Rhiannon Hendricks
The wedding garter toss is a tradition where the bride's partner removes the garter from the bride's leg and tosses it into a crowd of male wedding guests. It is believed that whoever catches the garter is the next person to get married. The garter is typically worn around the mid-thigh and is made of lace and embellishments, held in place by elastic. While some brides choose to uphold the tradition, others skip it altogether.
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What You'll Learn
Garter belt history and origins
The wedding garter is said to be one of the oldest wedding traditions, with its origins traced back to the Dark Ages. During this time, it was customary for wedding guests to accompany the newlyweds to their bedroom to ensure the consummation of their marriage. Guests would often rip off pieces of the bride's dress as tokens of good luck. This unruly behaviour led to the bride tossing her garter—which was originally designed to hold up her stockings—to appease the crowd and offer them good fortune.
In the Middle Ages, the garter toss became a game where groomsmen would rush at the bride to remove her garters as a prize. The tradition evolved further, and by the 1800s, it had become customary for the groom to throw the garter to his groomsmen, with the winner pinning it to his hat for good luck. This ritual was seen as a way to bring good luck and fortune to the bachelors in attendance.
The garter itself has evolved in form and function over the years. While garters were originally worn by both men and women to hold up their socks or stockings, they became specifically associated with women as dress hemlines rose. Women began wearing garter belts around their waists to discreetly keep their stockings in place. The invention of elastic and pantyhose in the 1950s and 1960s further reduced the necessity of garters in everyday wear.
Today, the wedding garter is often worn as a fashion accessory or as part of wedding-night lingerie. The garter toss is now typically performed by the groom during the wedding reception, after the tossing of the bridal bouquet. While some couples embrace this tradition, others consider it antiquated and unnecessary. The decision to include the garter toss in modern weddings varies depending on personal preferences and comfort levels.
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Garter belt placement and styling
Garter belts are typically worn by the bride just above the knee on the upper thigh, which is usually the narrowest part of the leg. This placement ensures that the garter won't rub against the other leg when walking or dancing. It also makes it easier to remove during the garter toss ritual. For brides wearing a tighter-fitting or mermaid-style wedding dress, placing the garter belt around the knee is ideal, as this is where the dress will flare out.
The garter belt is usually made of lace, satin, or elastic fabric and is often chosen to match the colour of the wedding dress. However, some brides may opt for a garter belt in a different colour, such as blue, black, pink, or rainbow, to add a unique touch. Garters can also be customised with delicate details such as bows, rhinestones, or crystals, or even incorporate heirloom pieces such as lace from a family member's veil.
When deciding on garter belt placement and styling, it's important to consider the design of the wedding dress. For example, if the dress is made of lace, a lace garter belt can be chosen to complement it. Additionally, some brides may prefer to wear a thinner garter belt to avoid it being noticeable under their dress. Ultimately, the decision to wear a garter belt and how to style it is a personal choice, and many brides choose to skip the tradition altogether if they feel uncomfortable with it.
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Garter belt alternatives
The garter toss is a wedding tradition that dates back to the Dark Ages. It originated when guests would follow the newlyweds to their bedroom and tear at their clothes, hoping to grab a piece of the bridal gown for good luck. The garter toss was a way to appease the crowd and prevent damage to the bride's dress.
While some brides still choose to include the garter toss in their wedding, others may find it awkward or uncomfortable. For those who wish to forgo the tradition, there are several alternative options:
Alternative Items to Toss
The groom could toss something other than the garter, such as his boutonnière, necktie, or bowtie. Alternatively, the couple could toss a small football or baseball with ribbons attached, or a gift such as a gift card, necktie, or leather gloves.
Games
The couple could organise games for their guests to participate in, such as giant Jenga with dares written on each piece, a frozen shirt contest, or musical chairs.
Bouquet Toss Variations
Instead of the traditional bouquet toss, the bride could have all the married couples dance and then hand the bouquet to the couple who has been married the longest. Alternatively, the bouquet could be passed in a circle among single ladies, and whoever has it when the music stops gets to keep it.
Balloons
The couple could release opaque balloons, one of which has a garter hidden inside, and the men could pop the balloons to find it. Alternatively, a bunch of balloons could be blown up, with one containing a ribbon or other lightweight item in the wedding colours, and the groom could toss this to the crowd.
Private Garter Removal
If the bride would like to keep the tradition of wearing a garter but does not want it removed in front of guests, the groom could remove it in private, such as in the limo on the way to the reception or after the reception is over.
These alternatives allow couples to adapt the garter toss tradition to their comfort level and create a unique and enjoyable experience for their wedding guests.
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Garter belt purchasing
Garter belts are a type of lingerie designed to hold up stockings. They are typically worn around the waist or hips, with adjustable straps that attach to the tops of the stockings. Garter belts were first introduced in the early 20th century and have become a popular accessory, often associated with weddings and boudoir photoshoots.
When purchasing a garter belt, there are several factors to consider:
Size
It is essential to choose the right size garter belt for a secure and comfortable fit. A garter belt that is too tight will be uncomfortable and may cause bulges, while one that is too loose will not hold up your stockings properly. To determine the correct size, measure your waist or hips and refer to the size chart provided by the manufacturer.
Style and Material
Garter belts come in various styles and materials, including lace, satin, and elastic. Consider the number of straps, as garter belts typically have four or six straps depending on the style. Opt for a material and style that suits your preferences and ensures comfort.
Stockings
Not all stockings are suitable for use with garter belts. Choose stockings that fit well and have enough stretch to stay in place. Avoid stockings that are too thin or too thick as they may not attach properly to the clips. Look for reinforced tops that provide a secure grip for the clasps or clips.
Placement
The placement of the garter belt can affect comfort and effectiveness. For maximum support, wear the garter belt around your natural waistline. If you prefer to wear it lower on your hips, ensure it fits snugly to prevent slipping.
Maintenance
To ensure the longevity of your garter belt, proper care is necessary. Hand wash the garter belt and stockings in cold water with mild detergent to maintain elasticity and prevent damage. Store your garter belt flat or gently folded in a drawer to avoid stretching the straps.
Price
Garter belts can vary in price, ranging from $15 to $125 for an extremely ornate one. On average, you can expect to spend around $20 to $35 on this accessory.
In the context of weddings, garter belts are often worn as part of a tradition where the groom removes the garter from the bride's leg and tosses it into a crowd of unmarried individuals. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and is considered the male equivalent of the bride's bouquet toss.
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Garter belt removal and tossing
The garter toss is a wedding tradition that is entirely optional. It is meant to be fun and is a good-luck symbol for the bachelors in attendance. The bride's partner removes the garter from the bride's leg and tosses it into a crowd of male onlookers. The garter toss is the male equivalent of the bride's bouquet toss.
The garter is typically worn by brides under their wedding gown, usually on the upper thigh, just above the knee. It is usually made of lace and features an elastic band that holds it in place. The groom can remove the garter with his hands or teeth, and the moment can be as flirty and raunchy as the couple is comfortable with.
If you want to include the garter toss tradition in your wedding, here are some tips to make it less awkward:
- Tone it down: Opt for a simple garter in a colour that matches your wedding dress. Place it lower on your leg and choose an innocent love song to be played during the removal.
- Timing: Do it later in the evening when some of the older guests may have left.
- Create a diversion: Have the groomsmen perform a choreographed dance or song to take the focus off the bride's thighs before the groom removes the garter.
- Wear it later: You can also choose to wear the garter only for the tossing ritual. Put it on just before the ritual and take it off right after.
Remember, the garter toss is entirely optional, and you can choose to skip it if you feel uncomfortable or if it doesn't align with your wedding vision.
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Frequently asked questions
The garter toss tradition originated in the Dark Ages or the Medieval era when people believed that having a piece of the bride's dress was considered good luck. Guests would follow the couple to their marital bed, ripping at their clothes as a form of "encouragement". The bride and groom started tossing the bouquet and garters to appease the crowd.
A garter is a thin band of elastic fabric that was created to hold up a woman's stockings. A wedding garter is typically made of lace and worn around the mid-thigh for a sensual and seductive effect.
No, it is not mandatory. Many brides skip the tradition altogether. It is entirely up to the couple to decide if they want to include this tradition in their wedding celebration.
Anyone can buy the wedding garter. The bride may pick it out for herself to match her wedding dress, her spouse-to-be may purchase it as a gift, or her bridesmaids might make one as a custom design.
