frequently asked questions