The Meaning Of The Garter Tradition At Weddings

The wedding garter is a bridal accessory with a long history, and its presence in modern weddings is a matter of personal choice. In the past, garters were used to hold up stockings, but today they are worn as fashion items. The wedding garter is typically worn on one leg, just above the knee, and can be made from satin, silk or lace. It is usually white or blue, and may include delicate details such as bows, rhinestones or crystals.

The tradition of the garter toss, where the groom removes the garter from the bride's leg and throws it to a crowd of bachelors, is a fun and lighthearted activity that is said to bring good luck. However, it is not for everyone and can be skipped if it makes anyone uncomfortable.

Some brides choose to wear a garter because it makes them feel beautiful and special, while others see it as a fun opportunity to surprise their partner with something unique. It is also a popular heirloom item to be saved and passed down through generations.

History of the garter toss tradition

The wedding garter toss is an old tradition that has been adapted over time. Hundreds of years ago, guests would rip pieces off the bride's dress as it was believed that owning a piece of the wedding dress would bring good luck. This led to brides wearing a specific article of clothing to be given out as the lucky piece: the garter. The garter also acted as proof of consummation.

In England and France, the wedding party would conduct a ritual called "fingering the stocking", where guests would check the bride's stockings for signs of consummation. In France, guests would rush the bride at the altar, trying to snag a piece of her dress for good luck. In another French tradition, guests would follow the couple into the bridal chamber, waiting for them to undress, stealing their stockings and throwing them at the couple repeatedly until they hit either the groom or the bride on the head. This was believed to bring luck.

To avoid these intrusive practices, the groom would toss the garter out to the guests, saving the couple from being interrupted during their consummation. Over time, the practice of tossing the garter moved from the bedroom to the reception, where it remains a tradition today.

Garter colours and styles

Wedding garters are available in a variety of colours, styles and fabrics. They can be purchased from a range of outlets, including Etsy, David's Bridal and The Knot Shop. Garters can be custom-made, and some outlets offer personalised touches such as embroidery, or mixing colours and fabrics.

Most brides choose a white or blue garter, with blue being a popular choice to fit with the 'something blue' wedding tradition. Some garters are designed with delicate bows, appliqués, beading, rhinestones or crystals. They can be made from satin, lace, tulle or silk, and are usually placed just above the knee.

The width of the garter is also variable, with thinner garters usually being simpler and more delicate, and wider garters bolder and more decorative. The style of the garter may be chosen to complement the wedding dress, with lace garters complementing classic-style gowns, and silk garters pairing well with slim-fit dresses. Tulle garters, made from a traditional wedding veil material, can be a sensual choice.

Garters can also be personalised, with unique fabrics, colours or designs that are meaningful to the couple.

Garter placement and wearing

The placement and wearing of a garter during a wedding is a tradition that has stood the test of time. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you navigate this accessory on your big day:

Where to Wear It

The wedding garter is typically worn just above the knee on either leg. This placement ensures it stays secure and doesn't chafe against the other leg when walking or dancing. It's also a good spot for your partner to find it during the garter toss, if you choose to include that tradition in your reception. If you're wearing a tighter-fitting dress, this area is also where the dress will flare out, making it an ideal location for the garter to remain concealed.

How High or Low to Wear It

If you feel that wearing the garter just above the knee is too tight or uncomfortable, you can adjust it higher or lower to find the perfect fit for you. It's important to try on the garter before your wedding day to ensure it's not too tight or too loose and to get comfortable with its placement.

When to Wear It

There are a few options for when to wear your garter. Many brides choose to wear it all day, even if their partner doesn't plan to remove and toss it. In this case, it's best to opt for a soft stretch lace garter that lays flat against your skin. Alternatively, you can put it on just before the toss, right before you head to the dance floor. Another option is to treat the garter as part of your wedding night lingerie, keeping it hidden until you return to your suite.

How Long to Wear It

You can wear the garter for as long as you like! Many brides choose to keep it on all day, while others remove it after the toss or save it for their wedding night.

Garter Tossing Tips

If you plan to include the garter toss in your reception, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider wearing a "tossing garter," which is a simpler, extra garter that your partner can remove and toss to the crowd. This way, you can keep your actual garter as a keepsake. Additionally, if you're uncomfortable with the idea of your partner removing the garter in front of your family and friends, you can opt to hand it to them instead.

Making It Your Own

Remember, the choice to wear a garter and include the garter toss in your wedding is entirely up to you and your partner. You can adapt and personalise this tradition to make it your own. Whether you embrace it as a fun, lighthearted moment or decide to skip it altogether, the most important thing is to do what feels right for you.

Garter removal

The garter is a piece of bridal lingerie, usually a delicate band or a vintage-style piece of lace, worn around the bride's leg. It is typically white, but brides can choose to customise the colour and design to match their wedding aesthetic.

For the garter removal, the bride sits on a chair, and the groom removes the garter with his hands or teeth. The bride can help by pulling her dress up a little and extending her leg slightly. The groom then tosses the garter into the crowd, and the unmarried men try to catch it.

The garter removal and toss are seen as the male equivalent of the bridal bouquet toss. The person who catches the garter is believed to be the next to get married, and they may put it on the leg of the person who catches the bouquet.

While the tradition has its roots in the Dark Ages, it has evolved into a lighthearted and fun activity for modern weddings. It is entirely optional, and couples can adapt it to suit their preferences and comfort levels.

Garter alternatives

The wedding garter toss is a tradition that not all couples are comfortable with. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from that can be just as fun and meaningful. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Skip the removal, keep the toss: Instead of having the groom remove the garter from the bride's leg, the couple can have a separate garter on hand that was never worn, and use that for the toss. This way, the bride can avoid feeling uncomfortable while still participating in the tradition.
• Make the bouquet toss co-ed: Instead of tossing the garter, the couple can invite all single ladies and gentlemen to join the bouquet toss. This makes the tradition more inclusive and takes the spotlight off the single individuals.
• Toss the boutonniere: The groom can toss his boutonniere instead of the garter. This is a more subtle alternative that avoids the awkwardness of the garter toss.
• Give the garter as a gift: Instead of tossing the garter, the couple can give it as a gift to someone special, such as the best man, a close friend, or a relative. This transforms the garter into a meaningful keepsake.
• Toss something that fits your theme: If the wedding has a theme, the couple can replace the garter with an item that reflects it. For example, they could throw a signed basketball for a sports-themed wedding or pearls for an ocean-themed celebration.
• Hide the garter in a balloon: The couple can organise a balloon drop that matches their wedding colours and hide the garter in one of the balloons. Guests can then pop the balloons to find the prize, creating a fun and competitive atmosphere.
• Anniversary dance: The couple can invite all the married couples to the dance floor and have the DJ play romantic songs while counting the years of marriage. Couples will exit the dance floor based on the length of their marriage until one remains, who will be gifted the bouquet or garter.
• Couple's trivia: The couple can ask their guests trivia questions about themselves or their relationship. The winner of the trivia game will receive the garter as a prize.
• Toss a stuffed animal: The couple can throw a stuffed animal that holds sentimental value, with a gift card or money attached to it. This alternative is perfect for encouraging younger guests to participate.

These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless. Ultimately, it's up to the couple to decide what traditions they want to include in their wedding and how they want to personalise their special day.

Frequently asked questions