Superstition: Bouquet or Garter Toss

This is the last part of our superstition series. Over the last couple weeks, we explored: Why is it unlucky for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony? Why something new, something old, something borrowed, something blue? Why keep the top tier of your wedding cake for one year later?

The tradition or superstition of throwing the bride's bouquet is still very much in effect. The garter toss not so much with shy brides. This is what I found out about this particular superstition:

PAST: In medieval times, it was considered lucky to get a fragment of the bride’s clothing. Guests would try to rip a piece of the bride's dress, even if she was still wearing it. Because of how gowns were constructed back then, the dress would literally just fall apart. Instead of allowing guests to rip freely and exposing the bride, the groom would toss the garter at their guests to keep them away.

NOW: The groom would remove and toss the bride’s garter to the groomsmen right after the bride tosses her bouquet to the bridesmaids. Traditionally, the unmarried man who catches the garter must place it on the leg of the unmarried woman who catches the bouquet, and it is said that they will be the next two to marry (not necessarily to each other). It’s a fun ritual, but many couples have chosen not to include it because guests could be injured easily, and it might embarrass the single women who are “dragged” to the floor to participate.

~Monica
Owner and Lead Designer @Wishahmon



Photo Credit: Megphoto