Regardless of your personal feelings about wearing a wedding garter, or lack thereof, this bridal fashion accessory is one that has stood the test of time. And while choosing to wear a garter is strictly a personal decision, understanding its history can help provide a bit of context when deciding whether or not you'd like to embrace this tradition.
So for brides thinking about wearing a wedding garter on the big day, or for those who are just interested in the origin of this piece of lingerie, here's everything you need to know. Plus, details on the garter toss tradition and garter toss alternatives if this wedding reception custom isn't for you.
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What Is a Wedding Garter?
A wedding garter is a piece of bridal lingerie worn under a wedding dress (simple enough, right). During the reception, it's tradition for the bride's partner to remove the garter from underneath the bride's gown (with their hands or teeth) and toss it into the crowd.
Today, wedding garters typically come in a ruched, satin style or a lace band, and can be bought in any hue, though most brides typically choose the color white or blue. Some garters even feature delicate bows, appliqués, beading, rhinestones, or crystals. As for pricing, a wedding garter can cost anywhere from $15 to $125 (for an extremely ornate one), with the average price being $20 to $35.
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The History of the Garter Toss Tradition
The garter toss tradition originated in the Dark Ages when people believed that having a tatter of the bride’s dress was considered good luck. During this time, crowds of guests became so lewd that they’d often follow the couple to their marital bed, ripping at the couple's clothes as a form of “encouragement,” while hoping to grab a piece of the bridal gown. As a result, the bride and groom started tossing the bouquet and the garters that held up the bride’s stockings as a way to appease the crowd.
In modern times, the wedding garter tradition has transformed into an activity that's become a personal choice for the couple of honor. Whether or not you toss your garter is entirely up to you, and if you'd rather skip this tradition during your reception, that's perfectly okay.
How to Wear a Wedding Garter
While there is no particular leg that's designated for a wedding garter, it is recommended that you wear this accessory just above your knee. This is usually the narrowest part of your thigh and your garter won’t easily rub against your other leg when walking or dancing. Also, if you are wearing a mermaid or tighter-fitting wedding dress, around your knee is where your dress will flare out, making this an ideal location for this piece of lingerie. You can, of course, adjust it and put it higher if that feels more comfortable.
As far as how long you should wear a garter, there are several options for you to consider. Many brides choose to wear their garters all day, even if their partner doesn't plan to remove and toss it into a crowd. If taking this route, it's best to wear one made of soft stretch lace that will lay flat against your skin, instead of one made of gathered fabric. Alternatively, you can slip your garter on a few moments before the throw. Simply head to the bathroom, put it on, and head to the dance floor for the garter toss event.
Lastly, you do have the option to strictly treat your garter as part of yourwedding night lingerie. In this case, pick one that matches the set you've purchased for your first night as newlyweds and stash it away until you've gotten back to the suite.
The biggest thing to remember is to try on your wedding garter before the morning of your wedding, as problems with fit are much easier to solve in advance. You don’t want to find out just before you walk down the aisle that something doesn’t fit or is uncomfortable.
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How to Buy a Wedding Garter
There is no set rule for when and how to buy a wedding garter. If a friend has gifted you one during your bridal shower, you should feel free to wear it as long as you love the style. Alternatively, if you want to pick out your own bridal garter for the big day, that is perfectly acceptable, too.
Another tip? Just be sure to order this piece of lingerie as early as possible. As with all things, if you want a custom garter design, you’ll need to check with the designer on their production time frame.
Alternatives to the Garter Toss Tradition
There are plenty of ways to get creative with the wedding garter tradition to make it your own, and you can modernize it in any way you want to. For instance, if you still want the fun moment of your partner peeling off your garter and then tossing it to the crowd, consider getting a separate "tossing garter". A tossing garter is just an extra garter (often simpler than the main one) that your partner can use so that you keep the real one as a keepsake forever.
Additionally, some brides may want to toss the garter but are uncomfortable with the idea of their partner fishing around for it beneath their dress as their parents and grandparents watch. If this is you, simply tailor the toss to suit you, and opt to hand your garter to your partner instead of having them find it.
In all, do what works best for you and your partner. If that involves the garter toss then great! If not, there are other ways to personalize your reception without embracing this tradition.
What Is a Wedding Garter?
Greetings, enthusiasts of timeless bridal traditions and connoisseurs of wedding customs! As a seasoned expert in the realm of wedding traditions and rituals, I bring forth my extensive knowledge to shed light on the fascinating world of wedding garters. With a deep understanding of the historical underpinnings and contemporary nuances surrounding this bridal accessory, allow me to elucidate every facet with precision and authority.
The wedding garter, a pièce de résistance in bridal lingerie, is a time-honored adornment worn beneath the wedding dress. Its significance transcends mere aesthetics, evolving into a captivating tradition during the reception. In a ceremonious act, the bride's partner, armed with either hands or teeth, embarks on the symbolic task of removing the garter from beneath the bridal gown, subsequently tossing it into the awaiting crowd.
Contemporary wedding garters come in diverse styles, ranging from ruched satin to delicate lace bands, often adorned with bows, appliqués, beading, rhinestones, or crystals. While the color palette offers a broad spectrum, white or blue remains the favored choice among brides. As for pricing, the cost of a wedding garter spans a wide range, from $15 for simpler designs to a lavish $125 for ornate creations, with the average falling between $20 and $35.
Delving into the historical roots, the garter toss tradition finds its origins in the Dark Ages, where shreds of the bride's dress were believed to bring good luck. In response to rowdy crowds following couples to their marital beds, the bride and groom introduced the bouquet and garter toss as a means of appeasem*nt. Today, the tradition has evolved into a personal choice for couples, allowing them the autonomy to decide whether to partake in the garter toss during the reception.
For those contemplating the inclusion of a wedding garter, proper wear is of paramount importance. While there is no specific leg designation, it is recommended to position the garter just above the knee, ensuring comfort during movement and dance, especially for brides donning mermaid or tighter-fitting dresses. The duration of wear varies, with options ranging from donning it all day to slipping it on moments before the garter toss event.
Acquiring a wedding garter presents flexible options, from receiving one as a gift during a bridal shower to personally selecting the desired style. Timing is crucial, and early procurement is advised, particularly for those considering custom designs with production timeframes to consider.
In the spirit of personalization, alternatives to the garter toss tradition abound. Couples can opt for a separate "tossing garter" for a fun moment without parting with the main keepsake garter. Furthermore, those uncomfortable with the traditional approach can modify the toss to better suit their preferences, such as handing the garter to their partner instead of the more traditional retrieval beneath the dress.
Ultimately, the decision to embrace the wedding garter tradition rests entirely with the couple of honor. Whether as a cherished tradition or a personalized touch, the wedding garter continues to captivate brides and grooms, weaving a tale of love, history, and individual choice.
