History: It was considered lucky to get a fragment of the bride’s clothing. In those days, the bride was treated poorly. Guests would grab at her wedding dress in order to tear off pieces. Although brides continued to believe that they would not be wearing their wedding gowns again, they objected to its wanton destruction. They looked for an alternative and, thus began the custom of throwing personal articles, such as the garter, to the guests.
Part 1 – Bouquet Toss: All single women are asked to join the bride for the bouquet toss. Bride tosses bouquet to single women. One lady will catch the boquet. Tradition has it that whowver catches the bouquet – who gets to keep it, by the way, will be the next one married. Bouquet toss song suggestions.
Part 2 – Garter Removal: The bride sits in a chair in the middle of the dance floor. The groom removes the garter from the bride’s leg. Garter removal song suggestions.
Part 3 – Garter Toss: The groom tosses the garter to the single men. Garter toss song suggestions.
Part 4 – Garter Placement: The two “winners” come together in the middle of the dance floor, where the woman is seated, and the man with the garter slides it up her leg. Garter placement song suggestions.
There are many, many variations of the above events. Some brides and grooms choose not to have a bouquet and garter toss. Others choose to only toss the bouquet. It is totally your call. All, some or none. When young children are involved, the fourth part would be skipped.
In place of the Bouquet and Gater:
Anniversary Dance: DJ asks all married couples out to the dance floor, plays a lovesong, then one by one the couples leave according to how many years they have been married. In the end, one couple married the longest remains, and they get a spotlight dance or your Bridal bouqet. Very nice.
