The Bouquet/ Garter Toss

From the cutting of the cake to the garter toss, how did these traditions begin and what is the meaning behind them? During the 14th Century, it was thought that by having a piece of the Bride and Groom's clothing, it would bring them good luck. Guests would tear off pieces of the Bride's dress, but apparently this custom did not last, and it became customary for the Bride to throw her garter to the male guests. The males would become rowdy and impatient and they would try to remove the garter ahead of time. Therefore, the custom changed and the groom would toss the garter and the Bride would toss the bouquet.

At the wedding reception, the Bride will toss her throw away bouquet to the single women at the wedding. Whoever catches the bouquet is thought to be the next to marry. Next is the garter toss. Both garters are worn on the right leg just above the knee. The groom is to remove the throw away garter either with his teeth or hands, and will throw this to the single men at the reception. The man who catches the bouquet is thought to be the next to marry. The single lady that catches the bouquet is to take a seat in the middle of the dance floor. The gentlemen who caught the garter will then place the garter on the leg of the single lady.