The wedding garter is an iconic bridal accessory that has evolved over centuries. While rooted in tradition, today’s garter holds both symbolic and personal value, making it a meaningful part of many weddings. This article delves into the history, significance, and modern interpretations of the wedding garter, providing insights for brides on how to incorporate this timeless tradition into their special day.
What Is A Garter?
For practical purposes, a garter is just a fabric band that is wrapped around a person’s thigh to keep their stockings or socks in place. Nonetheless, they are more typically used as a fashion statement and are considered a sexy fashion item.
While garters are more commonly associated with women now,many male figures wore them. Nowadays, garters are primarily seen in women’s fashion to provide an extra level of seduction for their outfit, and they are also a strong wedding tradition.
Origins of the Wedding Garter
The wedding garter tradition dates back hundreds of years, with its origins deeply entwined with superstitions and beliefs surrounding marriage. In medieval Europe, it was believed that possessing a piece of the bride’s clothing would bring good luck. This belief led to a somewhat chaotic practice where wedding guests would attempt to tear off pieces of the bride’s dress. To maintain decorum, brides began wearing a garter that could be more easily removed and given to a lucky guest.
Another interpretation of the garter was its role as proof of consummation. In a time when marriages were often arranged and publicly scrutinised, the removal of the garter by the groom was a symbolic act that demonstrated the union had been fulfilled. Today, while these original reasons may seem archaic, the garter has retained its place in wedding ceremonies, albeit with a more modern twist.
The Modern Garter Toss Tradition
In contemporary weddings, the garter toss has become the male counterpart to the bouquet toss. During the reception, the groom removes the garter from the bride’s leg, usually with a bit of theatrical flair, and then tosses it to the single men in attendance. The lucky man who catches the garter is said to be the next to marry, mirroring the superstition associated with the bouquet toss.
Symbolism and Sentiment
For many brides, the garter represents more than just a playful tradition. It is often chosen with care, reflecting personal style or serving as a meaningful memento. Some brides opt for a garter made from heirloom fabric, incorporating a piece of their mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress, thus creating a unique and sentimental accessory that connects past and present.
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Garter
Styles and Designs
Wedding garters come in a variety of styles, from classic to contemporary, each catering to different tastes and wedding themes. Traditional garters are often made from lace, satin, or silk, adorned with delicate embellishments such as pearls, crystals, or ribbons. These materials not only add a touch of elegance but also ensure comfort, allowing the bride to wear the garter throughout the day without discomfort.
For those seeking something more personal or unique, there are countless customisation options. Brides can choose garters in colours that complement their wedding palette, or even opt for a blue garter to fulfil the “something blue” tradition. Custom designs might also incorporate elements that reflect the couple’s interests or personalities, such as a garter featuring a favourite sports team’s colours or symbols.
Garter Sets
Many brides choose to purchase garter sets, which typically include two garters: one to keep and one to toss. The toss garter is often simpler, allowing the bride to keep the more elaborate one as a keepsake. This practice is especially popular among brides who wish to retain a piece of their wedding attire for sentimental reasons, while still participating in the garter toss tradition.
How to Wear the Wedding Garter?
The placement of the wedding garter is largely a matter of personal preference. Traditionally, it is worn on the right leg, just above the knee. This position is both practical and symbolic, as it keeps the garter in place without causing discomfort or interfering with the bride’s movements.
Tips for Wearing the Garter
- Placement: The garter should be placed at or slightly above the knee to prevent it from slipping down or causing irritation. Brides wearing form-fitting dresses, such as mermaid or trumpet styles, often find this position ideal as it allows the garter to be hidden beneath the dress’s flare.
- Comfort: If the garter is too tight, it can restrict blood flow and cause discomfort. Brides are advised to try on the garter before the wedding day to ensure it fits comfortably. Some brides choose to wear two garters, with the tossing garter placed lower on the leg and the keepsake garter higher up.
- Photos: For brides who wish to capture a photo of the garter, it’s important to consider its placement in relation to the wedding dress. The garter should be worn low enough to be visible when the dress is lifted slightly, but not so low that it’s visible throughout the day.
Incorporating the Garter into Your Wedding Theme
The wedding garter, while a small accessory, can play a significant role in tying together the overall theme of the wedding. Whether your wedding is vintage, modern, rustic, or glam, there’s a garter that can complement your aesthetic.
Matching the Garter to Your Theme
- Vintage: For a vintage-themed wedding, consider a garter made from antique lace or one that incorporates pearls and soft, romantic colours like ivory or blush.
- Modern: Brides with a modern theme might opt for a sleek, minimalist garter with clean lines and subtle embellishments, such as a simple satin band with a small crystal accent.
- Rustic: A rustic-themed wedding garter might feature natural elements like burlap, twine, or floral motifs, creating a down-to-earth yet elegant accessory.
- Glam: For a glamorous wedding, a garter with bold embellishments such as rhinestones, sequins, or feathers can add a touch of sparkle and sophistication.
Music for the Garter Toss
The garter toss is often accompanied by a fun, upbeat song that sets the tone for the event. Choosing the right music can enhance the atmosphere and make the moment memorable for everyone involved. Below is a list of popular songs that are frequently used during the garter toss:
- Sir Mix-A-Lot – “Baby Got Back”
- Marvin Gaye – “Let’s Get It On”
- Destiny’s Child – “Bootylicious”
- Mission Impossible Theme Song
- Blondie – “One Way or Another”
These songs range from playful to sensual, allowing couples to choose a track that reflects their personality and the vibe they want to create.
Alternatives to the Traditional Garter Toss
While the garter toss is a popular tradition, it’s not for everyone. Some brides feel uncomfortable with the public nature of the toss or simply prefer to keep their garter as a private memento. Fortunately, there are several alternatives that allow couples to honour the tradition in a way that suits their comfort level.
Creative Alternatives
- Private Removal: Instead of tossing the garter in front of all the guests, the groom can remove the garter in a more intimate setting, perhaps during a private moment after the reception. This allows the couple to share a special tradition without the pressure of an audience.
- Garter Hand-off: If the bride wishes to keep her garter but still wants to include the toss tradition, she can hand the garter to the groom just before the toss. This approach avoids the public removal while still involving the guests in the fun.
- Skipping the Toss: Some couples choose to forgo the garter toss altogether, focusing instead on other traditions that feel more meaningful to them. This might include additional dances, special toasts, or other personalised moments that reflect their relationship.
Conclusion
The wedding garter is a tradition that has stood the test of time, evolving from a symbol of consummation to a fun and meaningful part of modern wedding celebrations. Whether you choose to follow the traditional garter toss, keep the garter as a sentimental keepsake, or find an alternative that suits your style, the garter remains a cherished accessory for many brides.
By understanding the history and significance of the garter, brides can make informed decisions about how to incorporate this tradition into their wedding day in a way that feels personal and special. Whether it’s through a custom design that reflects your personality or by honouring a family tradition with an heirloom garter, this small but significant accessory can add a touch of elegance and meaning to your celebration.
As with all aspects of your wedding, the most important thing is that the choices you make reflect you and your partner’s unique style and love story. After all, your wedding day is about celebrating your journey together, and every detail, including the garter, should be a reflection of the joy and commitment you share.
FAQs About Bridesmaid
What is the Role of a Bridesmaid?
The main role of a bridesmaid is to assist the Maid of Honor with her big wedding-planning duties and offer additional help to the bride as needed. They are all responsible for so many other pieces that go into planning and executing the bride’s dream wedding.
What is the Difference Between Maid of Honour and Bridesmaid?
Bridesmaids and maid of honour are two essential roles of the bridal party in a wedding. The main difference between bridesmaid and maid of honour is that the bridesmaid is a young woman who serves as the bride’s attendant while the maid of honour is the chief bridesmaid.
Do Bridesmaids Have to be Single?
They do not have to be single, but typically bridesmaids and groomsmen are younger people who are able to drink and party. Usually, bridal parties are more important, as they plan more events for the bride and help with all the wedding day duties. The groom just has to pick his best man and groomsman.
What Do You Call a Male Bridesmaid?
A bridesman is the male equivalent of a bridesmaid. He is chosen by the bride to be a member of the bridal party and is often a relative or close friend.
