Rhiannon Hendricks
The wedding garter tradition is a custom that has been heavily debated, with some couples choosing to forego it entirely. The tradition involves the bride wearing a garter, or two garters, which the groom then removes and tosses to the single men at the reception. The man who catches the garter is said to be the next to marry. The origin of this tradition is uncertain, but it is believed to date back to the fourteenth century, with some arguing that it started in medieval Europe. Today, the bride can choose to wear one or two garters, with the second garter being used for the garter toss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of garters | 1 or 2 |
| Reason for 2 garters | One to keep, one to toss |
| Placement | Both on the same leg, above the knee of the right leg |
| Garter toss | A wedding tradition, but not for everyone |
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What You'll Learn
One garter to keep, one to toss
The wedding garter tradition is a heavily debated topic, with some couples revering it as a time-honoured custom, and others finding it tacky. The garter toss tradition is said to have originated in medieval Europe, where a bride's attire was believed to hold protective and lucky qualities. The bridal 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.
Today, the garter is worn for fashion rather than function, and many brides choose to wear two garters: one to keep, and one to toss. The "one to keep, one to toss" approach allows brides to keep their main garter and have a "throw-away" one for the garter toss. The main garter is usually larger and more detailed, while the tossing garter is smaller and less detailed, intended to be tossed and never seen again by the bride.
Brides who want to take part in the tradition without the garter toss can opt to wear one garter and then save it as a keepsake. Alternatively, if the bride wants the garter back after the toss, she can assign a bridesmaid or family member to retrieve it from the guest who caught it.
The placement of the two garters is also a consideration. Some brides choose to wear both garters on the same leg, with the main garter placed higher up, while others prefer to wear them on opposite legs. Ultimately, the decision to wear one or two garters, and whether to include the garter toss in the wedding reception, is up to the bride's personal preference.
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The history of the garter toss
The wedding garter toss is a well-known tradition that has been a part of weddings for at least the last 75 to 100 years. The groom reaches under the bride's dress, often with his teeth, to remove the garter and throw it to the male wedding guests. This ritual is similar to the bride's bouquet toss, jokingly designating the next person to be married.
The origin of the garter toss is highly debated and has a rather uncomfortable history. One of the most common stories traces its roots back to the Middle Ages, when married couples were expected to consummate their union immediately after the wedding celebration. Crowds of guests may have waited outside or even watched as the deed was done. The groom would then give the bride's garter to those in attendance as confirmation. Alternatively, tossing the bride's garter may have been a way to protect her and her outfit, as pieces of a bride's dress were considered good luck, and throwing a garter would give the guests something else to grab for.
Another theory suggests that the garter toss started as a way to share the bride's good fortune with guests in a more controlled environment, rather than having them rip off a piece of her wedding gown, which also used to happen.
In the late Renaissance period, the garter toss was done to spread good luck and fertility vibes, without the clothing-tearing or proof of consummation involved. It has been a lucky tradition for the past 400 years or so, with tweaks for each era. For example, some flapper brides in the 1920s used their garters to hold flasks of alcohol.
In modern times, the garter toss has become increasingly controversial and is seen as old-fashioned and awkward by some. It is much less common at weddings with same-sex couples, who are also less likely to prioritise traditional wedding practices.
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Garter placement
The placement of the garter is important for a bride, especially if she is wearing two garters. The two garters are worn on the same leg, with the "keep" garter placed higher up and the "toss" garter placed just above the knee. This ensures that the groom removes the correct garter during the garter toss ceremony. The bride can choose which leg to wear the garters on, and it is recommended that the garters fit snugly to avoid falling down without being too tight.
The garter toss ceremony is a highly debated wedding tradition that has evolved over time. It is believed to have originated in medieval Europe, where a bride's attire was considered lucky, and tossing the garter was a way to share good fortune with guests. In modern times, the garter toss is often seen as tacky, and some couples choose to forego it entirely. However, for those who choose to include it, the placement of the garters is crucial to ensure a smooth ceremony.
The "keep" garter, also known as the main garter, is usually larger and more detailed, while the "toss" garter is smaller and simpler. The main garter is typically worn higher up on the thigh, just above the knee, to ensure it stays in place and is comfortable for the bride. The "toss" garter is placed below the "keep" garter, closer to the knee, making it easier for the groom to remove during the ceremony.
Some brides choose to wear both the "keep" and "toss" garters on the same leg, while others opt for different legs to avoid any confusion during the removal. Ultimately, the placement of the garters is a personal preference, and brides can choose what works best for them. The key is to ensure that the garters are secure, comfortable, and placed correctly to avoid any mishaps during the garter toss ceremony.
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Garter sets
The garter toss is a wedding tradition that has evolved over time. In the past, wedding guests would try to obtain a piece of the bride's dress as it was believed to bring good luck. The garter toss was created as a more controlled way to share the bride's good fortune without damaging her dress. Today, the garter toss is often seen as a fun activity for single guests to meet and mingle.
Some brides choose to wear two garters, one to keep and one to toss, to avoid having to retrieve the main garter after the toss. The two garters are typically worn on the same leg, with the main garter placed higher up and the tossing garter below it. It is recommended to place them on the right leg, above the knee.
The decision to wear one or two garters is ultimately up to the bride. Some brides may choose to forgo the garter toss entirely or opt for other wedding traditions. It is important to consider the comfort level of the bride and groom, as well as the guests, when deciding whether to include the garter toss in the wedding reception.
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Choosing to opt out of the garter toss
The garter toss is a wedding tradition that has been around for centuries and is often considered a cute and funny form of wedding entertainment. However, it is not for everyone. The idea of removing and tossing lingerie in front of guests can be unsettling for some couples. Many couples decide in advance that they don't want to do the garter toss and want to take part in the wedding garter tradition without the garter toss.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of the garter toss, you can choose to skip it altogether. There is no rule that says you have to throw the garter at your wedding. You can opt to wear the garter as a modern wedding heirloom and keep it as a memento of your special day.
You can also choose to wear the garter for the ceremony and slip it off before the reception if you don't want to draw attention to the removal process. Another option is to wear the garter for the entire day, even if your partner doesn't plan to remove it as part of the reception. Ultimately, the decision to participate in the garter toss is entirely up to you and your preferences.
If you decide to opt out of the garter toss, you can still wear one or two garters, depending on your preference. You can wear a single garter on its own as a fun accessory, or you can wear two garters, with one being the main garter and the other being a "throwaway" one for the toss. Garters are typically worn on the upper thigh, just above the knee, to ensure they won't rub against your other leg when walking or dancing.
Remember, your wedding day should be a celebration, so feel free to enjoy it and make it your own!
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Frequently asked questions
You don't need two garters for your wedding, but some brides choose to wear two garters so that they can keep one as a memento and toss the other.
The wedding garter toss tradition is thought to have originated in medieval Europe, where a bride's attire was believed to bring good luck. Guests would rip off a piece of the bride's wedding gown to obtain some of her good luck, so the garter toss was created as a way to provide a piece of the bride's dress that was easily removable.
Brides who choose to wear two garters typically wear them both on the same leg, with the main garter higher up and the tossing garter lower down.
