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The wedding garter is a long-standing tradition that has evolved over the years. It is typically a thin band of elastic fabric worn by the bride on her upper thigh under her wedding dress. While the garter toss is a popular wedding tradition, it is not mandatory and many couples choose not to participate. The length of a wedding garter is important to ensure a comfortable fit, but there is no standard size and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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What You'll Learn
Wedding garter history
The wedding garter is said to be one of the oldest wedding traditions, dating back to the Dark Ages. After the wedding festivities, guests would accompany the newly married couple to their bedroom to ensure the couple arrived safely and to wish them well. It was considered good luck for a guest to take home a piece of the bride's clothing. Over time, this wedding night ritual evolved into a wild wedding night romp where guests would tackle the bride, ripping her clothes off in the hope of obtaining a piece of her attire. In the melee, the garter—which was then used to hold up a woman's stockings—would get tossed, and it was considered good luck for whoever caught it. Whoever caught the garter was said to be the next person to marry.
In medieval Europe, a bride's attire was believed to hold protective and lucky qualities, and so the garter tradition started as a way to share those good fortunes with guests in a more controlled environment, rather than having them rip off a piece of the bride's wedding gown. Some wedding historians argue that the tradition is older and more crude. During the Dark Ages, married couples were expected to consummate their union immediately, and some wedding guests would try to watch to make sure the deed was done. It is thought that removing a garter and presenting it as "proof" was a ploy to get some privacy and appease hopeful onlookers.
Today, the wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under a wedding dress on the upper thigh. Generally made of lace, these thin pieces of fabric feature an elastic band that holds them in place. During the wedding reception, it's become tradition for the bride's partner to remove the garter from underneath her gown (with their hands or teeth) and toss it into the crowd of male wedding guests; whoever catches the garter is meant to put it on the woman who catches the bride's bouquet during the bouquet toss.
In modern times, the garter toss tradition is entirely optional, and many couples decide not to participate. Wedding garters are now worn more as decorative accessories rather than functional necessities.
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Garter styles
Wedding garters are generally made of lace and feature an elastic band to hold them in place. They are worn as bridal lingerie on the upper thigh under the wedding dress. Wedding garters are available in various styles and fabrics, such as ruched satin or lace bands, and can be purchased in a wide range of colours, though most brides typically choose white or blue.
- Ruched satin or lace bands: The most common style of wedding garter is made of ruched satin or lace. These garters are simple, elegant, and comfortable. They can be embellished with delicate bows, appliqués, beading, rhinestones, or crystals.
- Custom initials or decorations: Some garters can be customised with initials or decorated with delicate crystals, pearls, or ribbons.
- Tossing garter: Some brides opt for a separate "tossing garter" to be thrown into the crowd, while they keep their original garter as a memento. These garters are often simpler in design.
- Bohemian: A unique style featuring a rose gold laurel leaf adorning a pink tulle band. It can be paired with a real or metallic flower crown and a flowy dress for a consistent look.
- Tie-on: A tie-on garter guarantees a perfect fit and can be embellished with floral embroidery, 3D tulle flowers, and pearl embellishments.
- Visible: A bejewelled garter can add a stylish touch to high-slit skirts by wrapping around the leg and peeking through with each step.
- Playful: Soft gathered tulle is secured with an elastic band for a comfortable and cute look.
- Statement: A silk satin elastic band holds the garter in place, while an eyelet lace ruffle drapes down for a bold look.
- Chic: Swap classic lace for whimsical dotted tulle, or opt for a delicate ribbon tied in a bow for a playful take on tradition.
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Garter sizing
There is no standard size for wedding garters, as they are usually custom-made to fit the bride's thigh comfortably. Wedding garters are typically worn on the mid-thigh, just above the knee, and measure about 1.5 to 2 inches wide. The length will depend on the circumference of your thigh, and they should be snug but not too tight.
When ordering a custom garter, be sure to provide your thigh measurement to the designer. It's also a good idea to order your garter well in advance to allow for any necessary alterations and to accommodate the designer's production timeline.
Some brides choose to wear two garters: one to keep as a memento and one to toss during the reception. If you plan to do this, you'll need to budget for the additional garter and ensure that your partner knows which leg each garter is on and which one to toss.
Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident. The garter should be a fun and optional accessory that reflects your personal style and wedding vision.
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Garter placement
There is no right or wrong leg to place the garter on, and it is entirely up to the bride's preference. If wearing two garters, they are usually placed on the same leg. The bride should communicate to her partner beforehand which leg the garter is on and which one is to be tossed.
Some brides choose to wear the garter all day, while others prefer to put it on for specific parts of the celebration, such as the "getting ready" photoshoot and the reception if a garter toss is planned. In between these times, the garter can be kept in a safe place, such as the bride's bag or pocket.
The garter toss is a popular tradition, but it is not mandatory, and many couples choose to forego it. The garter toss usually takes place after dinner during a rowdier part of the evening. The groom removes the garter from the bride's thigh, sometimes using just their hands or teeth, and tosses it into a crowd of male wedding guests. The person who catches the garter is said to be next in line for love and marriage.
The wedding garter is often kept as a meaningful memento and passed down as a family heirloom. It is a small and easy-to-store keepsake that holds sentimental value for brides.
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Garter alternatives
The wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under the wedding dress on the upper thigh, just above the knee. It is usually made of lace and features an elastic band to hold it in place. In the past, garters served the purpose of holding up a woman's stockings. Today, they are worn as decorative accessories.
There is no set rule for when and how to buy a wedding garter. If you have been gifted one during your bridal shower, you can choose to wear it as long as you like the style. Alternatively, you can pick out your own bridal garter. Just be sure to order it early, especially if you want a custom design.
The garter toss is a popular wedding tradition. During the wedding reception, the bride's partner removes the garter from underneath her gown and tosses it into a crowd of male wedding guests. However, this tradition is considered controversial and polarising by many. Some couples choose to forego it entirely.
- The groom can throw his boutonnière or another special, easily throwable memento, such as a soft ball or a bouquet of dollar bills.
- The groom can undo his necktie or bowtie and toss it to the crowd.
- Blow up a bunch of balloons, one of which has a ribbon or other lightweight item in the wedding colours inside. Secure them in a net fastened near the ceiling and have wedding guests pop them to find the prize.
- Fill a bowl, vase, or basket with candy and throw it out to anyone who wants to participate.
- Skip all the tosses altogether! It is not mandatory, and guests are unlikely to miss any custom you skip.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of a wedding garter is not standard and depends on the bride's preference. It is typically worn around the mid-thigh to keep it in place.
The wedding garter tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when newlyweds would perform a "bedding" ritual to prove they had consummated the marriage. Over time, the tradition evolved, and today, it is often seen as a fun and lighthearted part of the wedding reception.
No, the wedding garter toss is not mandatory. Many couples choose to forego it due to its controversial and gendered history. It is entirely a personal decision, and some brides may opt to wear a garter as a decorative accessory or keep it as a family heirloom instead.
There is no set rule for when to buy a wedding garter. It is recommended to order it as early as possible, especially if you want a custom design, to allow for production time.
