Franklin Dean
A wedding garter is a piece of lingerie worn by brides under their wedding dress, typically on the upper thigh. It is usually made of lace and features an elastic band to hold it in place. In the past, garters served the practical function of holding up stockings, but today they are worn as a decorative item for the traditional garter toss. The garter toss is an optional wedding reception activity where the groom removes the garter from the bride's leg and tosses it into a crowd of male wedding guests. The person who catches the garter is said to be next in line to get married.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Holding up stockings, decorative novelty item, good luck charm |
| Material | Elastic, lace, silk, chiffon, satin, ribbon, vintage lace, smooth silk, velvet |
| Colour | White, blue, or any other colour |
| Style | Ruched, lace band, custom-made, heirloom |
| Price | $10 to $150, average $20 to $35, to $40 |
| Wear Time | All day, during photoshoot, during reception |
| Placement | Upper thigh, just above the knee, mid-thigh |
| Leg | No right or wrong leg, usually the same leg if wearing two |
| Removal | By groom, bride, or both, with hands or teeth |
| Toss | Groom tosses to unmarried male guests, or all single guests |
| Toss Time | Towards the end of the reception |
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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, wedding guests would accompany the newlyweds 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. This wedding night ritual evolved into a wild wedding night romp where guests would tackle the bride, ripping off her clothes in the hope of getting a 'lucky' piece of her attire.
In the melee, the garter, which was 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 get married. The garter toss was incorporated into the wedding reception to keep guests away from the newlywed's bedroom.
The bridal garter tradition started as a way to share good fortune with guests in a more controlled environment, rather than having them rip off a piece of the bride's wedding gown. Wedding historians argue that the garter wedding tradition is older and more crude. During the Dark Ages, married couples were expected to consummate their union immediately, and some wedding guests tried 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.
The garter dance has been criticised for making some guests cringe. Some grooms have been shamed for their way of removing the garter, and some brides for the way they choose to place the garter. Many couples love the history and tradition of a wedding garter and are looking for an heirloom to pass on. Even if they don't want to do the garter toss, brides today are still getting a garter to save as a special heirloom from their wedding.
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Wedding garter cost
The wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie, usually made of lace, satin, silk, or chiffon, and often embellished with art nouveau-inspired appliques, dainty beads, ruffles, or bows. It is worn on the thigh, just above the knee, and is traditionally used to hold up stockings. Today, it is more commonly worn as a decorative item for the garter toss.
The cost of a wedding garter can vary depending on the brand, materials, design complexity, and whether it is handmade or custom-made. On average, a wedding garter costs between $20 and $40. However, prices can range from $10 to $150, with some ornate garters costing up to $125.
Some brides choose to wear two garters: one to keep and one to toss. In this case, a higher budget is required to purchase two garters, or one can be kept and the other handmade or upcycled from an heirloom for a lower cost.
The garter toss is a tradition where the groom removes the garter from the bride's leg and tosses it into a crowd of single men. This ritual is said to bring good luck and is believed to predict who will be the next to marry. While some couples choose to skip this tradition, those who wish to participate can find a wide range of stylish and sexy garters within the average price range.
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Wedding garter placement
Wedding garters are typically worn by brides under their bridal gown. They are usually made with lace and embellishments and held in place by elastic. In the past, their purpose was to hold stockings up, but nowadays they are more commonly worn as a decorative novelty item for the traditional "garter toss". Wedding garters are usually worn around the mid-thigh for a sensual and seductive effect.
The placement of your wedding garter is important. Too high and it might be tight and rub against your other leg or feel uncomfortable. Too low and it might fall off and feel uncomfortable. It is recommended that you wear the garter just above your knee—the narrowest part of your thigh—to ensure that it won't rub against your other leg when walking or dancing. If your garter is a little loose above your knee, you can pull it up higher or vice versa. The exact placement will be different for everyone, so it's important to move it around until you get the right fit for you.
If you plan to wear a mermaid or tighter-fitting wedding dress, the spot around your knee is where your dress will flare out, making this an ideal location for this piece of lingerie. You can, of course, adjust it and place it higher if that feels more comfortable for you. Many brides choose to wear their garters all day, even if their partner doesn't plan to remove it as part of the reception. If you decide to do this, wear one made of stretchy lace that will lay flat against your skin, instead of one made of gathered fabric.
It is also important to try on your wedding garter before your wedding day, to ensure that it fits properly and is comfortable. You should also consider taking some photos of you wearing your garter—by wearing it just above your knee, you won't have to pull your dress up too far to get some tasteful photos.
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Wedding garter removal
Wedding garters are a piece of bridal lingerie worn under a wedding dress, typically on the upper thigh. They are usually made of lace and elastic and are often worn as a decorative item for the traditional "garter toss". The garter toss is a wedding tradition where the bride's garter is removed by her partner and thrown out to a crowd of single men.
If you want to include the garter toss in your wedding, here are some tips to make the tradition go smoothly:
- Discuss it with your partner: It is important to talk to your partner in advance and decide if you both want to include the garter toss in your wedding.
- Choose an appropriate song: Work with your wedding band or DJ to select a song that puts you at ease and gets you excited. If you want to go the classy route, stick with something that won't offend delicate ears.
- Plan with your wedding planner: Let your wedding planner or event coordinator know about your plans so they can get you a chair and make the necessary arrangements.
- Adjust your wedding dress: Pull your dress up a little to make it easier for your partner to remove the garter and to get better photos.
- Extend your leg: Put your leg out slightly to help your partner, but be careful not to give your guests a sneak peek of too much!
Variations and Alternatives:
While the garter toss is a traditional part of many weddings, it is not for everyone. Some couples may find it uncomfortable, old-fashioned, or too sensual to do in front of family. If you decide to skip the garter toss, there are alternative ways to include the garter in your wedding:
- Wear it for "getting ready" or "bridal boudoir" photoshoots: You can wear the garter for these shoots and then remove it before the reception.
- Slip it on just before the toss: If you want to wear the garter for the toss but don't want to wear it all day, you can put it on right before the ritual.
- Wear it on your calf: Putting the garter on your calf instead of your thigh can make it less sexual and more lighthearted.
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Wedding garter alternatives
A wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie, typically made of lace, satin, or silk, and worn under a wedding dress on the upper thigh. It is often decorated with embellishments such as delicate bows, appliqués, beading, rhinestones, or crystals. The garter is usually worn just above the knee or around the mid-thigh, and its purpose was originally to hold up stockings.
Today, the garter is mostly worn as a decorative accessory for the traditional garter toss during the wedding reception. For the garter toss, the bride's partner removes the garter from underneath her gown and tosses it into a crowd of male guests. This ritual is said to bring good luck, with the winner predicted to be next in line for love and marriage.
However, the garter toss tradition may not be for everyone, and some couples may prefer to opt for alternatives. Here are some ideas for wedding garter alternatives:
- Not participating in the garter toss: Some couples may choose to wear the garter as a sentimental accessory or for bridal boudoir shoots but opt out of the garter toss altogether. This can be a comfortable choice, especially if the couple feels uncomfortable with the idea of removing and tossing the garter in front of family and friends.
- Tossing garter: If you still want the fun of the garter toss but don't want to give up your own garter, consider purchasing a separate, less expensive garter specifically for tossing. This way, you can keep your own garter as a memento.
- Bouquet alternatives: Instead of tossing the garter, the bride can toss her bouquet to a crowd of female guests. Variations of this include playing a game of "hot potato," where single ladies pass the bouquet in a circle while music plays, and whoever has the bouquet when the music stops gets to keep it. Another option is to have all the married couples dance, and the bride can hand the bouquet to the couple who has been married the longest.
- Groom's accessories: Instead of tossing the garter, the groom can throw something else, such as his boutonnière, necktie, or bow tie. This adds a fun twist and allows the male guests to join in on the tradition.
- Balloon pop: As a playful alternative, you can have a ton of opaque balloons blown up, with a garter hidden inside one of them. The men can then try to pop the balloons to find the garter, adding an element of surprise and interactivity to the event.
- Private garter removal: If you want to maintain a level of privacy, consider having the garter removal and toss take place in the limo on the way to the reception or in a more intimate setting away from the crowd.
These alternatives allow couples to adapt the garter tradition to their comfort levels and create unique and memorable experiences for their wedding celebrations.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under a wedding dress, usually on the thigh. Originally, garters were used to hold up stockings, but now they are worn as a decorative item for the traditional garter toss.
The wedding garter tradition dates back to the Middle Ages or Dark Ages when it was considered good luck to take home a piece of the bride's clothing. Guests would follow the newlyweds to their chamber and try to rip the bride's dress to keep a "lucky" piece of it. This evolved into the bride removing and tossing a garter to appease the crowd and protect herself.
The wedding garter toss is a tradition where the groom removes the garter from the bride's leg and tosses it into a crowd of unmarried male guests. The person who catches the garter is said to be next in line to get married.
A wedding garter can cost anywhere from $10 to $150 depending on the brand, materials, design, and embellishments. The average price is around $20 to $40 for a simple lace, silk, or chiffon garter.
