Is It About Time We Toss the Garter Toss Tradition?

There is perhaps no wedding tradition that's more heavily debated than the gater toss. While some couples revere it as a time-honored custom, others find it downright tacky. According to Corinne Pierre-Louis, bridal stylist and founder of wedding fashion newsletter Forever & Always, "wedding traditions are continually evolving, and the garter toss is no exception." Changing attitudes about the practice (and its questionable origins) have led many modern couples to forego it entirely. But in order to decide whether or not you want to engage in a garter throw, or any wedding traditions and superstitions for that matter, it's important to first gather all the facts. Below, we're breaking down everything you need to know about wedding garter tradition.

In this article: What Is a Garter? | What Is a Garter Toss? | Wedding Garter Tradition | FAQs | How to Remove a Garter

Photo: Getty Images, Hulton Archive

What Is a Garter?

A garter, also known as a thigh garter, is a band of fabric that is worn around the upper thigh. What is the purpose of a garter? Well, garters were originally designed to keep long socks or stockings in place. They were worn throughout much of history by both men and women. The invention of pantyhose in 1959, however, significantly decreased the need for garters in everyday wear. As such, what is the point of a garter in contemporary society? Today, they are worn for fashion, rather than function, particularly in the context of weddings. (Many brides wear them as their "something blue".) If you're wondering how to put on garters, you can think of it sorta like wearing a headband around your thigh.

What Is a Garter Toss?

A wedding garter toss, or a garter throw, is a wedding tradition that takes place during the reception. Typically, the bride sits in a chair with the groom kneeling before her. The groom ducks under the bride's gown to remove a garter from around her leg using his hands (or yes, in some cases, teeth). He then tosses the thigh garter at a crowd of all the bachelors in attendance. What does catching the garter mean? The tradition holds that whoever catches it will get married next.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

Photo: ideeone

Wedding Garter Tradition

You're probably no stranger to the garter toss tradition–either you've witnessed one as a wedding guest, or took part in it as the guest of honor. But do you know where the practice got its roots? The answer may surprise you.

Origin of the Wedding Garter Tradition

The wedding garter tradition origin is highly debated. According to Pierre-Louis, some say that the garter toss traces its roots back to medieval Europe. "In those early days, a bride's attire was believed to hold protective and even lucky qualities," she explains. It is said that the bridal garter tradition started as a way to share those good fortunes with guests in a more controlled environment, rather than having them rip off a piece of the bride's wedding gown (which, if you were wondering, did sometimes happen).

Some wedding historians argue that the garter wedding tradition is older and far more crude. During the Dark Ages, married couples were expected to consummate their union immediately, and some wedding guests actually tried to watch to make sure the deed was done. It is thought that removing a garter and presenting it as "proof" was a ploy to get some privacy and appease hopeful onlookers. Seriously!

History of the Wedding Garter Tradition

While there is little evidence to back up either of the theories above, there is one thing that we can be certain about: The garter toss looks a heck of a lot different now. For at least the last 75 to 100 years, couples have engaged in the same contemporary version of the garter toss that we know today. You know what else was popular 100 years ago? Burlesque shows. Having a couple engage in a risqué ritual set to some seductive tunes is certainly in line with the type of entertainment that was popular during this time in history. It is likely that the modern version of the ritual started around this time and has stuck around ever since.

Significance of the Garter Toss Tradition

So, what does a garter symbolize? Today, wedding garter removal isn't used to prove consummation (amen to that), but removing the garter still signifies a bride's transition from maidenhood to married life, since it takes place shortly before the couple's official send-off. The garter itself still signifies good luck to an extent, since the person who catches it is said to find love—or more specifically, tie the knot—next.

Some consider the ritual a cute and funny form of wedding entertainment; others think they single out all the single guests, are unnecessarily gendered and imply that marriage is an end goal for everybody. And while the contemporary version of the garter toss can be seen as controversial in its own right, the extended history of the tradition makes it even more complicated. In short, the significance of the garter toss tradition varies from couple to couple.

Photo: Ashley Upchurch Photography

Wedding Garter Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you know the garter wedding tradition's origin and the history of the garter toss, let's fast forward a few centuries. It should come as no surprise to learn that the wedding garter tradition has greatly evolved since it was first introduced (and thank goodness for that). But what is a garter for in a wedding today and how can couples go about practicing the tradition in a more modern way? We're breaking down the answers to these and other FAQs below.

When Is the Garter Toss at a Wedding?

If you're planning out your wedding reception timeline, you're probably wondering when the garter toss takes place. While there are no hard and fast rules in regard to the timing, most couples choose to do it after dinner. (Your guests will likely be headed to the dance floor at this time anyways!)

What Leg Does the Garter Go On?

Like we mentioned earlier, garters used to serve an important purpose: keeping stockings up. In those times, brides wore a wedding leg band on each leg. Today, it's common to see a single garter worn on its own as a fun accessory, not a necessity. That being said, there are no rules about which leg to put it on, so you can do what feels the most comfortable. You can even go the old school route and opt for a two-piece garter set and wear them stacked or on separate legs. (One gets sacrificed to the toss, while the other is yours to keep.)

What Is the Average Wedding Garter Cost?

The cost of a wedding garter can vary depending on where you buy it, but most fall somewhere in between the $10 to $50 range. While this is relatively low compared to the cost of other pieces of your wedding attire (like your dress or suit), it's still important to account for in your overall wedding budget. Psst: The Knot Budget Advisor can help you organize all your wedding expenses, big or small.

Do You Toss the Actual Garter?

There is no rule that says you have to throw the actual garter in a wedding. If you'd prefer to keep the garter you wore as a memento of the day, you totally can! However, most traditionally, the garter is what the groom throws at a wedding. You can always purchase a "tossing or throwing" garter, which is a separate wedding garter specifically for the garter throw. You can also choose to skip the tradition altogether. Remember, it's your day and you make the rules.

Is the Garter Toss Inappropriate?

While attitudes about any wedding tradition are ever-changing, most people do not consider the wedding garter toss to be inappropriate or in line with outdated wedding etiquette. Despite its history, the modern version of this long-standing tradition is meant to be lighthearted, and many couples still practice it today. Still, it's not for everyone.

"To some, the idea of removing and tossing lingerie can seem a bit unsettling," says Pierre-Louis. "Critics argue that it reduces a cherished element of the bride's ensemble to a mere prop, raising concerns about objectification and the appropriateness of turning an intimate accessory into a competitive game." If the whole thing sounds awkward or a little too raunchy, you're more than welcome to skip it.

"Whether or not to include the garter toss today is entirely a personal decision," says Pierre-Louis. "For some, the tradition remains a fun, nostalgic custom. For others, its origins and the way it's practiced feel outdated." According to Pierre-Louis, there are no strict rules on how to incorporate the garter toss, and many modern couples are putting their own spin on the ritual. "For example, a couple might skip tossing the garter and instead toss a different piece of fabric that wasn't removed from the bride," she explains. "By thoughtfully selecting which traditions to honor and which to update, you create a wedding day that not only respects the past but also embraces the spirit of modern love and inclusivity."

How to Remove a Wedding Garter to Toss

After the bouquet toss at your wedding, taking off the garter might be the next item of business. To avoid a potential faux pas in front of all your family and friends, it's important to familiarize yourself with the best wedding garter removal tactics. Below, we've broken it out step by step.

Taking the Garter Off Without Making it Awkward:

• The bride sits in a chair with the groom kneeling before her.
• Garter toss songs play.
• The bride lifts up the skirt of her dress ever so slightly (right below the knees is ideal)
• The groom reaches under the skirt with his arm, or ducks his whole head underneath.
• The groom removes the garter with his hands (or teeth if both parties consent to it), and slides it down the bride's leg and over her shoe.
• After removing the garter, the groom tosses or slings it into the crowd of guests.

Easy enough, right? Of course, not all weddings have a bride and a groom (or a wedding dress to reach under for that matter), so feel free to experiment with garter toss alternatives to make the activity your own.