Everything You Need To Know About The Reception Garter Toss

There is a longstanding wedding custom that the bride wears a garter to be tossed during the reception. There can be a bit of uncertainty about planning to include a garter toss, for those who are so inclined. Get the answers to the most commonly asked questions about the reception garter tossing custom.

The initial garter related question is usually, “Must I?”. The answer is a resounding No!. In my opinion, it is not a vital part of a wedding. Some brides like the idea of wearing a garter, but not tossing it at the reception. Brides like the idea of surprising their husbands with it on the wedding night. This could be a very good idea for an older bride or anyone who does not think it is dignified to have the groom rooting around under her gown in front of all of her wedding guests.

Brides generally need a duo of garters. You can have a garter to throw and a garter to keep. Don’t bother spending much on the garter to toss because you will not be keeping it. You can splurge a bit on the one that you plan to keep. It might be embellished with crystals or pearls to coordinate with the bridal jewelry or it could be trimmed in antique lace. Pretty much all garters are either blue or have a blue accent on them. A lot of brides like to get a plain garter and personalize it themselves.

A frequently asked question is if the bride should wear both garters together. It is all about what feels right to you. The good part about wearing the pair all day is you don’t have to worry about bringing the toss garter to your reception to put on later. Generally they are both worn on one leg – it does not matter which one. Brides normally wear the garter to toss low on their thigh so it can be quickly removed! Another option is to put on the tossing garter towards the end of the reception – you don’t have to wear it all day.

As for the actual moment when the tossing takes place, there is some etiquette to keep in mind. Let it be known that the groom – and only the groom – is the one who pulls the garter off the bride. Don’t let the groom pretend to pull off the bride’s lingerie or engage in any other questionable antics! While this all takes place, the bride sits in a chair, trying to maintain a least a little bit of dignity in her elegant gown and beautiful bridal jewelry. All of the men at the reception gather round and the groom throws the garter towards them. The man who catches it gets to keep it for luck, if he is so inclined.

One final question often arises about the wedding garter toss custom. In some circles, the man who catches the garter is encouraged to put it on the leg of the woman who catches the bouquet. Sometimes the onlookers encourage the man to push the garter up her leg far higher than either one of them is comfortable with. A lot of couples wonder if they can leave this part out of the whole garter thing – and they definitely can! By all means, skip this part of the garter ceremony – it is not traditional. Ideally the garter toss custom is humorous and tasteful.