The Pros And Cons Of Doing The Bouquet And Garter Toss At Your Wedding

The bouquet and garter toss are two traditions that have been a part of weddings for centuries. If you’re getting married in Oregon, you may be wondering if you should do a bouquet and garter toss at your wedding. In this post, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of doing a bouquet and garter toss at your Oregon wedding.

bride throwing the bouquet at a wedding

What is the bouquet and garter toss?

The bouquet and garter toss are fun traditions that are often done at wedding receptions. It is a way for the bride and groom to share a bit of their good luck with the guests. The bride will toss her bouquet to the single ladies and the groom will toss the garter to the single men. The theory is that whoever catches the bouquet or garter will be the next to get married. It's a fun way to add a bit of excitement to the reception and to give the guests a chance to participate in the festivities.

When did the garter toss originate?

According to one source, the original garter ceremony arose in 14th-century France. At that time, it was necessary for the bride and groom to show proof of consummation after the wedding night. The relatives of the couple would stay nearby and get the wedding garter as evidence of the consummation.

Another theory states that bouquet and garter toss is a tradition that dates back to medieval times. Legend has it that guests would rip off pieces of the bride's dress as a good luck charm. The bride would then defend herself by throwing her garter at the guests. 

When did the bouquet toss originate at weddings?

The bouquet toss is a tradition that has been part of weddings for centuries. While the exact origins of the bouquet toss are unknown, it is thought to date back to medieval times in either England or France. In those days, brides would carry a small bundle of herbs and spices in their bouquet to ward off evil spirits. 

After the wedding ceremony occurred, guests in attendance would try and rip off pieces of the bride’s dress or bridal bouquet as these were thought to bestow good luck and fortune to those who got one. Due to the harassing sometimes brutal nature of this mob mentality, brides began the tradition of tossing their bouquets in one direction in order to leave in the other direction and therefore escape and leave the wedding in peace. Throughout time, this tradition has morphed into the carefree bouquet toss we now celebrate.

Pros of doing the bouquet and garter toss at a wedding

The bouquet and garter toss are two of the most popular wedding traditions and there are actually quite a few pros to doing the bouquet and garter toss at a wedding! For one, it's a great way to get everyone out on the dance floor - even the shy guests. Plus, it's a tradition that many of your guests, especially your older ones, will expect to see. And last but not least, it's a great way to get some laughs!

There are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering doing a bouquet and garter toss at your wedding. First, make sure that you have a good group of people who are willing to participate. You don't want to have to force anyone to take part in the toss. Second, be sure to practice beforehand so that you can avoid any accidents. Third, have a backup plan in case the bouquet or garter gets stuck somewhere.

Overall, the bouquet and garter toss are two fun traditions that can add a bit of excitement to your wedding. Just be sure to plan ahead and to have a good group of friends or family to initiate the proceedings.

bride and groom at a wedding ceremony

Cons of doing the bouquet and garter toss at a wedding

The bouquet and garter toss are two wedding traditions that have been around for centuries. And while they're still popular today, there are some cons to doing them in 2023.

For one, the bouquet and garter toss can be a bit of a show. If you're not careful, it can come off as tacky or even desperate. You also run the risk of offending guests who don't want to participate.

Another con is that the bouquet and garter toss can take away from the seriousness of the wedding ceremony. After all, it's supposed to be a solemn occasion. Not to mention, it can be disruptive if the guests are trying to mingle or catch up with old friends and family.

Finally, the bouquet and garter toss can seem a bit antiquated in 2023. Many people view this tradition as outdated, and that it puts pressure on people to get married when they may be perfectly happy staying single. 

Are the bouquet and garter toss right for your wedding? 

Are the bouquet and garter toss right for your wedding? On the one hand they can be a fun tradition that can get your guests involved and more willing to mingle. On the other hand, it’s perhaps a little old-fashioned and not everyone will view it in the same light.

Whether the bouquet and garter toss are right for your wedding totally depends. I would suggest that if your ceremony and reception are more traditional in nature, you should definitely include these activities, while if you are going for a more modern or alternative tone, perhaps these can be set aside. But remember, it’s your wedding, and the answer to this question is totally up to you.

Conclusion

The bouquet and garter toss are two traditions that have been around for centuries. Though both can be seen as silly or outdated, they can also be great fun for both you and your guests. If you decide to do the bouquet and garter toss, be sure to coordinate with your wedding DJ or MC to lead the activities. This will ensure that everyone knows when to participate and that the activities are done in a fun and orderly fashion.

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