Wedding Garter Tradition: History & Alternatives 2025

The wedding garter toss declined from 41% to 33% of weddings between 2016 and 2018, with 67% of couples predicting it will disappear by 2026.¹ Despite this decline, approximately 85% of brides still wear a garter as a decorative accessory, even without performing the traditional toss ritual. The practice originated from medieval bedding ceremonies in England and France before evolving into its modern American format during the 1950s-60s.

What Is the Wedding Garter Tradition

The garter toss involves the groom removing a decorative elastic band from the bride's thigh and throwing it to single male guests at the reception.² The tradition mirrors the bouquet toss, with the catcher supposedly being the next to marry. In more elaborate American versions, the groom removes the garter with his teeth while the bride sits in a chair, and the garter catcher may place it on the bouquet catcher's leg.

The ritual typically occurs mid-reception, after dinner and before the main dancing begins. The DJ announces the tradition, single men gather on the dance floor, and upbeat music plays during the removal and toss. The entire sequence usually takes 5-10 minutes, depending on how theatrical the couple chooses to make it.

Modern couples have significantly modified this tradition. Many who include it use a separate "toss garter" worn lower on the leg, keeping a more decorative keepsake garter higher up. Others skip the removal entirely, with the groom simply tossing a pre-selected garter to the crowd.

The History Behind the Garter Toss

Medieval Origins and Bedding Ceremonies

The garter tradition traces to medieval England and France, where wedding guests believed touching the bride or obtaining a piece of her clothing would transfer good fortune.³ Enthusiastic guests would literally chase the bride and tear at her dress to claim fabric scraps. To escape this uncomfortable ritual, brides began throwing stockings or garters to the crowd as they retreated to the bedding chamber.

The practice connected directly to "bedding ceremonies," where family and friends would escort the newlyweds to their marital bed, sometimes witnessing the consummation to ensure the marriage's validity. The garter served as proof of this intimate act, making it a highly symbolic item worth catching.

Evolution Across Centuries

In 1700s England, a game called "Fling the Stocking" emerged as a more playful version. Wedding guests would sit at the foot of the marriage bed and throw stockings at the couple. Successfully landing a stocking on the bride or groom's nose meant the thrower would marry next.

The modern American garter toss format didn't solidify until the 1950s-60s, influenced by burlesque entertainment and USO shows popular among returning World War II veterans.⁴ The theatrical removal, often with teeth, reflected this era's entertainment culture rather than any ancient tradition. This explains why the practice feels more performative than many other wedding customs.

How the Tradition Spread Globally

From its English and French origins, the garter tradition followed colonial expansion to the United States, Canada, and Australia. Each region adapted the custom differently. American weddings embraced the most theatrical version, while British celebrations maintained a simpler, less common approach. Australian couples adopted a casual attitude, often treating it as optional entertainment rather than an essential ritual.

The tradition never gained significant traction in Asian, African, or most continental European wedding cultures, remaining primarily an Anglophone custom. Even within English-speaking countries, regional and cultural variations exist, with some communities finding the practice inappropriate for family gatherings.

Regional Differences in Garter Traditions

United States: American weddings feature the most elaborate garter toss rituals. The groom typically removes the garter with his teeth while provocative music plays, and in some versions, the garter catcher places it on the bouquet catcher's leg. Regional variations exist, with Southern weddings sometimes incorporating more theatrical elements while West Coast celebrations trend toward skipping the tradition entirely.

United Kingdom: British weddings treat the garter toss as an optional American import rather than a native tradition. When included, the removal is usually quick and understated, with the groom using his hands rather than teeth. The bouquet toss remains significantly more popular, and many UK couples have never attended a wedding featuring a garter toss.

Australia: Australian weddings take a relaxed approach to the garter tradition. Couples who include it often present it as fun entertainment rather than a meaningful ritual. The theatrical American-style removal is rare, with most choosing a quick, low-key toss if they include it at all. Many Australian wedding guides don't even mention the tradition as an expected element.

Canada: Canadian celebrations closely mirror American patterns, particularly in regions near the US border. French-Canadian weddings may incorporate different traditions entirely, while Western Canadian celebrations show higher rates of skipping the garter toss in favor of other reception activities.

Why the Garter Toss Is Declining

The garter toss has experienced a 22% decline over seven years, with current data showing only one-third of couples including it.¹ This trend accelerates among younger couples, with 67% predicting the tradition will largely disappear by 2026. Several factors drive this decline.

Comfort and appropriateness concerns rank as the primary reason couples skip the ritual. Many find the public removal uncomfortable to perform or watch, particularly with diverse guest lists including children, elderly relatives, and professional colleagues. The sexually suggestive nature of the removal conflicts with the desire for family-friendly celebrations.

Changing gender dynamics influence the decision, as couples increasingly question traditions that objectify the bride or reinforce outdated gender roles. The ritual of men gathering to catch lingerie while a groom removes it from his bride's leg feels anachronistic to many modern couples seeking egalitarian wedding experiences.

Cultural and religious considerations make the tradition inappropriate for many celebrations. Conservative religious communities, certain cultural backgrounds, and international guests may find the practice offensive or confusing. Couples with diverse guest lists often skip it to ensure all attendees feel comfortable.

Time and flow preferences also factor into the decision. Weddings already include numerous formalities, and couples increasingly prioritize dancing and socializing over traditional rituals. Removing the 5-10 minute garter toss allows more time for activities guests prefer.

Statistics on Garter Toss Participation

Despite the toss declining, approximately 85% of brides still purchase and wear a decorative garter as a hidden accessory or keepsake item. This indicates the garter itself maintains symbolic value as "something blue" or a traditional accessory, even when couples skip the public ritual.

Demographic differences also emerge in the data. Couples over 35 include the garter toss at slightly higher rates (38%) than couples under 30 (28%). Formal evening weddings feature it more often than casual daytime celebrations. Religious weddings show lower rates than non-religious ceremonies.

Modern Alternatives to the Garter Toss

Skip Entirely

The most popular alternative is no alternative at all. Couples simply proceed from dinner to dancing without acknowledging the tradition. This approach works particularly well when the DJ doesn't announce it, allowing the reception to flow naturally. No guests expect or miss the ritual when it's not mentioned.

Anniversary Dance

This inclusive alternative invites all married couples to the dance floor. As the song plays, the DJ progressively asks couples married fewer years to sit down until only the longest-married couple remains. They receive the bouquet, a prize, or recognition. This celebrates enduring love rather than predicting future marriages, making it meaningful for all ages.⁵

Coed Bouquet Toss

Rather than separating single guests by gender, combine everyone for one inclusive toss. The bride can throw the bouquet to all single guests regardless of gender, or the couple can throw two bouquets simultaneously. This modernizes the tradition while maintaining the fun competition element without gender assumptions.

Balloon Pop Game

Attach small prizes or gift cards to helium balloons. Selected guests pop balloons to reveal prizes ranging from silly items to substantial gift cards. This creates excitement and entertainment without the uncomfortable dynamics of the garter removal. Multiple participants win, spreading the fun across more guests.

Kids' Toss

For family-focused weddings, toss a stuffed animal or small bouquet to children attendees. Young guests love participating in wedding traditions, and this creates adorable photo opportunities. Parents appreciate activities that engage their children during the adult-focused reception.

Prize or Trivia Games

Replace the toss with interactive games where guests answer trivia about the couple or participate in dance-offs. Winners receive prizes like gift cards, bottles of wine, or novelty items. This approach entertains all guests rather than focusing only on single attendees.

Candy Toss

The couple tosses wrapped candies or small favors into the crowd, similar to Mardi Gras throws. Everyone can participate, children love it, and it creates energetic fun without singling out specific guest groups. This works especially well for casual, festive celebrations.

Men's Bouquet Toss Only

Skip the garter entirely but give single men their own small bouquet to catch. This maintains the tradition's symmetry without the removal aspect. Some couples use sports bouquets (made from team colors or shaped like equipment) to appeal to male guests.

Alternatives Comparison

If You Keep the Garter Toss

Some couples still enjoy the tradition and choose to include it. Making it comfortable for participants and guests requires thoughtful planning.

Use Two Garters

Purchase a simple "toss garter" to wear lower on your leg (around the knee or mid-thigh) and a more elaborate keepsake garter higher up. This allows a quick, easy removal while preserving your decorative garter as a memento. The toss garter typically costs $10-20, while keepsake garters range from $25-75.

Keep the Removal Tasteful

The groom should use his hands rather than teeth for a more dignified removal. Keep the bride's dress positioned appropriately, and make the removal quick rather than theatrical. Some couples have the bride remove the garter herself in a private moment and hand it to the groom for tossing, eliminating the removal spectacle entirely.

Skip Problematic Elements

The tradition of the garter catcher placing it on the bouquet catcher's leg has fallen out of favor in most regions. Skip this step, which often makes both participants uncomfortable. Simply have the catcher keep the garter as his "prize" without further interaction.

Set the Right Tone

Choose upbeat, fun music rather than overtly suggestive songs. "Mission Impossible," "Crazy in Love," or "Uptown Funk" work better than strip-tease music. The DJ's announcements should be playful but respectful, avoiding crude jokes or commentary.

Warn Uncomfortable Guests

If you know certain guests would prefer not to watch, have your coordinator quietly let them know when it will occur so they can step out for a moment. This consideration is particularly important for conservative family members or guests from cultures where the tradition is unknown.

Make It Quick

The entire ritual should take no more than 5 minutes. Gather participants, remove and toss the garter, announce the catcher, and move on. Extended productions make guests uncomfortable and stall the reception's momentum.

Music Suggestions for Garter Removal

Avoid songs with explicit lyrics or those primarily associated with strip clubs. The goal is fun and entertaining, not uncomfortable or inappropriate. Discuss music choices with your DJ to ensure they align with your wedding's overall tone.

Making Your Decision

Choosing whether to include the garter toss depends on several factors specific to your celebration.

Consider your guest list composition. Weddings with many children, conservative relatives, or professional colleagues may benefit from skipping the tradition. Conversely, if your guests are primarily peers who expect and enjoy traditional reception activities, including it may fit well.

Evaluate your comfort level. If either partner feels uncomfortable with the removal or toss, that's sufficient reason to skip it. Your wedding should reflect your preferences, not obligation to tradition. Discomfort shows in photos and videos, creating memories you'd rather not preserve.

Think about your wedding style. Formal, elegant weddings often skip the garter toss as it conflicts with the sophisticated atmosphere. Casual, party-focused celebrations may embrace it as fun entertainment. Ensure all traditions align with your overall wedding vision.

Discuss with your partner. Some couples have different perspectives on wedding traditions. Talk through the reasons for including or skipping it, and find common ground. If one partner feels strongly either way, honor that preference.

Remember it's completely optional. Despite the tradition's long history, no rule requires including it. Many beautiful, memorable weddings omit the garter toss without anyone noticing or missing it. Focus on elements that genuinely matter to you rather than checking boxes on a tradition list.

The garter tradition illustrates how wedding customs evolve with cultural values. What began as proof of consummation in medieval bedding ceremonies transformed into 1950s entertainment and now faces potential obsolescence as modern couples prioritize comfort and inclusivity. Whether you include, modify, or skip the garter toss, make the choice that creates the wedding experience you want to remember.

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