Franklin Dean
A wedding garter is a thin band of elastic fabric worn by brides under their wedding dress on the upper thigh. It is worn as an accessory for fashion and sentimentality and is often passed down as an heirloom. The garter toss tradition, which involves the groom removing the garter from the bride and tossing it into a crowd of male guests, dates back to the Dark Ages when it was considered good luck to obtain a piece of the bride's dress.
Explore related products
$6.99
$8.11 $12.66
What You'll Learn
The history of the wedding garter tradition
The wedding garter is said to be one of the oldest wedding traditions, dating back to the Middle Ages or Dark Ages. After the wedding festivities, guests would accompany the newlyweds to their bedroom to ensure they arrived safely and to wish them well. During this time, it was considered good luck to obtain a piece of the bride's clothing, and guests would try to rip off a piece of the bride's dress.
The garter, originally designed to keep stockings in place, was incorporated into the wedding reception to help keep guests at bay and pass on the good fortune. The bridal garter was also seen as proof of the consummation of marriage, with the groom presenting the garter to family and friends following the couple's first night together.
Over time, the tradition evolved into the groom removing and tossing the garter to unmarried male guests at the wedding reception. It is believed that catching the garter brings good luck and may indicate that the catcher will be married next. Today, the garter toss is considered a fun and optional wedding reception activity, with some couples choosing to skip the tradition altogether.
Modern wedding garters are typically made with lace and embellishments and held in place by elastic. They are often worn as a decorative novelty item for the traditional garter toss, as a chic heirloom, or as a sensual addition to the wedding night.
Wedding Dress Dry Cleaning: The Cost in Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wedding garter placement
Wedding garters are usually worn just above the knee on either leg. This is the narrowest part of the thigh and ensures that the garter won't rub against the other leg when walking or dancing. It is also a convenient location for taking photos, as the dress won't need to be lifted too high.
However, the exact placement of the garter will depend on the individual and the style of the dress. For example, for a tighter-fitting dress, the bride may choose to wear the garter around the knee, where the dress flares out. If the garter feels too tight or too loose, it can be adjusted higher or lower on the leg for a better fit.
It is recommended to try on the garter before the wedding day to ensure a comfortable fit. The garter should be snug enough to stay in place but not so tight that it leaves marks or cuts off circulation.
During the garter toss, the bride usually lifts her skirt slightly, right below the knees, and the groom reaches under the skirt to remove the garter.
Black Wedding Gowns: Designer Showcase
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$9.11 $13.22
Wedding garter design and materials
Wedding garters are available in a variety of colours, styles, and materials. They can be made from lace, silk, tulle, satin, and other fabrics, and can be adorned with pearls, rhinestones, or charms. They can also be personalised with hand-embroidered initials or custom-engraved charms.
When designing a custom wedding garter, you can choose from a wide range of colours to match, complement, or contrast your wedding colours. You can also select your preferred materials and embellishments to ensure the garter aligns with your style and personality.
Some brides opt for vintage lace designs, while others prefer modern minimalist styles. Garters can also be customised to include sentimental elements such as family heirlooms, initials, or wedding dates. For example, a bride might incorporate lace from her mother's wedding dress or pearls from her grandmother's veil.
Creating your own wedding garter is another option. Basic materials and tools are needed for this DIY project, including an elastic band, lace or ribbon, and any desired embellishments. First, measure the circumference of your thigh where you want the garter to sit and cut the elastic band to this length, leaving a little extra for overlap. Cut the lace or ribbon to be slightly longer than the elastic, and sew the ends of the elastic together to form a loop. Lay the lace or ribbon over the elastic and sew them together using a zigzag stitch for flexibility. Finally, add any desired embellishments.
Overall, the design and materials of a wedding garter should reflect the bride's personality and complement her wedding attire, whether it be a bold statement piece or a subtle, elegant touch.
Black Wedding Dress: A Bold Statement of Individuality
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$6.49 $7.99
The wedding garter toss
During the garter toss, the bride sits in a chair with the groom kneeling before her. The groom then reaches under the bride's skirt to remove the garter from her thigh with his hands or teeth. The garter is then tossed into a crowd of male wedding guests, and whoever catches it is meant to place it on the woman who catches the bride's bouquet.
The garter toss is a highly debated tradition, with some couples revering it as a time-honoured custom, while others find it tacky or antiquated. It is entirely optional, and some brides choose not to participate due to discomfort with the gendered history, aesthetics, or style of the ritual.
For those who wish to include the garter toss in their wedding, there are several ways to go about it. The garter can be worn all day or slipped on just before the toss. It is typically worn just above the knee on the narrowest part of the thigh to prevent it from rubbing against the other leg. The bride can also opt to wear two garters, one to keep and one to toss. Additionally, the garter can be removed with grace and class, as some may find the act of removal tasteless.
Choosing the Perfect Shoes for Your Purple Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wedding garter as a family heirloom
A wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under a wedding dress on the upper thigh. It is generally made of lace and features an elastic band that holds it in place. In the past, garters served the purpose of holding stockings up on each leg. Today, they are worn for fashion, and as a symbol of love and luck.
The wedding garter has also come to symbolise family ties and traditions, as they are often made with heirloom materials and passed down as part of a wedding dress. For instance, a bride might choose to wear a garter made from her mother's wedding dress or her grandmother's veil. This way, she can hold a piece of her family close to her heart on her wedding day.
The garter is also often kept as a wedding heirloom, to be saved for many generations to come. It can be passed on to a cousin, sister, or future daughter. This type of heirloom is purchased new for a wedding and saved afterward to become a valuable family heirloom.
The garter toss is a wedding tradition where the bride's garter is removed and thrown out to a crowd of single men. The man who catches the garter is believed to be the next one to marry. The tradition is thought to have originated in the Dark Ages when people believed that having a tatter of the bride's dress was good luck.
The wedding garter is a fun and lighthearted way to show off the couple's chemistry and interact with their guests. It is entirely optional for couples to include the garter toss in their wedding celebrations.
Black Wedding Dresses: A Bride's Unique Style Statement
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A garter is a thin band of fabric worn around the upper thigh. It was originally designed to hold up stockings.
Brides may wear garters for a variety of reasons. Some brides want to feel beautiful and embrace the tradition, while others may want to add sensuality to their outfit. Garters can also be worn as a "something blue" for good luck. Additionally, garters can be passed down as heirlooms and worn for sentimental reasons.
The wedding garter tradition dates back to the Dark Ages when it was considered good luck to take home a piece of the bride's clothing. Guests would rip at the couple's clothes in hopes of obtaining a piece of the bridal gown. To appease the crowd, brides began tossing their garters.
A wedding garter can cost anywhere from $15 to $125 for an ornate one. On average, you can expect to spend $20 to $35.
