The tossing of the garter and bouquet is a time honored tradition dating back to the Dark Ages. Originally the garter was removed from the bride by witnesses as a sign that the marriage was consummated. Over time the bride was not comfortable with this so she began to toss the garter to distract her guests, giving her and her husband a chance to get away unscathed. This eventually led to the bride tossing the bouquet. Flowers in bloom signified fertility and a right of passage for the next woman to be married. The groom then took the responsibility of throwing the garter.
So why are so many brides choosing not to have it at their wedding reception? Perhaps because it has been done the exact same way with the exact same music for the last 20 years. Or is it because they feel there aren’t enough single people present to make it worth while? Maybe some feel it has become cheesy while others think it’s down right trashy. Whatever the reason, removing the garter and bouquet from the reception may leave a gap in the evening. Here are the most common reasons why brides choose not to toss the garter and bouquet, and what you can do to make it different:
- Too Traditional – Modernize it:
- Stay away from the typical songs that were played 20yrs ago. Music like “Oh Yeah” or “The Stripper Song” will kill the moment and definitely make it cheesy.
- Ask your DJ to play music that is more reflective of your style, but stay in the moment. Songs like: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Give It Away, En Vogue – Never Gonna Get It, ZZ Top – Legs, Beyonce – Single Ladies, etc…
- Cheesy or trashy – Make it simple or different:
- Skip the garter removal and/or garter placement. The groom should have the garter in his pocket if he still plans to throw it.
- Throw only the bouquet
- If you really want to change it up, the bride can toss the garter to the men and/or women like they did in the 14th century. And for fun have the groom throw the bouquet to either as well.
Not a lot of single people – Involve the married couples instead:
- First decide if you want to remove the garter or not. If not, the groom should have the garter in his pocket ready to go.
- Call up the married women and toss the bouquet. Whichever wife catches the bouquet, call up her husband and give him the garter.
- If you don’t want to toss the bouquet, you can toss the garter instead calling up the married men first. Afterward you can give the bouquet to his wife.
- If you choose so, you can then have the husband place the garter on his wife. Ask him how long they’ve been married, telling them this will bring another x number years of luck. If you don’t want them to place the garter, tell them they can have fun on their own.
- Anniversary Dance – A great alternative if you don’t toss the bouquet:
- Invite all the married couples to the dance floor. As the song plays the DJ asks couples to leave by the number of years married.
- You can give the bouquet away to the anniversary couple that is the last to be on the dance floor. Present them the bouquet and ask them to give you a few words of wisdom on how they lasted so long.
- Two song recommendations would be Alan Jackson – Remember When or Journey – After All These Years
Use these ideas, come up with combinations of your own or something totally different. Whatever you choose to do have fun doing it. In the end all that matters is that you are presenting to your guests who you are.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Tags: bouquet, garter, traditions, Weddings