Do You Need A Bridal Garter?
Many brides today are unsure how to go about navigating the trend of the 'garter', a lacy, stretchy band of fabric that goes around the bride's thigh, to then be removed by her husband and tossed into her wedding guests. If you're not so sure whether or not, or how to participate in this tradition, read on to explore the origin story behind the bridal garter tradition!
History Claimed as the oldest wedding tradition around, the garter has been around since the Dark Ages when wedding guests would help couples de-robe after the ceremony, in order to prepare for married life. It was considered good luck during this exercise to get a piece of the bride's wedding dress, and thus the garter was invented! Now the tradition is to ceremoniously have the groom go up the bride's dress, retrieve the garter, and toss it into their crowd of guests.
Styles Garters come in all different laces, colors, and with different detailing. Consider getting one with a touch of blue ribbon for your 'something blue' or with a little charm on it to add a subtle detail. Traditionally, there is no one specific style of garter necessary for a bride to purchase, nor does it matter who picks the garter, whether its the groom, a bridesmaid, mother of the bride or the bride herself.
Garter Toss You are by no means obligated to do a garter toss ceremony at your wedding reception! You may feel that this is an antiquated tradition and feel really uncomfortable about it, and that's okay! On the flip side, you may not mind and want to participate in the tradition, and if that's the case, make it fun! Consider getting one garter for the toss, and a nicer, more heirloom style for you to keep as a memento. Or, you and your groom may be a bit torn on how to incorporate this tradition into your wedding in a way that feels comfortable. Keep in mind you can always simply get a garter to wear on your wedding day, and to keep for yourself, but avoid doing the toss in front of all your guests. No one will come up to you later demanding a garter!
It's important to be mindful of what traditions you want to include in your wedding day so the day feels completely comfortable, and more importantly, your own. Style Me Pretty Contributor - Goli Parvinian is a bridal enthusiast and masters student living in Melbourne, Australia. Over the past few years, she has worked for bridal brands in her hometown of Chicago, New Zealand and New York City. You can typically find her in a cafe, face-timing her nieces or out on a long run.
