Why do people toss the garter at weddings? 

 

A tradition that is loved and loved to be hated.  Some brides have shunned the "garter toss tradition" in recent years but still many like to have the garter incorporated into their wedding in some way.  They can be fun and sometimes crazy (depending on your crowd)  But not all brides want this. Some would like a special memento from their wedding day that they can keep and then pass down to the next generation.  What ever it is you are doing... it's likely you are similar to most brides.  Today's bride is looking for something that will embrace her personality and will match with her wedding colors or theme. Whether you as a bride, choose to keep it a special secret hidden for your husband's eyes only, or show it off, is completely a personal decision for you.  

Garters are a small way to make a fun and exciting impact on your special day.   Ladies feel sexy when they put on a garter.  For some reason it just makes us feel special in anticipation for time to be spent with our spouse.  Many women like to wear matching garters with various intimate honeymoon outfits, or to make holidays and anniversaries special times to remember.  But garters are used most often on the wedding day.    This day the bride may put on her most lovely under garments for her groom.  The garter many times is the last & final touch to the underwear attire, and it is one of the first things the brides new husband will remove.  This is why so many brides order custom garters, they want them to be something worthy to be remembered!

A Brief History of the Wedding Garter.

Tossing the wedding garter is an old  time held tradition.  It is said that in the days gone past, the bride and groom had to  show proof of their wedding consummation.  In order for it to be proven, it was common tradition to have people like family and friends come into the room with the couple.  The "witnesses" would obtain the garter as "proof" of the consummation.   Also having any article of the under garments was considered to be good luck so sometimes things would get out of hand in the newly wed's bedroom as crazed onlookers snatched at clothing to get for good luck.  This was not appreciated much by the bride nor many grooms, hence the groom started tossing the garter out so that no one would need to obtain it themselves. 

( How barbaric this sounds! glad things have changed since then) 

Because of modesty, this tradition has been modified and moved from the bedroom to the reception.   Now today we have the traditional garter toss, which is meant to bring good luck to the man who catches it.  He is said to be the next one to marry.  In some cultures the men stand and wait for the garter to be tossed.  Other cultures they actually compete for it.  The men may compete for the garter in a foot race or by horse (this is a medieval practice).  At least it is better than having the men chase the bride and put her upside down to get the garter off... This is what used to happen!  In yet other places, they even auction the garter off.  As strange as these twists on the wedding garter tradition may sound, it's all just a tradition.  Take it or leave it. 

or should I say "Take it or Toss it! "

:)