Non Traditional Weddings Alternatives to the Garter Toss
For many brides, the idea of their new husband removing the garter from her thighs in front of assembled and excited guests can be daunting to say the least. Taking that extra step with the groom removing the garter with his teeth can be even more overwhelming in both positive and negative connotations. Where would Granny look? How would you shield the eyes of the young children?
The origins of the garter toss reside in 14th century France when guests believed it would bring good luck to retain part of the wedding dress. In many cases the dress was destroyed and not surprisingly, the bride was left highly unamused. Therefore the tradition of the bride throwing gifts and items to the crowds came into being so that impetuous hands were kept at bay. However this did not provide enough relief from desperate guests who would do anything to reach the lucky garter, so there evolved a further alternative, where the groom would remove the garter and toss it to the excited male friends and family. Soon after, the custom of the bride throwing a bridal bouquet to the assembled female guests shortly before the garter tossing, came into being. The chap who caught the garter would then fasten it to the leg of the lady who had caught the bouquet.
Nowadays, many people prefer to skip this part altogether or add a secondary and less revealing option into the equation. Following are a number of imaginative and even mischievous possibilities.
The groom instead could carry a garter in his pocket which would be tossed as a symbol of the centuries old tradition without actually having to remove the ones being worn. This keeps the bride's stockings from falling down, as well as keeping her respectability in tact which would suit the father and groom extremely well.
Instead of a garter, a new tie or pair of leather gloves could be tossed, meaning whoever caught it would receive a gift as well as the good luck entailed. You can choose to adhere to the older version of the toss where men were meant to catch the garter or it can be open to both genders to catch the item. If the latter, then make the gift something that anyone would appreciate.
A lovely touch would be to hand the garter replacement to a young boy or girl to take to whomever they so choose. Memories that can last a life time are forged with these little actions.
There's also the option of adding a little naughty humour to the occasion. Why not act as though you're removing the garter whilst instead preparing to throw some saucy new underwear or even a pair of the groom's briefs! The laughter would fill the air and add that extra spark of joy to the event.
Whilst you can ignore the tossing of an item altogether it does provide entertainment which is always advisable and desirable.
