Bouquet and Garter Toss - Weddings & Honeymoons

A New Twist to the Toss

Photo: courtesy Juliettewear.com
New bridal garters that hold a flask or double as a concealed purse

The Toss of the Bouquet & Garter
Funny traditions surround the tossing of the bride's bouquet and garter to unmarried friends. The tosses usually happen before the cake cutting or towards the end of the celebration, just before the couple leaves. Photographers at the wedding love to take these photos since everyone is having a good time by then.

If for some reason you don't want to have either of these tosses at your wedding, just eliminate them. Some Brides present their Maid of Honor with a separate bouquet in private to toss.

The Bouquet Toss

The superstition is that whoever catches the Bride's bouquet is the next one to be married. The Bride usually goes to the center of the dance floor or up a few stairs. She either faces the group of single female guests or turns her back and tosses the bouquet over her head into the group.

If you're planning to save your bouquet, ask your florist to create a breakaway or a separate smaller bouquet for you to toss.

If you have live musicians, they usually play "tossing" music (drum rolls), and a sting (cymbals) when the bouquet is caught. The winning lady then waits to see which man is going to catch the toss of the garter, as that is whom she is going to dance with next.

The Garter Toss
The Bride sits on a chair, usually in the middle of the dance floor. The Groom lifts her skirt up to remove her garter which she is wearing, slipping it off her leg with his hands. Depending on the Groom's antics, this tradition is fun and usually creates laughter. If there is a live band, the musicians know exactly what to play. The Groom then swirls it around until he lets it go into the group of unmarried male guests. The garter catcher then dances with the bouquet catcher.

A NEW PURPOSE FOR THE GARTER
A new idea for bridal garters shown on the bride and her wedding party in the photo above, is one that holds a flask or doubles as a concealed purse for lip-gloss or a cell phone. The garters are made with silk fabric and include a 3-oz stainless steel flask that stays put - whether walking or dancing.

If you are going to have a garter toss, you might wear two garters, one for use and the second for tossing. Part of the groom's antics could be checking out both garters.

This is a great gift for the bridesmaid's gift bags. Designed by Juliette who works with clients to create custom garters for the entire bridal party including adding initials in rhinestones. For more information visit www.juliettewear.com.

WeddingsHoneymoons.com | W&H: bouquets & garters | July 21, 2010