Terrific Traditions and Inspired Innovations: Bouquet and Garter Toss

ALL THE SINGLE LADIES! ALL THE SINGLE LADIES!

This isn't just a smash hit from a bootylicious diva, but four words I dread when attending a wedding. They mean it's time for the bouquet toss, and time for me to hide behind the closest bridesmaid!


It is believed that the woman who catches the bouquet will be the next to marry. I like this part - I'll take any luck I can get to get me to the altar next! Then, the groom usually retrieves the garter from the bride's leg and tosses it to the single men. The same luck applies to he who catches it. From there, the single man places the garter on the leg of the single woman. Here is where my red flag goes up. I'm not real keen on the idea of some guy I've never met sliding something lacy up my leg, especially if he's been hitting up the open bar all night. Even more mortifying would be a relative catching the garter. There' really no need for Uncle George to adorn me with something found at Victoria's Secret. Awkward!!


So, what's a girl to do? As a planner, it's my job to give the bride the wedding she desires and deserves, so I'd never tell her to nix this tradition if she wanted it. As a guest, I'll continue to do my duty; shuffle reluctantly to the dance floor when called and dodge that flowery bullet. I do, however, have some suggestions for brides, or bridesmaids who share my sentitment.




1. Personalized item for all: The bouquet/garter toss tradition has it's roots in the 14th century, when wedding guests would tear off pieces of the bride's garments, because they were thought to bring luck. When the newly-wedded women got tired of being attacked, they began throwing personal items, like their garters, at the crowd. In keeping with this idea, you can throw, or pass out, something personalized to all the single women. These items could be monogrammed chocolates, single flowers like those in your bouquet or t-shirts silk-screened with your favorite saying, song lyrics or silly picture of you and your groom. You could also give the girls scented candles, tubes of your favorite lip-gloss or mixed CDs of your and your hubby's favorite songs. Anything goes with this idea, as long as it's something near and dear to your heart. Just make sure you have some idea of how many single ladies you've invited! (This also works for the groom and garter toss.)


2. Cheers: You can toast your marriage with your single friends by taking your favorite alcoholic shot with them. Underage single guests can participate with sparkling cider, juice or any drink they have on hand. They could also be given a piece of chocolate to eat at the same time you take the shot.


3. Anniversary Dance: I really like this one. The DJ announces that you'd like for all the married couples to join you on the dance floor when they hear the number of years they've been married. Years are announced, starting with 1-5, and increase in increments of five. Once 50 years is announced, each year is announced separately until the longest married couple is found. They are then presented with the bouquet and garter.


4. All the ladies (and gentlemen): If you don't like the idea of singling out all your unmarried guests, have all the women and men participate in the bouquet and garter toss.


5. When in Finland, do like the Finlanders: You, the bride, are blindfolded and the single women make a circle around you. You turn slowly in one direction, and the women, holding hands, circle around you in the opposite direction. The women stop, and you hand your bouquet to the woman facing you. She's the lucky winner!


6. Just rig it!: If there is an engaged couple, or soon-to-be engaged couple in attendance, you can always plan for the bouquet and garter to go to them. Just make sure you've cleared it with the couple, or know they'll appreciate the surprise. Also, tell your wedding party to inform the other guests that Ken and Barbie are meant to catch the tossed items.


Whether it be the traditional way or something new, anything goes when it comes to the bouquet and garter portion of your reception, so do it your way and have fun! And for all the single ladies, like me, who cringe at the thought of this, be a good sport and go for it. Who knows, the man who catches the garter might just be your knight in shining armor!


Till the next Terrific Traditions and Inspired Innovations...


xoxo,
Stephanie