What Is the Origin of the Garter Toss at Weddings?
The garter toss is a wedding tradition that dates back for centuries. The bride wears an elastic garter, usually lace, around one of her thighs. The groom reaches under her dress and removes the garter during the reception. He tosses it over his shoulder to the waiting single men. The man who catches it takes the garter and slides it up the leg of the woman who caught the bride’s bouquet. It is said that the wedded couple will receive one year of good luck for each inch above the knee. • Why the Garter? • The garter toss became common at weddings in 1500s. It was originally related to the concept of consummation of the marriage. The bridesmaids and groomsman would sneak up to the bride and groom’s bedroom for proof that the deed was accomplished, so to speak. Then they would take an item of the bride’s clothing for good luck. This was often the garter used to hold up the bride’s stockings. • Stocking Toss • The tossing tradition that went along with the garter evolved from another simi
