From Garter to Barter

The Garter Toss

Many brides still choose to have this tradition at their weddings. Its roots go back to the medieval days when guests would tear a piece of the bride's dress as a token of good luck. In lieu of being stripped completely, it is said that the bride would give off part of her stockings and garters - throwing them to the guests. I opted to forego this whole tacky experience, but my cousin had an interesting way of handling the whole ritual. Instead of having the garter placed on her leg, she had the recipient of the bouquet toss as the "lucky" person to receive the garter. Funny thing is that the person who caught the bouquet wasn't exactly dressed for it (i.e., the putting of the garter).