The Origin of the Flower & Garter Toss

There are many small nuances that brides take into account in the days leading up to the wedding. Every tradition to follow or not follow is painstakingly discussed as the details start coming together. Two traditions, originating in England, are the tossing of the garter and the bouquet. But how did these traditions get started?

The Garter Toss

The removal of the garter was originally a sign of intimacy between newly wedded couples. The husband would remove the garter during the consummation of the marriage as proof they had physically moved forward as husband and wife. Over the years, this evolved into the groom removing the garter during the reception and throwing it to the single men. The man that catches it is said to be the next one married.

The Flower Toss

Unlike the decorative bouquets we see today, 14th century bridal bouquets had a practical purpose. During the Bubonic Plague that ravaged Europe, brides carried bouquets with garlic and herbs to protect themselves from the Plague, evil spirits, and foul odors. The tossing tradition originated as a way for the bride to pass along her good fortune. Women used to try to rip pieces off the dress or bouquet for good luck in their own love affairs, so the bride began tossing the bouquet to distract the crowd and make her escape.

Where These Traditions Stand Today

What we see in modern weddings has evolved over centuries. While most traditions started as something quite different, today they are a fun way to keep guests engaged. Some couples choose to skip the garter and bouquet toss entirely, while others maintain the tradition and add their own special touch. There is no wrong way to approach these traditions — they are simply small details that make up the larger picture of a wedding day.